Cultural heritage of Karnataka is varied and ancient. Karnataka is one of the South Indian Dravidian States. Southern culture is native Dravidian culture which is rich and ancient as compared to the pre-historic Aryan culture of Northern India.
Iron weapons dating back to 1200 BC found at Hallur in Dhaward district prove that Karnataka’s early inhabitants knew the art of molding iron into implements before the metal was introduced in the northern India.
In the field of architecture, Dravian architecture reflected in its ancient temples, forts and palaces is distinct from Architecture styles of Northern India.
Most of the monumental structures and relics in Karnataka are ancient while most of the monuments in North India belong to medieval period. To view Karnataka’s archeological marvels, visit Hampi, Halebid, Gulbarga, Badami, Bidar, Bijapur, and Bangalore.
South Indian classical form of Music is called Karnataka Music evolved in temples with the patronage of native kings .
Karnataka classical music is distinct in form from Hindustani Classical Music of North which in present form of Khayal Gayki developed in royal courts with the patronage of Kings during Mughal period. Karnataka celebrates many festivals associated with its temples.