Culture & Tradition

Language and Literature

• Primary Language: Kannada (official language, spoken by the majority).
• Other Languages: Tulu, Konkani, Kodava, Urdu, Marathi, and English.
• Kannada Literature:
  • Rich literary tradition dating back to the 9th century.
  • Important literary figures: Pampa, Ranna, Kuvempu, Bendre, U. R. Ananthamurthy.
  • Kannada has received 8 Jnanpith Awards, the second highest in India.
  • Prominent literary movements: Vachana literature (12th century), Navodaya and Navya movements (20th century).