Karnataka,
known as "the priceless gift of indulgent nature", is a unique
blend of a glorious past and a rich present. Karnataka is the sixth largest
state in India.It is the only state in India where gold is found.It is the
land of silk and sandal, of coffee and cardamom, of the 17m statue of Jain
Saint Gomateshwara and of the enchaning sculptural wealth of Belur and
Halebid of the historical ruins of Hampi and monuments of Bijapur. To the
composite culture of India, the contribution of Karnataka, is in no way
inferior to that of any other region of India. In fact, in many fields,
Karnataka's contribution far exceeds that of the other regions individually.
This is specially so in the fields of are, music, religion, and philosophy. Karnataka possesses a rich cultural heritage. The folk theatre has an ancient and rich tradition, the two principal forms being Yakshagana and the puppet theatre. 'Yakshagana' is akin to Kathakali of Kerala in the choice of its elaborate costumes and vigorous dancing. 'Bhootada Kunita' (Dance of the Divine Cult), 'Nagamandala' and the demon dance are some quaint rituals prevalent only in Dakshina Kannada coastal area.
Sravanabelagola, near Mysore, has a giant 1,000-yr-old stone statue of Bahubali, the Jain saint. Huge monolithic Jain statues are peculiar to the Kannada culture.