Best 100 Karnataka GK Questions and Answers in English

The best 100 Karnataka GK(general knowledge) questions and answers in English.

Karnataka, often called the “One State, Many Worlds”, is a state situated in the southwestern region of India. Known for its vast history, cultural heritage, cuisine and contributions to the Indian economy, this is a marvelous state. In this post, you will find the top 100 Karnataka GK questions and Answers in English. These Karnataka GK are well-designed for students who are curious about this fabulous state and want to have good foundation in Karnataka GK questions for competitive exams.

Karnataka General Information

Karnataka, often nicknamed “One State, Many Worlds”, is a state situated in the southwestern region of India. Its nickname showcases its blend of heritages, landscapes and vibrant cities, as well as its historical heritage and cultural vibrancy. The following list comprises general information about the state, like formation date, area, dimensions, etc.

• Formation: November 1, 1956 (Kannada Rajyotsava)
• Capital: Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore)
• Official language: Kannada
• Coordinates: 12°58’N, 77°30’E
• Total area: 1,91,791 km² (74,051 mi²)
• Districts: 31
• Total population: 6,83,75,719: 
• Official website: https://karnataka.gov.in/

Geography of Karnataka

The geography of Karnataka encompasses diverse regions, ranging from pristine beaches with a coastline facing the Arabian Sea to lush forests and mountain areas of the Western Ghats, and along with that, the dry Deccan plateau.

• It is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Tamil Nadu and Kerala to the south, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to the east, and Maharashtra and Goa to the North.
• There are 3 geographical regions
  • Coastal belt with humid climate and pristine beaches.
  • Western Ghats with dense forests, heavy rains and coffee plantations.
  • The plains of the Deccan Plateau are higher in temperature and drier.
• Karnataka has 2 main river systems, the Krishna(north) and Kaveri(south). These are used for agriculture and power generation.
• Karnataka is home to numerous waterfalls, which include famous ones such as Jog Falls and Shivanasamudra Falls.
• The state stretches about 450 km (280 mi) from east to west and about 850 km (530 mi) from north to south, having coordinates
  • Latitude: 11°30’ N to 18° 30’ N
  • Longitude: 74° 00’ E to 78° 30’ E

Karnataka GK Questions on Geography

1. What is the capital of Karnataka?
   • Answer: Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore)
2. What is the official language of Karnataka?
   • Answer: Kannada
3. What is the total number of districts in Karnataka?
   • Answer: 31
4. What is the total length of Karnataka’s coastline?
   • Answer: 320 km
5. What is the highest peak in Karnataka?
   • Answer: Mullayanagiri (1930 m)
6. Which district is known as “Kashmir of the South”?
   • Answer: Kodagu (Coorg)
7. Which district is known as “Land of Coffee”?
   • Answer: Chikkamagaluru
8. What is the total area of Karnataka?
   • Answer: 1, 92, 791 km²
9. What is the nickname of Karnatala?
   • Answer” One state, Many worlds
10. What was Karnataka’s sex ratio in the 2011 census?
    • Answer: 973 females per 1000 makes
11. What is the rank of Karnataka among Indian states by population?
    • Answer: 8th
12. What is the state animal of Karnataka?
    • Answer: Elephant
13. What is the state bird of Karnataka?
    • Answer: Indian roller
14. What is the state flower of Karnataka?
    • Answer: Lotus
15. What is Karnataka’s state tree?
    • Answer: Sandalwood
16. Which city of Karnataka is the “Heritage city”?
    • Answer: Mysore
17. Which river flows through Hampi?
    • Answer: Tungabhadra
18. Which river is called “Ganges of the South”?
    • Answer: Kaveri
19. Which is the largest gram panchayat of Karnataka?
    • Answer: Harugeri
20. Which city is named “Rome of the East”?
    • Answer: Mangaluru

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Karnataka GK questions on History

The primary purpose of Karnataka GK questions and answers is to provide a comprehensive apprehension of the wonderful state of Karnataka, its culture, rich history, diversity of heritage, and its inhabitants and lifestyle. This is meant for the benefit of students, researchers, knowledge-divers and anyone else who is imbued in curiosity about this captivating state. Here is a list of Karnataka GK questions and answers in English.

