The Kannada literary and material culture has a history that stretches over 1500 years, ranging from the epic poems of Pampa to the sonorous verses of Lakshmisa, and from the ornate temples of the Badami Chalukyas to the majestic monuments of Vijayanagara. This immense inheritance instills a profound obligation and an immediate imperative to not only safeguard but also creatively revitalize the tradition.
karṇāṭa, therefore, is a significant cultural initiative—a confluence of scholars and connoisseurs alike—aimed at fostering a space where the classical Kannada heritage is not just sustained, but also advanced and conserved for the coming generations. Through this centre, we aim to accomplish the following work:
- Democratize Access: We aim to make classical Kannada texts and epigraphs more accessible through English translation projects, renderings in modern Kannada, commentary annotations on important texts, and a searchable database of works and authors. This will be supplemented by our digitization initiative of Classical Kannada texts for easy readability, navigating the vast archive of literature, and for digital textual analysis. All digital materials generated by our centre are offered to the public as online open access.
- Foster Learning & Scholarship: We are privileged to have senior scholars who are both able and willing to nurture young learners. We seek serious students and researchers who are keen to receive guidance and mentorship from these senior academics and embark on their own research projects. We provide academic resources, fellowships, and grants, and even a promise of a permanent arrangement for selected students to continue their scholarship.
- Preserve & Promote: Through the digitization, documentation, and indexing of literature, epigraphy, and ancient monuments, we safeguard this invaluable heritage for future generations. By disseminating the archive through both digital and print offline mediums, we aim to spark interest and facilitate conversations about our classical legacy.
- Cultivate Active Communities: karṇāṭa is more than an initiative; it is a community. By organizing reading groups, events, and building a dedicated resource centre, we aim to create a vibrant ecosystem where ideas flourish, collaborations form, and the love for classical Kannada culture is shared and celebrated.
The concept for this centre was envisioned by RVS Sundaram, former Director of the Institute of Kannada Studies at the University of Mysore; Gil Ben-Herut, professor and scholar of Sanskrit and Kannada at the University of South Florida; and Manish Maheshwari, a patron of Indian classical traditions. Our endeavour is supported by a team of distinguished scholars and connoisseurs who have come together to collaborate on this project. Please see our current team for more details.
The Centre is being supported by the generous grant from Tattva Heritage Foundation.
