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By rohit.pandey1
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Updated on 28 Oct 2025, 11:02 IST
Kannada Rajyotsava (ಕನ್ನಡ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ), also known as Karnataka Formation Day, is celebrated every year on November 1st. This day marks the birth of the state of Karnataka in 1956. To help you prepare for exams and general knowledge competitions, we have compiled a complete list of Kannada Rajyotsava GK questions, including a quiz, key historical facts, and answers on its importance. From important facts about Karnataka’s unification to GK questions with answers in Kannada, this page compiles all key information in one place.
Kannada Rajyotsava, also known as Karnataka Formation Day, commemorates the unification of Kannada-speaking regions into one state on November 1, 1956, following the States Reorganisation Act.
Before this, Kannada-speaking areas were spread across different provinces like Bombay, Madras, Hyderabad, and Coorg. The movement for a unified Kannada state was fueled by strong linguistic and cultural identity, championed by visionaries such as Aluru Venkata Rao—known as the Father of Karnataka Unification.
In 1973, the name Mysore State was officially changed to Karnataka to represent all Kannada-speaking people across the newly formed region. Since then, Kannada Rajyotsava is celebrated with immense pride—featuring flag hoisting, cultural programs, and the presentation of the prestigious Rajyotsava Awards (Rajyotsava Prashasti) by the Karnataka government.
| Fact | Detail |
| Event: | Kannada Rajyotsava (Karnataka Formation Day) |
| Date: | November 1 (Celebrated Annually) |
| Year of Formation: | 1956 (as Mysore State) |
| Year Renamed ‘Karnataka’: | 1973 |
| Based On: | States Reorganisation Act, 1956 |
| State Anthem: | “Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate” |
| Anthem Written By: | Kuvempu |
Test your knowledge of Karnataka! Click on any question below to reveal the answer.
Q: What is the Capital of Karnataka?
Answer: Bengaluru — the state’s largest city and IT hub.
Q: When was Bangalore renamed Bengaluru?
Answer: 1st November 2014, to restore its original Kannada name.
Q: When was Mysore renamed as Karnataka?
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Answer: 1973, by the government led by D. Devaraj Urs.
Q: Which City is known as the Silicon Valley of India?
Answer: Bengaluru — due to its massive IT and startup ecosystem.
Q: Who was the First Chief Minister of Karnataka (Then Mysore)?
Answer: K. Chengalaraya Reddy.
Q: Who is the Longest-Serving Chief Minister of Karnataka?
Answer: D. Devaraj Urs — served for 7 years and 234 days.
Q: Which Chief Minister of Karnataka became the Eleventh Prime Minister of India?
Answer: H. D. Deve Gowda.
Q: When was Karnataka formed?
Answer: 1st November 1956, under the States Reorganisation Act.
Q: Which Act was Passed when Karnataka was formed?
Answer: The States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
Q: Which Sea is located on the Western Side of Karnataka?
Answer: Arabian Sea.
Q: How many Indian States surround Karnataka?
Answer: Six — Goa, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Q: What is the Total Area of Karnataka?
Answer: 191,791 km² — the 6th largest state in India.
Q: Which Country is Comparable with the Size of Karnataka?
Answer: Syria (185,180 km²).
Q: What is the Coordinate of Karnataka?
Answer: 12.97° N, 77.50° E — centred near Bengaluru.
Q: Which is the Largest City in Karnataka?
Answer: Bengaluru.
Q: What is the State Language of Karnataka?
Answer: Kannada.
Q: What is the State Nickname of Karnataka?
Answer: The “Land of Sandalwood” and “Silicon State of India.”
Q: Which River is known as the Lifeline of Karnataka?
Answer: The Kaveri River.
Q: What is the Official State Anthem of Karnataka?
Answer: Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate.
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Q: Who wrote the State Anthem of Karnataka?
Answer: Rashtrakavi Kuvempu.
Q: When is Kannada Rajyotsava celebrated?
Answer: November 1 — every year.
Q: Kannada Rajyotsava marks the formation of which state?
