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{{Short description|Formation of the Indian state of Karnataka}}
During the period of ], the ]n ] of ] as it stands today did not exist. Areas that today comprise Karnataka were under as many as 20 different administrative units with the ], ], the ], the ] and the territory of ] being the most important ones. In effect, nearly two-thirds of what is ''now'' Karnataka fell outside the rule of the ].
{{more citations needed|date=June 2008}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
] from 1947 to 1956.]]
{{Karnataka History}}
{{Culture of Karnataka}}
The '''Unification of Karnataka''' or '''Karnataka Ekikarana''' refers to the formation of the ]n state of ] (then named ]) in 1956 when several Indian states were created by redrawing borders based on linguistic demographics. Decades earlier during British rule, the demand for a state based on Kannada demographics had been made.


==Historical background==
What this meant for the ] in these regions was that they were reduced to linguistic minorities wherever they were. Kannadigas in the Hubli-Karnataka region for example, came under the rule of the Bombay Presidency where ] was the official language. Those in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region came under the Nizam's rule where ] ruled. Kannadigas in ] came under the rule from Madras Presidency which used ] for all purposes.
]
During the period of ], areas that now comprise Karnataka were under as many as 20 different administrative units with the ], ], the ], the ] and the territory of ] being the most important ones. In effect, nearly two-thirds of what is now Karnataka fell outside the rule of the ].


This meant that the ] in these regions, in spite of their large numbers, did not have an administrative patronage. Kannadigas in the Hubli-Karnataka region for example, came under the rule of the Bombay Presidency where ] was the official language. Those in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region came under the Nizam's rule where ] was the main language. Kannadigas in ] came under the rule from the Madras Presidency which used ] as their main language.
Under these conditions, a feeling of discontent had started brewing among Kannadigas outside Mysore. They felt that their interests and their language was being mortgaged to the interests of the higher ups. Thus, while the Kannadigas under the Nizam felt that Urdu was being thrust on them at the expense of ], those in the Bombay Presidency felt similarly ''vis a vis'' Marathi<ref name="misrule">{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| title =Contributing to the cause
| work =
| publisher =]
| date = 1 November 2005
| url =http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/Nov12005/spectrum14441020051031.asp
| accessdate = 2006-11-28 }}</ref>. Economically also, these areas remained undeveloped, neglected and backward.


Under these conditions, a feeling of discontent began among Kannadigas outside Mysore. Thus, while the Kannadigas under the Nizam felt that Urdu was being forced on them at the expense of ], those in the Bombay Presidency felt similarly concerning Marathi.<ref name="misrule">{{cite web|title =Contributing to the cause | work =] | date = 1 November 2005 | url =http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/nov12005/spectrum14441020051031.asp | access-date = 28 November 2006 }}</ref> These areas also remained economically undeveloped. It was in these conditions that the movement that first started as a protest against linguistic oppression, began demanding the creation of a separate state consolidating all Kannada-speaking regions. This was called the ''Ekikarana'' or 'Unification' movement.
It was in this backdrop that the movement that first started as a protest against linguistic oppression, soon morphed into one that began demanding a separate state be created consolidating all Kannada-speaking regions. This was essentially a movement that was spearheaded by the poets, journalists and writers and was called the ''Ekikarana'' or 'Unification' movement.


==The role of North Karnataka== ==Role of North Karnataka==
Almost the entire southern half of Karnataka was then under the Wodeyars of Mysore with ] and his ''dewan'' ] at the helm. The official language of the state was Kannada and the state was also one of the more progressive states of the day. Given these circumstances, Kannadigas in Mysore had few complaints and were mostly content. But the northern regions of what is ''now'' ] were under the British and the Nizam and they mostly bore the brunt of the misrule of these governments. Not surprisingly, the seeds of the Ekikarana movement and all its most important protagonists including ] were from northern parts of Karnataka. One of the earliest and most important organisations that spearheaded the entire movement, the ''Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha'' also took birth in ]. Thus the contribution of the people and leaders of North Karnataka towards the unification of Karnataka is central. Almost the entire southern half of Karnataka was then under the Wodeyars of Mysore with ]. The official language of the state was Kannada and the state was also one of the more progressive states of the day.{{Citation needed|date=March 2009}} Important protagonists of the Ekikarana movement including ] were from northern parts of Karnataka. One of the earliest and most important organisations that was chosen to lead the movement, the '']'' also began in ].
<!--Even as late as 1899, there were 29 Marathi primary schools in Dharwad as against one Kannada medium school. The children who were studying in Kannada school were looked down upon. At that time Sri Chennabasappa, an engineering graduate from Mumbai came to Dharwad to become an advocate. He created awakening among Kannadigas of this region. Russel, a British officer posted to Dharwad had a passion for Kannada. He argued that this was not a Maratha area and supported Chennabasappa to start Kannada medium schools in this region.
Because of hard work and dedication of number of people from North Karnataka the desire of formation of Karnataka became a reality. It was everybody’s duty to remember valuable contributions made by Siddappa Kambli, Diwakar and Hosmani who played a major in Karnataka Ekikarana Movement.-->


==The Vidyavardhaka Sangha and other organisations== ==The Vidyavardhaka Sangha and other organisations==
{{Main|Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha}}
The establishment of the ], ] in 1890 was a defining point in the history of the movement. It was establshed by R H Deshpande with the objective working for the resurgence of Kannada language which had been marginalised under the rule of the Bombay Presidency where Marathi was the official language.<ref name="misrule" /> The Vidyavardhaka Sangha became the aegis under which leaders from all over Karnataka gathered to further their agitation.
]]]

