India State Story | Karnataka | A2 size poster
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Visual story of the evolution of each state (or combination of states/ UTs for joint posters) pre and post Independence , along with key figures involved
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Map of district evolution for large states and UTs
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Interesting features on name changes and district splits
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Alluvial chart tracing the changes in districts from 1951 onwards
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Interesting, did you know.
Visual Story of Karnataka’s Evolution
This poster captures the political and cultural journey of Karnataka—a state born from the aspirations of the Kannada-speaking people. The roots of the Karnataka Ekikarana (unification) Movement can be traced to the late 19th century, with efforts by Alur Venkata Rao and the Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha in Dharwad. These early calls to integrate Kannada-speaking regions across Bombay, Madras, Hyderabad, and Coorg gained momentum in the 20th century. By 1920, the Indian National Congress officially backed linguistic reorganization, paving the way for a separate Kannada province. After independence, the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 brought these fragmented regions together under the Mysore state, which was renamed Karnataka in 1973 under the leadership of Devraj Urs—symbolizing the culmination of a long-standing dream for cultural and linguistic unity.
Spatial Dynamics and District Evolution
The poster visually chronicles Karnataka’s administrative evolution, highlighting how the state’s unification also triggered changes in governance structures. New districts were carved out over time—such as Udupi (1997), Ramanagara (2007), and Vijayanagara (2020)—to address growing population needs, administrative efficiency, and regional demands. The alluvial chart provides a timeline of district splits and name changes, reflecting the dynamic nature of local governance. “Did You Know?” features could delve into the unique legacy of Coorg (Kodagu) as a former separate state, or the fact that Karnataka was among the first to undergo linguistic unification—serving as a model for state formation in post-independence India. Together, these narratives showcase Karnataka’s transformation from a mosaic of Kannada-speaking regions to a cohesive and culturally vibrant state.
