2019-11-01 Fri

Back on November 1 of 1956, all Kannada language-speaking regions of South India were merged to form one state called Karnataka. Ever since then, the day has been celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava, Kannada Day or Karnataka Formation Day.

Aluru Venkata Rao was the first person who dreamt of unifying the State as early as 1905 with the Karnataka Ekikarana movement. In 1950, India became a republic and different provinces were formed in the country on basis of language spoken in the particular region and this gave birth to the state of Mysore including various places in south India, which were earlier ruled by the kings.

On 1 November 1956, Mysore state, comprising most of the area of the erstwhile princely state of Mysore, was merged with the Kannada-speaking areas of the Bombay and Madras presidencies, as also of the principality of Hyderabad, to create a unified Kannada-speaking state. North Karnataka, Malnad (Canara) and old Mysore were thus the three regions of the newly formed Mysore state.

Rajyotsava day is celebrated with great joy and vigor all over the state of Karnataka. The entire state wears a festive look on this day as the red and yellow Kannada flags are hoisted at different locations across the state and the Kannada anthem ("Jaya Bharatha Jananiya Tanujate") is chanted. The state government asserts Rajyotsava awards on this day, which are awarded to people responsible for great contributions in the development of Karnataka.

The coin shown above belongs to the king of Mysore state Krishna Raja Wodeyar. The coin depicts Sardula (mythical lion) below Kanarese legend "Sri" between sun and moon, and "Chamund" below them. The year of issue 1834 is at the bottom of the coins. The reverse, on the other hand, depicts Kanarese legend, "Krishna" in the center surrounded by mint name and denomination.

Image Courtesy: https://www.ngccoin.com