The influence and success of the Vidyavardhaka Sangha soon paved the way to setting up more such organisations across the length and breadth of Karnataka. The most notable of these were the ] (Bangalore) that was set up in 1915, the Karnataka Sangha (]) that took birth in 1916 and the ''Karnataka Samithi'' in ]. The ], ], was established in 1890. It was established by R. H. Deshpande with the objective of working for the resurgence of the Kannada language which had been marginalised under the rule of the Bombay Presidency where Marathi was the official language.<ref name="misrule" /> The Vidyavardhaka Sangha became the aegis under which leaders from all over Karnataka gathered to further their agitation. The influence and success of the Vidyavardhaka Sangha soon lead to more such organisations being set up throughout Karnataka. The most notable of these were the ] (Bangalore) that was set up in 1915, the Karnataka Sangha (]) that began in 1916.


==Aluru Venkata Rao== ==Aluru Venkata Rao==
Even though the first strains of resentment and protest had started as early as in 1856 and the ] had been established in 1890, the movement took a dramatic turn with the arrival of Aluru Venkata Rao on the scene. Speaking at a meeting of the Sangha in 1903, Alur Venkata Rao made a case for integrating all Kannada regions of Madras Province and north Karnataka with Mysore kingdom. Aluru himself found inspiration in the vehement protests that followed the British partitioning of Bengal. Although resentment and protest had started as early as in 1856 and the ] had been established in 1890, the movement took a dramatic turn with the arrival of Aluru Venkata Rao on the scene. Speaking at a meeting of the Sangha in 1903, Alur Venkata Rao made a case for integrating all Kannada regions of Madras Province and north Karnataka with Mysore kingdom. Aluru himself was inspired by the protests that followed the British partitioning of Bengal.


In 1907 and again in 1908, Rao organised the All-Karnataka Writers’ Conference in ]. Drawing inspiration from the Vidyavardhaka Sangha and the efforts of Deshpande, Aluru helped found the ] in ] in 1915. This Parishat found an eager patron in the the ruler of Mysore. The Parishat began holding annual literary conferences(that continue even today) in different parts of the state. Intellectuals from across the Kannada speaking regions attended these conferences. In 1907 and again in 1908, Rao organised the All-Karnataka Writers' Conference in ]. Inspired by the Vidyavardhaka Sangha and the efforts of Deshpande, Aluru helped found the ] in ] in 1915. This Parishat found a patron in the ruler of Mysore. The Parishat began holding annual literary conferences (that continue today) in different parts of the state. Intellectuals from across the Kannada speaking regions attended these conferences. During the ], Aluru floated the idea of a Karnataka 'Provincial' unit of the ]. This soon took shape and the Karnataka Pradesh Congress committee was formed.


===Karnataka Gatha Vaibhava===
During the ], Aluru floated the idea of a Karnataka 'Provincial' unit of the ]. This soon took shape and the Karnataka Pradesh Congress committee was formed.
Amidst all this, Aluru published his most renowned achievement, the ''Karnataka Gatha Vaibhava'' in 1912. ''Karnataka Gatha Vaibhava'' literally means ''The glory that was Karnataka!''. It was a book that recounted in detail the history of Karnataka until the fall of ] after which the Marathas, Nizam and the British took over. The book impacted the young and old alike. The movement soon caught the imagination of the public and people started rallying around the ''Ekikarana'' movement and the movement picked up momentum. For all these efforts and for being the one who inspired a whole movement, Aluru is today remembered as the ''Kannada Kula Purohita'' or the 'High priest of the Kannada clan'.
]]]


==Growth of the movement==
===''Karnataka Gatha Vaibhava''===
Starting with Aluru's call for a Kannada linguistic state, the movement had slowly started gaining momentum and following. It was also around the time that the Indian independence movement was gathering momentum. Organisations in the movement began organising rallies, talks and conferences where demands for a separate state for Kannada speaking people was made.
Amidst all this, Aluru published his ''magnum opus'', the ''Karnataka Gatha Vaibhava'' in 1912. ''Karnataka Gatha Vaibhava'' literally means ''The glory that was Karnataka!''. It was a book that recounted in great detail the glorious history that had been Karnataka's until the fall of ] after which the Marathas, Nizam and the British took over. The book created tremendous impact on the young and old alike. The movement soon caught the imagination of the public and people started rallying around the ''Ekikarana'' movement and the movement picked up momentum.


Apart from ], supporters like ], ], R H Deshpande, Rangarao Diwakar, Koujalgi Srinivasarao, Srinivas Rao Mangalvedhe, ],<ref name="karhist">{{cite web |url=https://www.karnataka.gov.in/info-1/History/History/en |title=Karnataka History |date=2021-09-08 |website=Government of Karnataka |access-date=2022-11-28}}</ref> ], ], ], T Mariyappa, Subramanya, Sowcar Chennaiah, H K Veerangowda, H C Dasappa, ], K. R. Karanth, B. S. Kakkillaya, B. V. Kakkillaya and ] were by now prominent in the movement. Anakru in particular, was influential with his writing and oratory.
For all these efforts and for being the one who inspired a whole movement, Aluru is today fondly remembered as the ''Kannada Kula Purohita'' or the 'High priest of the Kannada clan'.


