The Story of Karnataka’s Formation
Features
Prof. Rajendra Chenni, Courtesy: Book Brahma Literature Fest
By NSoJ Buerau
Bengaluru: Karnataka, known for its rich culture and linguistic pride, has a history shaped by struggles for unity and identity. Prof. Rajendra Chenni, scholar and litterateur, captured this journey in his talk “Krishna to Kaveri,” a title that reflects the State’s vast diversity, stretching from the Krishna River in the north to the Kaveri in the south. He explores how the unification of Karnataka wasn’t just about redrawing borders but about preserving Kannada and overcoming challenges such as regional differences and political resistance. Chenni’s narrative offers a glimpse into the efforts that shaped the Karnataka we know today.
Prof. Rajendra Chenni in his talk, at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC), highlighted the political features and challenges during the formation and unification of Karnataka. He emphasized the significance of homogeneous movements and collective efforts in shaping the State. The unification process was complex, as it involved integrating regions with diverse cultures and histories.
North Karnataka was part of the Bombay Presidency, while Kalyana Karnataka fell under Nizam’s regime. The unification required overcoming the challenge of bringing together these regions with vastly different cultural and historical contexts. Each region had distinct histories, which posed difficulties in creating a unified identity.
The term “Karnataka” was considered derogatory among Lingayats, as it was not aligned with their identity or cultural aspirations. Karnataka as a concept was not prominent in elite circles or even in regions like Dharwad, where schools and institutions did not widely use the name. Between 1956 and 1973, Karnataka was regarded as a Lingayat-dominated State.
Prof. Chenni also pointed out the presence of linguistic chauvinism in the State, which persists to some extent even today. Despite these challenges, Karnataka has become an integral part of the unity of India. He stressed the need to preserve this unity and understand the historical and cultural complexities of the State’s formation.
During the session, he emphasized the importance of sub-nationalism and Karnataka's role as a State. “As citizens of India, every person should think about the significance of sub-nationalism. It helps to shape the State with its true identity rather than staying under the roof of nationalism,” he added. This sub-nationalism is a result of the different communities, ideologies, languages, cultures, and traditions. This helped Karnataka to form as a State by uniting together and respecting their values.
Asked about the independence movement of Kodava and Tulu Nadu, he said: “Those were the past movements as they differ in their language, culture, and traditions. But we don’t have such movements now and everyone came together to form Karnataka as a State.”
Karnataka's journey to unification reflects the strength of its people in overcoming cultural and regional differences. As Prof. Chenni highlighted, the State's formation was a complex process, but through collective effort and respect for diverse identities, Karnataka became a symbol of unity.