1. Which is the most famous empire of Karnataka?
   • Answer: Vijaynagara Empire
2. Which city was capital of Vijayanagara Empire?
   • Answer: Hampi
3. Who was known as “Tiger of Mysore”?
   • Answer: Tipu Sultan
4. What was the capital of Tipu Sultan?
   • Answer: Srirangapatna
5. How did Tipu Sultan die?
   • Answer: 4th Anglo-Mysore war
6. In which year was the state of Karnataka formed?
   • 1956
7. What was the original name of the state of Karnataka?
   • Answer: State of Mysore
8. Who was the first Chief Minister of the state post-independence?
   • Answer: K. C. Reddy
9. Which famous movement fought against British in 1824?
   • Answer: Kittur Rebellion
10. Which was the first full-length color movie in Kannada?
    • Answer: Amarashilpi Jakanachari (1964)
11. Which was the first Kannada newspaper?
    • Answer: Mangaluru Samachara (1843)
12. Who was the first woman speaker of Karnataka Legislative assembly?
    • Answer: K. S. Nagarathnamma
13. Where was the first private FM radio station launched in India?
    • Answer: Bengaluru
14. Which was the first aircraft manufacturing company of India and where was it established?
    • Answer: Hindustan Aircraft Limited, Bengaluru (1940)
15. In which year was the state renamed to Karnataka?
    • Answer: 1973

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Karnataka General Knowledge about its culture

The culture of Karnataka is a vast soup of cultures mixed from both the Northern and Southern parts of India. It consists of a mix of Deccan culture as well as the Old Mysore culture.

Festivals

The major state festival is Mysuru Dasara, and it is celebrated throughout the entire state with enthusiasm and a grand procession. Other major festivals include the Ugadi (Kannada New Year), Makar Sankranti (Deccan heritage), and Hampi Utsav.

Art and Dance forms

The composite nature of Karnataka’s culture also influences the art and dance forms in the society, and includes a reflection of the mix of traditions. It is showcased in traditional forms like Yakshagana, which is a traditional theatre experience combining all forms of entertainment like dance, music and dialogue. The music of the state is also unique, as it is the only state where both Hindustani and Carnatic music flourish, belonging to North and South Karnataka, respectively.

Cuisine

The cuisine reflects the sharing of borders with multiple cultures, and thus a variety of dishes from various combinations of those cultural foods comprise Karnataka’s feast. It harbours Northern cuisine like spicy curries, owing to its Deccan heritage. The southern rice-dominant cuisine, consisting of idlis and dosas, depicts the southern cuisine, and the coastal areas showcase the coastal cuisine, where seafood delicacies are prepared using coconut oil and rice.

Karnataka GK questions about its culture

1. What is the state festival of Karnataka?
   • Answer: Dasara
2. Which city is famous for the grand Dasara procession?
   • Answer: Mysuru
3. What is the New Year festival of Karnataka called?
   • Answer: Ugadi
4. What is the traditional theatre form of coastal Karnataka?
   • Answer: Yakshagana
5. Which festival worships Kaveri as a river goddess?
   • Answer: Tula Sankramana
6. Who is known as the Father of Carnatic music?
   • Answer: Purandara Dasa
7. What is the famous sweet dish of Karnataka?
   • Answer: Mysore Pak
8. Which town is famous for GI-tagged wooden toys?
   • Answer: Channapatna
9. Which city is famous for its Masala Dosa?
   • Answer: Mysuru
10. What is the state anthem of Karnataka?
    • Answer: Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate

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Economy of Karnataka

Economists have given a separate nickname to Karnataka’s capital Bengaluru, namely the “Silicon Valley of India”, due to the tech-dominated nature of the market.  The state capital, Bengaluru, is known for its IT hub housing various tech giants.  Karnataka is also the largest producer of silk in India, as well as contributing to 70% of India’s coffee production. It has a gross state domestic product (GSDP) of ₹28 trillion (US$ 330-340 billion in 2024-2025, making it the 4th largest economy in the country.

Education in Karnataka

Literacy rate

Karnataka attracts students from all over India, making it one of the largest literacy hubs of the country. It boasts a literacy rate of 75.36%, which is higher than the national average of 72.98%, showcasing its education-focused attitude, which overall leads to development across the state.

Educational institutions

The state is an education hub, with many incoming students each year. It houses premier institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), IIM Bangalore, and National Law School (NLSIU). It also houses one of the highest numbers of medical and engineering colleges in India, and showcases a robust network of government and private schools providing quality education to students all over the state.

1. Which city is known as the “knowledge capital of India”?
   • Answer: Bengaluru
2. What is the literacy rate of Karnataka?
   • Answer: 77%
3. Which is the only district in Karnataka with 100% literacy?
   • Answer: Dakshina Kannada
4. Which is the oldest university in Karnataka?
   • Answer: University of Mysore
5. Which was the first medical college in karnataka?
   • Answer: Mysore Medical College (MMCRI)

Important Karnataka GK questions (Miscellaneous)