==Nagpur Conference==
==The movement gathers momentum==
Due to the efforts of these organisations and leaders, the movement not only gained in momentum but also attained a quasi-political influence. In 1920, Karnataka State Political Conference was held at Dharwad. At this conference, which was presided over by V P Madhav Rao, a unanimous resolution was passed demanding the unification of all Kannada speaking areas. The conference also advised Kannadigas to attend the Nagpur Congress to be held later that year in large numbers. Almost 800 delegates attended the Nagpur conference where the Indian National Congress made the decision to create the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee. This aided the movement and leaders of the Congress like ] and ] (both of whom went on to become Chief Ministers of Karnataka) and ] also served as active members of the movement.
Starting with Aluru's call for a Kannada linguistic state, the movement had slowly started gaining momentum and following. It was also around the time that the Indian independence movement itself was gathering steam. For freedom fighters in Karnataka, the incentive to fight on was not just independence for India but also a chance to fulfill their dreams of building a united Karnataka. These organisations began organising numerous rallies, talks and conferences where vociferous demands for a separate state for Kannada speaking people was made.


==1924 Belgaum Conference==
Apart from ] himself, stalwarts like Siddappa Kambli, R H Deshpande, Rangarao Diwakar, Koujalgi Srinivasarao, ], ], ], T Mariyappa, Subramanya, Sowcar Chennaiah, H K Veerangowda, H C Dasappa, H Siddaiah and ] were by now at the forefront of the agitations. Anakru in particular, had a mesmerising impact on the masses with his writing and powerful oratory.
In 1924, the ] congress was held under the aegis of the newly formed Karnataka Pradesh Congress committee arm of the INC. ] presided over this historic conference. This conference was attended by Kannadigas from all parts in large numbers. The first Karnataka Unification Conference was also organised at the same venue. This was presided over by Siddappa Kambli.


These two conferences were attended by a significant number of leaders, writers, poets and intellectuals from Karnataka. It was here that ] first sang his ''Udayavagali namma cheluva kannada nadu'', which meant ''Let our charming Kannada land dawn!''. The INC lent formal support to the cause; this was the first time the movement had explicit political support. As a result of these conferences, the Karnataka Ekikarana Sabha which was to work in collaboration with the KPCC began with the objective of the unification of Karnataka. The Karnataka Ekikarana Sabha later came to be known as the Karnataka Ekikarana Sangha.
==The Nagpur Conference==
Due to the efforts of these organisations and leaders, the movement not only gained in momentum but also attained a quasi-political clout. In 1920, Karnataka State Political Conference was held at Dharwad. At this conference, which was presided over by V P Madhav Rao, a unanimous resolution was passed demanding the unification of all Kannada speaking areas. The conference also exhorted Kannadigas to attend the Nagpur Congress to be held later that year in large numbers. Almost 800 delegates answered the call and attended the Nagpur conference where the Indian National Congress took the landmark decision to created the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee.This provided further fillip to the movement and many influential leaders of the Congress like ] and ] (both of whom went on to become Chief Ministers of Karnataka) also served as active members of the ''Ekikarana'' movement.


==Nehru committee recommendation==
==The Belgaum Conference of 1924==
In 1928, due to the efforts of ], the formation of a single province by uniting all Kannada speaking areas was recommended by the ]. It was stated by the committee that there was a "strong prima facie case for unification". It also went on to state that it believed Karnataka could also be a financially strong province. This recommendation aided the movement. There was later support from literary figures like ], ], ], S B Joshi, Betgeri Krishna Sharma, M Govinda Pai, ] and ]. There was also widespread support growing from the newspapers and media. Several smaller public and college organisations also began, notably in Bengaluru, Shivamogga and Raichur.
In 1924, the Belgaum congress was held under the aegis of the newly formed Karnataka Pradesh Congress committee arm of the INC. ] presided over this historic conference. This conference was attended by Kannadigas from all parts in large numbers. The first Karnataka Unification Conference was also organised at the same venue. This was presided over by Siddappa Kambli.


==1937 elections==
These twin conferences drew numerous leaders, writers, poets and intellectuals from all over Karnataka and forceful speeches were made extolling the glory and greatness of Karnataka. It was here that ] first sang his famous ''Udayavagali namma cheluva kannada nadu'', which meant ''Let our charming Kannada land dawn!''. The INC, for the first time lent formal support to the cause. This marked an important event in the history of the movement as for the first time, the movement got explicit political support. As a result of these conferences, the Karnataka Ekikarana Sabha which was to work in close collaboration with the KPCC took birth with the objective of the unification of Karnataka. The Karntaka Ekikarana Sabha later came to be known as the Karnataka Ekikarana Sangha.
Following the ], elections were held in ]. The Congress said it would favour the formation of the separate Karnataka and Andhra states. This was met with some resistance from the British and also some of the princely states. While the princely states feared that they might stand to lose some territory, the British themselves were unsure of how they would handle the reorganisation.


Siddappa Kambli sensing the reluctance, decided that the movement had to approach the ] with their case. But the other leaders of the movement like ], Rangarao Diwakar, Koujalgi Srinivasarao and ] advised him not to do so as they had boycotted the commission. Gudlappa Hallikeri invited the Maharaja of Mysore to tour the Kannada speaking provinces of Bombay and Hyderabad. After the tour and several discussions the movement gained his active support.
==The Nehru committee recommendation==
In 1928, the formation of a single province by uniting all Kannada speaking areas was recommended by the Nehru Committee. It was observed by the committee that there was a “strong prima facie case for unification”. It also went on to state that it believed Karnataka could also be a financially strong province. This recommendation provided tremendous boost to the movement. It was supplanted by the intellectual and emotional support that came from stalwarts of the literary world like ], ], ], S B Joshi, Betgeri Krishna Sharma, M Govinda Pai, ], Kayyara Kiyyanna Rai et al. There was also widespread support growing from the newspapers and media. Several smaller public and college organisations also sprang up, notably in Bengalur, Shivamogga and Raichur.


