Karnataka
/kɑːrˈnɑːt̪ə.kə/noun
A state in southwestern India; historically, the name referred to the Kannada-speaking region.
Did you know?Karnataka is widely connected to the Kannada phrase Karanadu or Karunadu, often explained as “elevated land” or “black land,” though the exact historical development of the name is debated by scholars.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient/Medieval India
Dravidian/Kannada
Karnāṭa / Karu-nāḍu
“A regional name for the Kannada-speaking land; later associated with the wider Karnataka region.”
Early Medieval Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Karnāṭaka
“A Sanskritized form used for the region and its people.”
Medieval Persian/Arabic
Persian
Karnatak / Carnatic
“A regional term for southern India as known to foreign writers and traders.”
Colonial English
English
Carnatic / Karnataka
“English spellings used for the region in different historical contexts.”
Modern English
English
Karnataka
“The modern Indian state name adopted in the 20th century.”