Art

The culture of Karnataka is revered for its storehouse of music and dance forms. Especially Karnataka is august for its wealth of Indian classical music. Both Carnatic and Hindustani music proliferated in this region. The `Haridasa` movement of 16th century has bestowed the status of performing art style to Carnatic music. Purandara Dasa, the famous `Haridasas`, is acknowledged as the `Karnataka Sangeeta Pitamaha`. There are famous musicians also belonging to the genre of Hindustani musicians. Another musical genre of Carnatic school , namely Gamaka is practiced in various regions of Karnataka. It is popular and well appreciated by the music lovers from all over the world for its unique technique of story telling. Here a person hums a verse of a poem, employing worthy ragas full of melodious tunes. There is another person who goes on explaining the entailing of the stanza with anecdotes and instances.

Karnataka music and dance feature a wide variety of classical and folk forms. Music and dance from Karnataka are meant not only for entertainment but also for the spiritual betterment of the performers and the beholders. Influences have filtered in from every corner of southern and even northern India and have enriched the world of Karnataka's music and dance.

Carnatic classical music lies at the very center of Karnataka music and dance traditions. From ancient times, Karnataka has contributed largely in ascertaining its structure and form. It has also presented the world with some of its major composers and performers. The veena along with violin and mridangam form the chief musical instruments. Unlike most states of southern India, the contribution of Karnataka to the world of North Indian Classical music has also been noteworthy. Kuchipudi is the original dance form with its origin in Karnataka. However, other classical dance forms like the Bharatanatyam also form important parts within the tradition of music and dance of Karnataka.

Folk performance are very significant parts of Karnataka music and dance. They beautifully blend music, dance and theatrical performances. Most of these folk forms still continue in their primary ritualistic mode. Kunithas are traditional dance dramas that employ a great deal of music and dance. Some of the major forms of these kunithas are dollu kunithas, pata kunithas, dorava kunithas. The highly spectacular yashagana is a major folk musical performance. Krishna Parijatha and Bhoot Aradhane are some of the other major folk forms of Karnataka music and dance.