==1946 conference==
==The elections of 1937==
The tenth conference of the Ekikarana movement was held on 10 January 1946 in ]. This conference was inaugurated by ] and attended by the likes of ], the then Chief Minister of Bombay presidency. In his speech at the conference, Sardar Patel stated that the interests of all linguistic groups would be high on the list of priorities for the new government of independent India. This served to reduce the apprehensions of the movement leaders and the common people. This was also to have a bearing on the constituent assembly that met in the same year.
Following the ], elections were held in 1937. The Congress took the stand that it would favour the formation of separate Karnataka and Andhra states. This however met with some resistance from the British and also some of the princely states. While the princely states feared that they might stand to lose some territory, the British themselves were unsure of how they would handle the reorganisation.


In the same year, the All-Karnataka convention, a gathering of Kannadigas was held in ], in central ]. This was presided over by Mr. M P Patil, the revenue minister of Mumbai. This convention attracted tens of thousands of Kannadigas from Karnataka. Leaders like Gudlappa Hallikeri, Kengal Hanumanthaiah, T Mariyappa, Subramanya, Sowcar Chennaiah, H K Veerangowda, H C Dasappa and ] attended this convention and urged the constituent assembly to create the linguistic states.
Siddappa Kambli sensing the reluctance, decided that the movement had to approach the ] with their case. But the other leaders of the movement like Gangadhar Deshpande, Rangarao Diwakar, Koujalgi Srinivasarao and ] prevailed upon him not to do so as they had boycotted the commission.


==The 1946 conference== ==Post Independence==
The year 1946 was a defining point in the history of the movement. The tenth conference of the Ekikarana movement was held on January 10th of 1946 in ]. This was a very high profile conference which inaugurated by ] and attended by the likes of ], the then Chief Minister of Bombay presidency. In his speech at the conference, Sardar Patel declared that the interests of all linguistic groups would be high on the list of priorities for the new government of independent India. This served to assuage any apprehensions of the movement leaders and the common people. This was also to have a bearing on the constituent assembly that met in the same year.


]
In the same year, the All-Karnataka convention, a massive gathering of Kannadigas was held in ], which is practically the geographic center of ]. This was presided over by Mr. M P Patil, the revenue minister of Bombay. This convention attracted tens of thousands of Kannadigas from all over Karnataka. Influential leaders like Kengal Hanumanthaiah, T Mariyappa, Subramanya, Sowcar Chennaiah, H K Veerangowda, H C Dasappa and H Siddaiah attended this convention and urged the constituent assembly to create the linguistic states.
India soon gained independence in 1947. The new government soon began delaying concerning the ''Karnataka Ekikarana'' movement. Kannada speaking areas were now grouped under five administrative units of the Bombay and Madras provinces, Kodagu, and the princely states of Mysore and Hyderabad. The ''Akhila Karnataka Ekikarana Parishat'' met in ] and reiterated the demand for a separate state for ].


===Opposition by Mysore State===
==Post Independence==
Ironically, the state of Mysore and several politicians opposed unification of Karnataka, on the pretext that Mysore state has fertile lands, more developed and present North Karnataka was not developed with large area of dry land.<ref name="hindu1">{{cite news |last1=Pattanashetti |first1=Girish |title=People of Karnataka still haven't united on an emotional level: Jamadar |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/people-of-karnataka-still-havent-united-on-an-emotional-level-jamadar/article6234612.ece |access-date=5 July 2018 |work=The Hindu |date=22 July 2014}}</ref>
India soon gained independence in 1947. The joy of independence soon gave way to disappointment as the new government started dragging its feet on ''Karnataka Ekikarana'' movement. Kannada speaking areas now got grouped under five administrative units of the Bombay and Madras provinces, Kodagu, and the princely states of Mysore and Hyderabad. The ''Akhila Karnataka Ekikarana Parishat'' met in ] and reiterated the demand for a separate state for ].


===Liberation of Hyderabad-Karnataka=== ===Liberation of Hyderabad-Karnataka===
While Karnataka became independent with the rest of the country on the 15th of August, 1947, the story was a little different in some parts of the state that were under the rule of the Nizam of ]. Hyderabad consisted of large portions of what were later to be the north eastern districts of ], ] and ] of ]. The Kannadigas in these regions also nursed the grouse that they had been neglected and resented the oppression of the ] and the ]. The Nizam refused to accede to India until his rule got overthrown ]. Following the 'police action' against the Nizam, Hyderabad province and its Kannadiga citizens became independent on ] ]. This day is celebrated by the Karnataka government as the ''Hyderabad-Karnataka liberation day''.<ref>{{cite web While Karnataka became independent with the rest of the country on 15 August 1947, this did not occur in some parts of the state that were under the rule of the Nizam of ]. Hyderabad consisted of large portions of what were later to be the north eastern districts of ], ] and ] of ] state. The Lingayat minority in these regions also largely believed that they had been neglected and resented the oppression of the ] and the ]. The Nizam refused to accede to India until his rule was overthrown ]. Following the 'police action' against the Nizam, Hyderabad province and its citizens became independent on 17 September 1948. This day is celebrated by the Karnataka government as the ''Hyderabad-Karnataka liberation day''.<ref>{{cite web | title =Hyderabad Karnataka Liberation Day to be celebrated in Bidar on September 17 | date = 13 September 2006 | url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/13/stories/2006091307610300.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108101714/http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/13/stories/2006091307610300.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=8 November 2012 | work =] | access-date = 28 November 2006 }}</ref>
| last =
| first =
| title =Hyderabad Karnataka Liberation Day to be celebrated in Bidar on September 17
| work =
| publisher =]
| date = 13 September 2006
| url =http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/13/stories/2006091307610300.htm
| accessdate = 2006-11-28 }}</ref>