1. What is the official state emblem of Karnataka?
   • Answer: Gandaberunda (Mythical two-headed bird)
2. What is the state motto found on the emblem?
   • Answer: Satyameva Jayate
3. Which is the only unit in India authorised to manufacture the national Triranga flag?
   • Answer: KKGSS (Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha)
4. Which company creates the indelible ink used in Indian elections?
   • Answer: Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd
5. Which was the first city in Asia to receive electricity from a hydroelectric plant?
   • Answer: Bengaluru, Karnataka
6. Who is revered as the father of Indian Engineering?
   • Answer: Sir. M. Visvesvaraya
7. Karnataka houses the world’s longest railway platform. What is its name?
   • Answer: Hubballi Junction
8. Which famous monument has a famous feature called “Whispering Gallery”?
   • Answer: Gol Gumbaaz
9. Which district houses Gol Gumbaz?
   • Answer: Bijapur district
10. Which town is known as the “Toy town” of Karnataka?
    • Answer: Channapatna
11. Which rock formations in Lalbagh, Bengaluru, are among the oldest in the world?
    • Answer: Peninsular Gneiss
12. Which place in Karnataka is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman?
    • Answer: Anjanadri Hill
13. Which is the largest district of Karnataka by area?
    • Answer: Belagavi
14. Which is the smallest district of Karnataka by area?
    • Answer: Bengaluru Urban
15. What is the length of railway platform at Hubbali junction?
    • Answer: 1505 metres (approx)
16. Who was the first person in Karnataka to receive Bharat Ratna?
    • Answer: Sir M. Visvesvaraya
17. Who was the first woman governor of Karnataka?
    • Answer: V. S. Ramadevi
18. Which village in Karnataka uses Sanskrit for day-to-day conversations?
    • Answer: Mattur
19. Who was the first Indian from Karnataka to win the All England Badminton Championship?
    • Answer: Prakash Padukone
20. Who was the first person from Karnataka to win the Jananapitha Award?
    • Answer: Kuvempu
21. Which is South India’s only luxury train?
    • Answer: The Golden Chariot
22. Which scenic railway stretch is famous for having 57 tunnels and 109 bridges?
    • Answer: Green Route
23. Which train is named after a famous monument in Karnataka?
    • Answer: Gol Gumbaaz Express
24. Which dam is built across the Kaveri River?
    • Answer: Krishna Raja Sagara Dam
25. Which train connects Karnataka to the capital of India?
    • Answer: Karnataka Express
26. Which state is the first to launch a startup policy?
    • Answer: Karnataka
27. Who was the first Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court?
    • Answer: Justice R. Venkataramaiah
28. Which train connects Karnataka to Mumbai?
    • Answer: Udyan Express
29. Which dam is built across the Krishna River?
    • Answer: Almatti Dam
30. What is the official name of the Almatti Dam reservoir in Karnataka?
    • Answer: Lal Bahadur Shastri Sagar
31. What is the name of Bengaluru’s metro system?
    • Answer: Namma Metro
32. Which was the first underground metro station in South India?
    • Answer: Cubbon Park/ Vidhan Soudha
33. Who operates the Namma Metro network?
    • Answer: BMRCL (Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited)
34. Who was the first vice-chancellor of Mysore University?
    • Answer: H. V. Nanjundaiah
35. Who was the first woman minister in the Karnataka Government?
    • Answer: Grace Tucker (Deputy Minister of Education, 1957)
36. Which is the earliest available literary work in Kannada?
    • Answer: Kavirajamarga (850 AD)
37. Who was the first governor of Karnataka?
    • Answer: Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar (The former Maharaja)
38. Which train is named after the Hoysala dynasty architecture?
    • Answer: Hampi Express
39. Which island in Karnataka is also called Coconut Island?
    • Answer: St. Mary’s Island
40. Which district is known as “Land of Fiverivers”?
    • Answer: Bijapur
41. Which city was the first in Asia to have electric street lights?
    • Answer: Bengaluru, Karnataka
42. What is the architectural style of Hoysala temples called?
    • Answer: Vesara
43. Karnataka is known as the cradle of which sport in India?
    • Answer: Swimming
44. What is the traditional buffalo race native to coastal Karnataka?
    • Answer: Kambala
45. Which was the first product from Karnataka to get the GI tag?
    • Answer: Mysore Silk
46. Which sweet dish of Karnataka is also GI-tagged?
    • Answer: Dharwad Peda
47. Pankaj Advani, the snooker legend, is from which state?
    • Answer: Karnataka
48. What is the newest addition to the UNESCO World Heritage sites from Karnataka in 2023?
    • Answer: Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
49. Which was the first Vande Bharat Express to run in South India?
    • Answer: Mysuru – Chennai Vande Bharat
50. What is the unique composition of gold Zari used in Mysore Silk?
    • Answer: 0.65% gold and 65% silver

Karnataka General Knowledge PDF

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Conclusion

Overall, Karnataka has become an incredible example that showcases India’s rich inclusion of diversity in its cultural heritage, along with its manifold geography, long line of historical events, multifaceted economy, advanced education and state values. It is both a geographical and cultural marvel owing to its rich location between various climatic conditions like the Arabian Sea and the Ghats and plateau, as well as the influx of culture from all sides of its border.

Karnataka GK questions are a crucial part of competitive exams like Karnataka Public Service Commission exams. This broad study of Karnataka GK questions for competitive exams will help you in acing your exams. For more general knowledge questions, bookmark us. Happy learning!

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