Answer: Karnataka.
Q: In which year was the state formed under linguistic reorganisation?
Answer: 1956.
Q: What was Karnataka called before 1973?
Answer: Mysore State.
Q: Who was the Chief Minister when the name changed to Karnataka?
Answer: D. Devaraj Urs.
Q: Which Commission’s report guided the 1956 reorganisation?
Answer: Fazal Ali Commission.
Do Check: GK Quiz on Indian Mythology
Q: Who is known as the Father of Karnataka Unification?
Answer: Aluru Venkata Rao.
Q: What was the aim of the Karnataka Unification Movement?
Answer: To unite all Kannada-speaking regions under one administration.
Q: Which day of the year is also called Karnataka Formation Day?
Answer: November 1.
Q: What does Kannada Rajyotsava celebrate?
Answer: Unity, culture, and language of the Kannada people.
Q: What is the highest civilian award of Karnataka?
Answer: Karnataka Ratna.
Q: What is the second-highest award presented on Kannada Rajyotsava?
Answer: Rajyotsava Prashasti.
Q: When were Rajyotsava Awards introduced?
Answer: 1966.
Q: Who was the first recipient of Karnataka Ratna?
Answer: Kuvempu.
Q: Name a Karnataka Ratna recipient from cinema.
Answer: Dr. Rajkumar.
Q: Name a Karnataka Ratna recipient from science.
Answer: Prof. C. N. R. Rao.
Q: What do Rajyotsava Awardees receive?
Answer: Gold medal, citation, and ₹1 lakh cash prize.
Q: Who presents the Rajyotsava Awards?
Answer: Chief Minister of Karnataka.
Q: On which date are these awards distributed?
Answer: November 1.
Q: What do these awards represent?
Answer: Recognition of excellence and Kannada pride.
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Q: What is the State Bird of Karnataka?
Answer: Indian Roller (Blue Jay).
Q: What is the State Animal of Karnataka?
Answer: Indian Elephant.
Q: What is the State Flower of Karnataka?
Answer: Lotus.
Q: What is the State Tree of Karnataka?
Answer: Sandalwood.
Q: What is the State Emblem of Karnataka?
Answer: Gandaberunda (a two-headed mythical bird).
Q: What are the colours of the unofficial Karnataka state flag?
Answer: Red and Yellow.
Q: What is the genre of the state song?
Answer: Patriotic.
Q: Who composed the tune for the state anthem?
Answer: Mysore Ananthaswamy.
Q: What is the official language of Karnataka?
Answer: Kannada.
Q: What is the State Motto of Karnataka?
Answer: Satyameva Jayate (Truth Alone Triumphs).
Also Check: GK Questions in Telugu 2025 with Answers
Q: What is hoisted during Kannada Rajyotsava?
Answer: The Red-and-Yellow Karnataka Flag.
Q: Who delivers the main state-level Rajyotsava address?
Answer: The Chief Minister of Karnataka.
Q: What is the main venue for state celebrations in Bengaluru?
Answer: Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru.
Q: What are common events held in schools for Rajyotsava?
Answer: Flag hoisting, quizzes, and cultural programs.
Q: What is a popular slogan for Kannada Rajyotsava?
Answer: “Jai Karnataka Mata.”
Q: Name a common folk dance performed during Rajyotsava.
Answer: Dollu Kunitha and Veeragase.
Q: What is a major competition held for students during this time?
Answer: Kannada Rajyotsava Quiz.
Q: What are the primary colours of Rajyotsava rallies and banners?
Answer: Red and Yellow.
Q: What is the main theme of Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations?
Answer: Kannada Pride and Unity.
Q: Which TV channels typically air Rajyotsava celebrations live?
Answer: DD Chandana, Udaya TV, TV9 Kannada.
Q: Which UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka is located on the Tungabhadra River?
Answer: Hampi.
Q: Which UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for Chalukyan temples?
Answer: Pattadakal.
Q: Which towns are famous for their Hoysala architecture?
Answer: Belur and Halebid.
Q: What is Karnataka’s highest peak?