===The Dhar and JVP committee=== ===The Dhar and JVP committee===
In the same year, the government appointed the Dhar commission to look into the demands of the ''Ekikarana'' movement as well as those of the other parallel movements in the other states. The Dhar commission in its report, opposed any reorganisation of the states. This came in for severe flak from all quarters including the Jaipur Congress. In the same year, the government appointed the Dhar commission to look into the demands of the ''Ekikarana'' movement as well as those of the other parallel movements in the other states. The Dhar commission in its report, opposed any reorganisation of the states. This was criticised by all quarters including the Jaipur Congress.


The government now formed the 'JVP' committee. This committee had ], ] and ] on the board. This committee took another look into the demands and came out with its report. The JVP report, however, favoured only the creation of the Andhra state while the ''Karnataka Ekikarana'' movement was given the cold shoulder. The ''Ekikarana'' movement saw this as a betrayal of the Congress which had declared the creation of linguistic provinces as one of its goals in its 1951 manifesto. The government now formed the 'JVP' committee. This committee had ], ] and ] on the board. This committee examined the demands again and created a report. The JVP report, however, favoured only the creation of the Andhra state while the ''Karnataka Ekikarana'' movement was deliberately ignored. The ''Ekikarana'' movement saw this as a betrayal of the Congress which had declared the creation of linguistic provinces as one of its goals in its 1951 manifesto.


The movement now formed the ''Karnataka Ekikarana Paksha'' to contest the 1951 polls. This was supported strongly by the literary giants as well as influential politicians like Kengal Hanumantayya, S Nijalingappa and C M Poonacha the Chief Minister of Kodagu. The movement now formed the ''Karnataka Ekikarana Paksha'' to contest the 1951 polls. This was supported by literary figures as well as politicians like Gudlappa Hallikeri, Kengal Hanumantayya, S Nijalingappa and C M Poonacha, the Chief Minister of Kodagu.


===The Fazal Ali Committee=== ===The Fazal Ali Committee===
{{unreferenced section|date=April 2015}}
In January 1953, the movement entered its last leg when at the Congress session in Hyderabad, a resolution was also passed favouring just the creation of Andhra Pradesh but not Karnataka. This was the last straw and A J Dodmeti, a senior Congress leader and the member of the Bombay assembly, immediately resigned from his seat and launched a hunger strike at Jakkali in Dharwad. This found widespread support and the situation also took a violent turn. In the ''Hubli riots'' that followed, many people were injured and several courted arrest.
In January 1953, at the Congress session in Hyderabad, a resolution was also passed favouring the creation of Andhra Pradesh but not Karnataka. ], a senior Congress leader and the member of the Bombay assembly, immediately resigned from his seat and launched a hunger strike at Jakkali in Dharwad. This was widely supported. In the riots at Hubli that followed, many people were injured and several courted arrest.


In the Hubli-Dharwad by elections that followed, the Congress suffered thumping defeat while the Karnataka Ekikarana Paksha's candidate won by a landslide. Buckling under pressure, Prime Minister Nehru constituted the '']'' or the ''Fazal Ali commission which was headed by Justice Fazal Ali. At the same time, the Mysore government appointed a fact-finding committee, headed by M Sheshadri. This committee, inexplicably opposed the unification but was swept away by overwhelming support that was accorded to it by all eminent Mysoreans including statesman ]. In the Hubli-Dharwad by-elections that followed, the Congress were defeated while the Karnataka Ekikarana Paksha's candidate won by a landslide. Under pressure, Prime Minister Nehru constituted the ] (SRC), also known as the Fazal Ali commission due to being headed by Justice Fazal Ali. At the same time, the Mysore government appointed a fact-finding committee, headed by M. Sheshadri. The SRC opposed the unification but its findings were ignored due to overwhelming support in favour from Mysoreans such as ].


The States Reorganisation Commission eventually recommended the ] based on linguistic demographics and it got ratified in parliament soon. Congress leader Gudlappa Hallikeri furthered the cause of unification within his party by advocating for states based on linguistic demographics. He also represented and urged unification in front of the SRC. The SRC eventually recommended the reorganisation of the states based on linguistic demographics and this was soon ratified in parliament.


==Aftermath== ==Aftermath==
{{unreferenced section|date=April 2015}}
The ratification in parliament of the recommendations of the ] brought unbounded joy to the entire ] population that now was merged under the state of ]. Along with all the joy, came the acute disappointment at the non inclusion of certain parts in the Mysore state. The biggest disappointment lay in the non inclusion of ] in the newly formed state. The irony also lay in the fact that Kasargod was one of the bastions from which the ''Ekikarana movement'' had launched its agitation. This is an issue that continues to rankle those who fought for the unification of Karnataka. Some like literary giant and nonagenarian ] who was part of the movement since its earliest days still continues to fight for Kasargod's merger with ] albeit peacefully.
The ratification in parliament of the recommendations of the SRC was reacted to positively by ] people, although there was also disappointment at the non-inclusion of certain parts of Mysore state. Most notable among the excluded areas was ], which had been one of the centres from which the Ekikarana movement had launched its agitation. This is an issue that continues to affect those who fought for the unification of Karnataka.


