Karnataka: Geographical Location | KPSC KAS Preparation: All subjects - KPSC KAS (Karnataka) PDF Download

Introduction

Karnataka is the eighth largest state in India. The state, originally called Mysore, was renamed Karnataka on November 1, 1973.

Karnataka Geographical Division

• Area: Karnataka spans an area of 191,791 square kilometers, making it one of the larger states in India.
• Location: Positioned between 74° to 78° East longitude and 11° to 18° North latitude, Karnataka enjoys a diverse geographical spread.
• Boundaries: The state shares borders with the Deccan Plateau to the west, Goa and Maharashtra to the north, Tamil Nadu and Kerala to the south, and Andhra Pradesh to the east, influencing its cultural and economic interactions with neighboring regions.
• Population: With a populace of around 44,977,201 individuals, Karnataka is a vibrant mix of various communities and traditions.
• Literacy: The literacy rate, standing at 55.98%, highlights the ongoing efforts towards education and knowledge dissemination within the state.
• Administrative Units: Karnataka's governance is structured around 30 districts, each contributing uniquely to the state's socio-economic fabric.

Karnataka Regions

• Karnataka Northern Region: This area comprises districts like Bidar, Belgaum, Gulbarga, and Bijapur, mainly characterized by the Deccan Trap. It features a barren plateau with elevations ranging from 300 to 600 meters.
• Karnataka Coastal Region: Encompasses the Western Ghats, the edges of the Karnataka Plateau, Uttara Kannad, and Dakshina Kannad districts.
• Karnataka Central Region: Includes districts such as Chitradurga, Raichur, Chikmagalur, Dharwad, Shimoga, and Bellary, representing the Tungabhadra region with elevations between 450 to 700 meters.
• Karnataka Southern Region: Encompasses cities like Bangalore, Hassan, Kodagu, Mysore, and others. It is defined by the Cauvery basin, surrounded by the Western Ghats and high plateaus.

Weather

The weather in Karnataka is a key aspect of the state’s geography, marked by a generally stable climate, especially in hilly regions or areas with a high plateau. Karnataka’s weather is most notable in Bangalore, often referred to as an "air-conditioned city" due to its consistently pleasant climate year-round. Bangalore experiences both summer and winter rains, contributing to its refreshing coolness throughout the year.
Key elements of Karnataka’s weather include:

• Atmosphere
• Climate
• Clouds
• Precipitation
• Wind

Karnataka's weather varies across the state, influenced by factors such as altitude, topography, and distance from the sea. The hills and plateaus of Karnataka have different climatic conditions compared to the plains. For example, the Western Ghats receive an average of 254 centimeters of rainfall, while some parts of the Kanara coast receive up to 762 centimeters, and the plains experience significantly less rainfall.

Soil and Vegetation

The soil and vegetation in Karnataka present a diverse and interesting study. The state has various types of soils, including red clay and laterite soil, red soil mixed with clay and sand, black soil, and more. These different soil types in various regions affect Karnataka's cropping patterns. Notably, about 61.95% of Karnataka's land is arable, which is a higher percentage than in any other Indian state, reflecting the harmony between soil and vegetation.
This harmony supports the growth of different trees, such as:

• Sandalwood
• Teak
• Rosewood
• Honne
• Jackfruit
• Mango
• Mathi
• Nandi
• White Cedar
• Bamboo
• Coconut, among others.

Flora and Fauna

Karnataka’s flora and fauna are diverse and abundant, offering a delightful experience for visitors. The state’s geography includes a wide variety of plant and animal species spread across the region. Karnataka is home to many species of mammals, birds, insects, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
The state animal of Karnataka is the Indian Elephant, and the state bird is the Indian Roller. The state tree is Sandalwood (Santalum album), and the state flower is the Lotus.
Some of the notable mammals found in Karnataka include:

• Panther
• Leopard
• Sambar
• Wild pig
• Elephants
• Sloth bear
• Spotted deer
• Common langur
• Bonnet macaque
• Porcupine
• Leopard cats
• Rusty-spotted cat
• Asiatic wild dog, and others.

Karnataka is home to about 25% of India’s elephants and around 10% of its tigers. The Western Ghats, which stretch across the state, are a biodiversity hotspot. Two parts of these Western Ghats, Talacauvery and Kudremukh, are recognized as tentative UNESCO World Heritage sites.