Complete History Of Karnataka

<p>Karnataka has a hoary past. It is blessed with innumerable inscriptions memorial (viz. Hero Mahasati and Self-immolation) stones and monuments of rich historical and cultural heritage. It has many sIt's of Prehistoric period and most of them are found scattered on the river valleys of Krishna Bhima Malaprabha Ghataprabha Cauvery Hemavathi Shimsha Tungabhadra Manjra Pennar Netravati etc. and their tributaries. It is very interesting to note that the Pre-historic studies in India started with the discovery of ashmounds at Kupgal and Kudatini in 1836 by Cuebold a BrIt'sh officer in Bellary region which then formed part of Madras Presidency. Subsequent discoveries have revealed the existence of stone age man with innumerable Pre-historic sIt's in Karnataka. The Pre-historic culture of Karnataka viz. the Hand-axe culture compares favourably with the one that existed in Africa and is quite distinct from the Pre-historic culture of North India.The ragi grain is found commonly in Pre-historic sIt's of Africa and Karnataka. The early inhabitants of Karnataka knew the use of iron far earlier than the North and iron weapons dating back to circa 1500 B.C have been found at Hallur now in Hirekerur Tq. of Haveri district.</p>