On ] ], under ] as Chief Minister, Mysore state was renamed as ''Karnataka'' since it was felt that Karnataka was more 'inclusive' of all the other regions of Karnataka than the name ''Mysore''. On 1 November 1973, under ] as Chief Minister, Mysore state was renamed as ''Karnataka''.
<!--The new found state inspired great works of literature, poetry, theater, cinema and other arts in the local population. The formation of state of Karnataka is the reason why the 20th century Kannada literature is so rich.-->


==Ekikarana Awards== ==Ekikarana Awards==
To mark the celebrations of the 50th year of Karnataka's unification, the state government headed by Chief Minister ] decorated 36 individuals and 4 organisations with the ''Ekikarana Award'' for the invaluable service they had rendered to uniting ]. To mark the celebrations of the 50th year of Karnataka's unification, the ] headed by the then Chief Minister ] awarded 36 individuals and 4 organisations with the ''Ekikarana Award'' for the service they had rendered for uniting ].


Fittingly, the ], Dharwad and the ], ] (that ] once nurtured and headed) figured among the recipients. The Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha, Dharwad and the ], ] (that ] once assisted and headed) and ] were included among the recipients.


==See also== ==See also==
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*] *]
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==Notes==
{{reflist}}


==References== ==References==
* {{cite web |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/201500/ekikarana-movement-timeline.html |title='Ekikarana' movement: A timeline |date=2011-10-31 |website=Deccan Herald |access-date=2022-11-28}}
{{FootnotesSmall|resize=92%}}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/spectrum/spectrum-statescan/the-struggle-for-karnataka-1045566.html |title= The struggle for Karnataka |date=2021-10-30 |website=Deccan Herald |access-date=2022-11-28}}
* {{cite web
*
| last =Ninan
*
| first =Prem Paul
* {{usurped|}}
| title =Contributing to the cause
*
| work =
*
| publisher =]
| date = 1 November 2005
| url =http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/Nov12005/spectrum14441020051031.asp
| accessdate = 2006-11-28 }}
* {{cite web
| last =
| first =
| title =History in the making
| work =
| publisher =]
| date = 1 November 2005
| url =http://deccanherald.com/deccanherald/images/Rajyotsava12352120051031.asp
| accessdate = 2006-11-28 }}


==External links==
{{karnataka}}
*
*
*
* {{cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/karnataka-a-50-year-old-name-centuries-of-legacy/article66077277.ece |title=Karnataka: a 50-year-old name, centuries of legacy | work=The Hindu |date=2022-11-01 |access-date=2022-11-28}}
{{Karnataka topics}}


] ]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 04:52, 9 July 2024

Formation of the Indian state of Karnataka
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The Unification of Karnataka or Karnataka Ekikarana refers to the formation of the Indian state of Karnataka (then named Mysore State) in 1956 when several Indian states were created by redrawing borders based on linguistic demographics. Decades earlier during British rule, the demand for a state based on Kannada demographics had been made.

Historical background

Territories before unification

During the period of British rule, areas that now comprise Karnataka were under as many as 20 different administrative units with the princely state of Mysore, Nizam's Hyderabad, the Bombay Presidency, the Madras Presidency and the territory of Kodagu being the most important ones. In effect, nearly two-thirds of what is now Karnataka fell outside the rule of the Wodeyar kings of Mysore.

This meant that the Kannadigas in these regions, in spite of their large numbers, did not have an administrative patronage. Kannadigas in the Hubli-Karnataka region for example, came under the rule of the Bombay Presidency where Marathi was the official language. Those in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region came under the Nizam's rule where Urdu was the main language. Kannadigas in South Canara came under the rule from the Madras Presidency which used Tamil as their main language.

Under these conditions, a feeling of discontent began among Kannadigas outside Mysore. Thus, while the Kannadigas under the Nizam felt that Urdu was being forced on them at the expense of Kannada, those in the Bombay Presidency felt similarly concerning Marathi. These areas also remained economically undeveloped. It was in these conditions that the movement that first started as a protest against linguistic oppression, began demanding the creation of a separate state consolidating all Kannada-speaking regions. This was called the Ekikarana or 'Unification' movement.

Role of North Karnataka

Almost the entire southern half of Karnataka was then under the Wodeyars of Mysore with Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar. The official language of the state was Kannada and the state was also one of the more progressive states of the day. Important protagonists of the Ekikarana movement including Aluru Venkata Rao were from northern parts of Karnataka. One of the earliest and most important organisations that was chosen to lead the movement, the Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha also began in Dharwad.

The Vidyavardhaka Sangha and other organisations

Main article: Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha
Participants of the first Kannada Sahitya Parishat

The Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha, Dharwad, was established in 1890. It was established by R. H. Deshpande with the objective of working for the resurgence of the Kannada language which had been marginalised under the rule of the Bombay Presidency where Marathi was the official language. The Vidyavardhaka Sangha became the aegis under which leaders from all over Karnataka gathered to further their agitation. The influence and success of the Vidyavardhaka Sangha soon lead to more such organisations being set up throughout Karnataka. The most notable of these were the Kannada Sahitya Parishat (Bangalore) that was set up in 1915, the Karnataka Sangha (Shivamogga) that began in 1916.

Aluru Venkata Rao

Although resentment and protest had started as early as in 1856 and the Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha had been established in 1890, the movement took a dramatic turn with the arrival of Aluru Venkata Rao on the scene. Speaking at a meeting of the Sangha in 1903, Alur Venkata Rao made a case for integrating all Kannada regions of Madras Province and north Karnataka with Mysore kingdom. Aluru himself was inspired by the protests that followed the British partitioning of Bengal.