Answer: Mullayanagiri (1,930 m).
Q: Which major waterfall is located on the Sharavathi River?
Answer: Jog Falls.
Q: What is the coastal belt of Karnataka called?
Answer: Karavali Region.
Q: Which plateau region covers most of interior Karnataka?
Answer: Deccan Plateau.
Q: What is Karnataka’s largest district by area?
Answer: Belagavi.
Q: What is Karnataka’s Smallest district by area?
Answer: Bengaluru Urban.
Q: Which sea does Karnataka border?
Answer: Arabian Sea.
Q: Which river originates at Talakaveri?
Answer: Kaveri
Q: What is the major dam on the Kaveri river?
Answer: Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS)
Q: What is the major dam on the Krishna river?
Answer: Almatti
Q: What is the major seaport of Karnataka?
Answer: New Mangalore Port
Q: What is the name of the major airport in Bengaluru?
Answer: Kempegowda International Airport
Q: What is the famous IT hub in Bengaluru called?
Answer: Electronic City
Q: Which city is known as the “Manchester of Karnataka”?
Answer: Davangere
Q: Which is the major coffee-producing region in Karnataka?
Answer: Coorg (Kodagu)
Q: Which city is known for its silk industry?
Answer: Ramanagara
Q: Which is the major steel city of Karnataka?
Answer: Ballari (Bellary)
Q: Which premier science institute is located in Bengaluru?
Answer: Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
Q: Which space research centre is headquartered in Bengaluru?
Answer: ISRO
Q: Which prestigious management institute is in Bengaluru?
Answer: IIM Bangalore
Q: What is the name of the Agricultural University in Dharwad?
Answer: University of Agricultural Sciences
Q: What is the name of the Veterinary University in Bengaluru?
Answer: KVAFSU
Q: Which famous university city is in Mysuru?
Answer: University of Mysore
Q: Which university was established by Kuvempu?
Answer: Kuvempu University
Q: What is the state technology university of Karnataka?
Answer: Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU)
Q: Which city is known for educational institutions and IT parks?
Answer: Mangaluru
Q: What was the first private university in Karnataka?
Answer: Azim Premji University
Q: What is the state dance of Karnataka?
Answer: Yakshagana
Q: What is the traditional drumming dance of Karnataka?
Answer: Dollu Kunitha
Q: What is the warrior dance form of Karnataka?
Answer: Veeragase
Q: Which famous temple town is on the coast?
Answer: Murudeshwar
Q: Which town is a famous pilgrimage spot for the Krishna Matha?
Answer: Udupi
Q: What is the famous hill station near Bengaluru?
Answer: Nandi Hills
Q: What is the popular Karnataka dish made with rice and lentils?
Answer: Bisi Bele Bath
Q: What is the famous sweet delicacy from Mysuru?
Answer: Mysore Pak
Q: What is the famous drink made of jaggery and spices?
Answer: Panaka
Q: What is the overall theme of Kannada Rajyotsava?
Answer: Unity in Language and Culture.
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It is celebrated on November 1st every year to commemorate the day in 1956 when all Kannada-speaking regions of South India were merged to form a single state, initially named Mysore State.
Here are 10 simple GK questions about Karnataka for beginners and students:
What is the capital of Karnataka? — Bengaluru
When was Karnataka formed? — 1st November 1956
What is the state anthem of Karnataka? — “Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate”
Who wrote the Karnataka state anthem? — Kuvempu
What is the official language of Karnataka? — Kannada
What is the state animal of Karnataka? — Indian Elephant
What is the state bird of Karnataka? — Indian Roller (Blue Jay)
What is the state tree of Karnataka? — Sandalwood (Santalum album)
What is the state flower of Karnataka? — Lotus
What is Karnataka’s coastline bordered by? — Arabian Sea
On November 1, 1973, under Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs.
The "Rajyotsava Prashasti" award was instituted in 1966. (You can list a few of the very first recipients or a notable early one like Kuvempu).
You can download the free GK questions PDF directly from our page. Scroll up to the download section for the link.