Kannada University is a unique institution that was established by the Government of Karnataka in 1991. Unlike other universities, Kannada University does not have a regional jurisdiction that caters to the educational needs of a particular region. Conducting multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research on various aspects of Karnataka and Kannada language is the main objective of the University. The University is situated near Hampi, which was once the capital of Vijayanagar empire of the yore.
Educational Streams
Kannada University is dedicated to development of the Kannada language, literature, traditions, culture, and folklore. It has established an academic wing that acts as a nodal agency to facilitate research and coordinate with teaching activities. The academic wing of the University organizes seminars, conferences, workshops, discussions. It also collaborates with other academic institutions, both at national and international level, for quality research and teaching. The academic wing is headed by a senior professor of the University. The University has established four faculties of study to conduct research activities. Every department of the University offers Research Programs (M.Phil. and Ph.D.) in their area. The University has also made especial efforts in designing the DLit Program that provides space for extra-ordinary scholars, who work outside the academia or inside the academia, to obtain doctorate for the research work they do.
Facilities
Besides the general facilities Kannada University has established a library building with the aid of UGC. The library houses exclusive studies named the abode of Victory. There is an indoor auditorium for academic and cultural activities. The seminar hall witnesses seminars/ conferences/ workshops/ special lectures all through the year. An open-air auditorium resembling Greek theatre has been established on the banks of the lake. The University also houses a publishing house that is one of the top publishing houses in Karnataka.
History
In the year 1991, the Legislature of Karnataka passed the Kannada University Act 1991 to start the Kannada University, Hampi. The campus of the University spans a hilly terrain of 700 acres situated amidst a natural forest and beautiful lake.
Campus
The University shifted from the stonemantapas of Hampi to its present campus in Vidyaranya in 1994. It has two more satellite campuses in Badami and Kuppali. Vidyaranaya, which can be literally translated as Forest of Knowledge, has been named after the founder of Vijayanagar Empire. Buildings of the university blend seamlessly blend seamlessly in the architecture of Hampi. Akshara, which means Letter, is the name of library building. Sarvagna (one who known everything) is another library building housing books on Karnataka studies. Bhuvana Vijaya (the abode of victory) is the indoor auditorium built for academic and cultural activities. Pampa Sabhangana (Pampa Seminar Hall) is the place where intellectual deliberations on various issues happen. Navaranga (Nine colours) is an open-air auditorium resembling Greek theatre. Girisime (Tribal Village) houses the department of Tribal studies. The buildings are hut-like structures modeled on tribal huts.
Faculties/Departments:
Faculty Languages
- Department of Kannada Literature
- Department of Kannada Language Studies
- Department of Dravidian Studies
- Department of Translation Studies
- Department of Manuscriptology
- Department of Women's Studies
Faculty Fine Arts
- Department of Sculpture and Paintings
Faculty of Social Sciences
- Department of Folklore Studies
- Department of Music and Dance
- Department of History
- Department of Archaeology & Ancient History
- Department of Epigraphy
- Department of Tribal Studies
- Department of Development Studies
Faculty of Sciences