In 1907 and again in 1908, Rao organised the All-Karnataka Writers' Conference in Dharwad. Inspired by the Vidyavardhaka Sangha and the efforts of Deshpande, Aluru helped found the Kannada Sahitya Parishat in Bangalore in 1915. This Parishat found a patron in the ruler of Mysore. The Parishat began holding annual literary conferences (that continue today) in different parts of the state. Intellectuals from across the Kannada speaking regions attended these conferences. During the Home Rule Movement, Aluru floated the idea of a Karnataka 'Provincial' unit of the Indian National Congress. This soon took shape and the Karnataka Pradesh Congress committee was formed.

Karnataka Gatha Vaibhava

Amidst all this, Aluru published his most renowned achievement, the Karnataka Gatha Vaibhava in 1912. Karnataka Gatha Vaibhava literally means The glory that was Karnataka!. It was a book that recounted in detail the history of Karnataka until the fall of Vijayanagar after which the Marathas, Nizam and the British took over. The book impacted the young and old alike. The movement soon caught the imagination of the public and people started rallying around the Ekikarana movement and the movement picked up momentum. For all these efforts and for being the one who inspired a whole movement, Aluru is today remembered as the Kannada Kula Purohita or the 'High priest of the Kannada clan'.

Karnataka region in pre-independent India which belonged to five states of British India

Growth of the movement

Starting with Aluru's call for a Kannada linguistic state, the movement had slowly started gaining momentum and following. It was also around the time that the Indian independence movement was gathering momentum. Organisations in the movement began organising rallies, talks and conferences where demands for a separate state for Kannada speaking people was made.

Apart from Aluru, supporters like Gudleppa Hallikeri, Siddappa Kambli, R H Deshpande, Rangarao Diwakar, Koujalgi Srinivasarao, Srinivas Rao Mangalvedhe, A. J. Doddameti, Kengal Hanumanthaiah, Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar, S Nijalingappa, T Mariyappa, Subramanya, Sowcar Chennaiah, H K Veerangowda, H C Dasappa, H. Siddaiah, K. R. Karanth, B. S. Kakkillaya, B. V. Kakkillaya and Anakru were by now prominent in the movement. Anakru in particular, was influential with his writing and oratory.

Nagpur Conference

Due to the efforts of these organisations and leaders, the movement not only gained in momentum but also attained a quasi-political influence. In 1920, Karnataka State Political Conference was held at Dharwad. At this conference, which was presided over by V P Madhav Rao, a unanimous resolution was passed demanding the unification of all Kannada speaking areas. The conference also advised Kannadigas to attend the Nagpur Congress to be held later that year in large numbers. Almost 800 delegates attended the Nagpur conference where the Indian National Congress made the decision to create the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee. This aided the movement and leaders of the Congress like S Nijalingappa and Kengal Hanumanthaiah (both of whom went on to become Chief Ministers of Karnataka) and Gudleppa Hallikeri also served as active members of the movement.

1924 Belgaum Conference

In 1924, the Belgaum congress was held under the aegis of the newly formed Karnataka Pradesh Congress committee arm of the INC. Mahatma Gandhi presided over this historic conference. This conference was attended by Kannadigas from all parts in large numbers. The first Karnataka Unification Conference was also organised at the same venue. This was presided over by Siddappa Kambli.

These two conferences were attended by a significant number of leaders, writers, poets and intellectuals from Karnataka. It was here that Huilgol Narayana Rao first sang his Udayavagali namma cheluva kannada nadu, which meant Let our charming Kannada land dawn!. The INC lent formal support to the cause; this was the first time the movement had explicit political support. As a result of these conferences, the Karnataka Ekikarana Sabha which was to work in collaboration with the KPCC began with the objective of the unification of Karnataka. The Karnataka Ekikarana Sabha later came to be known as the Karnataka Ekikarana Sangha.

Nehru committee recommendation

In 1928, due to the efforts of Gudleppa Hallikeri, the formation of a single province by uniting all Kannada speaking areas was recommended by the Nehru Committee. It was stated by the committee that there was a "strong prima facie case for unification". It also went on to state that it believed Karnataka could also be a financially strong province. This recommendation aided the movement. There was later support from literary figures like Kuvempu, Bendre, Gokak, S B Joshi, Betgeri Krishna Sharma, M Govinda Pai, Shivarama Karanth and Kayyara Kiyyanna Rai. There was also widespread support growing from the newspapers and media. Several smaller public and college organisations also began, notably in Bengaluru, Shivamogga and Raichur.

1937 elections

Following the Simon Commission, elections were held in 1937. The Congress said it would favour the formation of the separate Karnataka and Andhra states. This was met with some resistance from the British and also some of the princely states. While the princely states feared that they might stand to lose some territory, the British themselves were unsure of how they would handle the reorganisation.

Siddappa Kambli sensing the reluctance, decided that the movement had to approach the Simon Commission with their case. But the other leaders of the movement like Gangadharrao Deshpande, Rangarao Diwakar, Koujalgi Srinivasarao and Aluru advised him not to do so as they had boycotted the commission. Gudlappa Hallikeri invited the Maharaja of Mysore to tour the Kannada speaking provinces of Bombay and Hyderabad. After the tour and several discussions the movement gained his active support.

