Karnataka is a state located in the southwestern region of India. It was originally known as the State of Mysore and was renamed to Karnataka in 1973. The state capital of Karnataka is Bengaluru (also known as Bangalore), which is known for being a hub for information technology and startups.

Karnataka is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Goa to the northwest, Maharashtra to the north, Telangana to the northeast, Andhra Pradesh to the east, Tamil Nadu to the southeast, and Kerala to the southwest.

The official language of Karnataka is Kannada, which is one of the oldest surviving languages in the world. Other languages spoken in the state include Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, and Konkani.

Karnataka has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the ruins of Hampi, the Western Ghats, and the Group of Monuments at Pattadakal. The state is also known for its cuisine, which includes dishes like Bisi bele bath, Mysore pak, and Ragi mudde. Karnataka is also a major producer of coffee, silk, and sandalwood.