1946 conference

The tenth conference of the Ekikarana movement was held on 10 January 1946 in Mumbai. This conference was inaugurated by Sardar Patel and attended by the likes of B. G. Kher, the then Chief Minister of Bombay presidency. In his speech at the conference, Sardar Patel stated that the interests of all linguistic groups would be high on the list of priorities for the new government of independent India. This served to reduce the apprehensions of the movement leaders and the common people. This was also to have a bearing on the constituent assembly that met in the same year.

In the same year, the All-Karnataka convention, a gathering of Kannadigas was held in Davanagere, in central Karnataka. This was presided over by Mr. M P Patil, the revenue minister of Mumbai. This convention attracted tens of thousands of Kannadigas from Karnataka. Leaders like Gudlappa Hallikeri, Kengal Hanumanthaiah, T Mariyappa, Subramanya, Sowcar Chennaiah, H K Veerangowda, H C Dasappa and H. Siddaiah attended this convention and urged the constituent assembly to create the linguistic states.

Post Independence

Political Divisions of Karnataka post Independence.

India soon gained independence in 1947. The new government soon began delaying concerning the Karnataka Ekikarana movement. Kannada speaking areas were now grouped under five administrative units of the Bombay and Madras provinces, Kodagu, and the princely states of Mysore and Hyderabad. The Akhila Karnataka Ekikarana Parishat met in Kasargod and reiterated the demand for a separate state for Kannadigas.

Opposition by Mysore State

Ironically, the state of Mysore and several politicians opposed unification of Karnataka, on the pretext that Mysore state has fertile lands, more developed and present North Karnataka was not developed with large area of dry land.

Liberation of Hyderabad-Karnataka

While Karnataka became independent with the rest of the country on 15 August 1947, this did not occur in some parts of the state that were under the rule of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Hyderabad consisted of large portions of what were later to be the north eastern districts of Bidar, Kalaburagi and Raichur of Karnataka state. The Lingayat minority in these regions also largely believed that they had been neglected and resented the oppression of the Nizam and the Razakars. The Nizam refused to accede to India until his rule was overthrown by force. Following the 'police action' against the Nizam, Hyderabad province and its citizens became independent on 17 September 1948. This day is celebrated by the Karnataka government as the Hyderabad-Karnataka liberation day.

The Dhar and JVP committee

In the same year, the government appointed the Dhar commission to look into the demands of the Ekikarana movement as well as those of the other parallel movements in the other states. The Dhar commission in its report, opposed any reorganisation of the states. This was criticised by all quarters including the Jaipur Congress.

The government now formed the 'JVP' committee. This committee had Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel and Pattabhi Sitaramayya on the board. This committee examined the demands again and created a report. The JVP report, however, favoured only the creation of the Andhra state while the Karnataka Ekikarana movement was deliberately ignored. The Ekikarana movement saw this as a betrayal of the Congress which had declared the creation of linguistic provinces as one of its goals in its 1951 manifesto.

The movement now formed the Karnataka Ekikarana Paksha to contest the 1951 polls. This was supported by literary figures as well as politicians like Gudlappa Hallikeri, Kengal Hanumantayya, S Nijalingappa and C M Poonacha, the Chief Minister of Kodagu.

The Fazal Ali Committee

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In January 1953, at the Congress session in Hyderabad, a resolution was also passed favouring the creation of Andhra Pradesh but not Karnataka. A. J. Doddameti, a senior Congress leader and the member of the Bombay assembly, immediately resigned from his seat and launched a hunger strike at Jakkali in Dharwad. This was widely supported. In the riots at Hubli that followed, many people were injured and several courted arrest.

In the Hubli-Dharwad by-elections that followed, the Congress were defeated while the Karnataka Ekikarana Paksha's candidate won by a landslide. Under pressure, Prime Minister Nehru constituted the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC), also known as the Fazal Ali commission due to being headed by Justice Fazal Ali. At the same time, the Mysore government appointed a fact-finding committee, headed by M. Sheshadri. The SRC opposed the unification but its findings were ignored due to overwhelming support in favour from Mysoreans such as Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya.

Congress leader Gudlappa Hallikeri furthered the cause of unification within his party by advocating for states based on linguistic demographics. He also represented and urged unification in front of the SRC. The SRC eventually recommended the reorganisation of the states based on linguistic demographics and this was soon ratified in parliament.

Aftermath

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The ratification in parliament of the recommendations of the SRC was reacted to positively by Kannadiga people, although there was also disappointment at the non-inclusion of certain parts of Mysore state. Most notable among the excluded areas was Kasargod, which had been one of the centres from which the Ekikarana movement had launched its agitation. This is an issue that continues to affect those who fought for the unification of Karnataka.

On 1 November 1973, under Devaraj Urs as Chief Minister, Mysore state was renamed as Karnataka.

Ekikarana Awards

To mark the celebrations of the 50th year of Karnataka's unification, the state government headed by the then Chief Minister H D Kumarswamy awarded 36 individuals and 4 organisations with the Ekikarana Award for the service they had rendered for uniting Karnataka.

The Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha, Dharwad and the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Bengalooru (that Aluru once assisted and headed) and Karnataka Samithi (R), Kasaragod were included among the recipients.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ "Contributing to the cause". Deccan Herald. 1 November 2005. Retrieved 28 November 2006.
  2. "Karnataka History". Government of Karnataka. 8 September 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  3. Pattanashetti, Girish (22 July 2014). "People of Karnataka still haven't united on an emotional level: Jamadar". The Hindu. Retrieved 5 July 2018.
  4. "Hyderabad Karnataka Liberation Day to be celebrated in Bidar on September 17". The Hindu. 13 September 2006. Archived from the original on 8 November 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2006.

References

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