Karnataka also has a special place in the world of Indian classical music, with

both Karnataka[112] (Carnatic) and Hindustani styles finding place in the state,
and Karnataka has produced a number of stalwarts in both styles. The Haridasa
movement of the sixteenth century contributed significantly to the development of
Karnataka (Carnatic) music as a performing art form. Purandara Dasa, one of the
most revered Haridasas, is known as the Karnataka Sangeeta Pitamaha ('Father of
Karnataka a.k.a. Carnatic music').[113] Celebrated Hindustani musicians like
Gangubai Hangal, Mallikarjun Mansur, Bhimsen Joshi, Basavaraja Rajaguru, Sawai
Gandharva and several others hail from Karnataka, and some of them have been
recipients of the Kalidas Samman, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awards. Noted
Carnatic musicians include Violin T. Chowdiah, Veena Sheshanna, Mysore
Vasudevachar, Doreswamy Iyengar and Thitte Krishna Iyengar.

Gamaka is another classical music genre based on Carnatic music that is practised
in Karnataka. Kannada Bhavageete is a genre of popular music that draws inspiration
from the expressionist poetry of modern poets. The Mysore school of painting has
produced painters like Sundarayya, Tanjavur Kondayya, B. Venkatappa and Keshavayya.
[114] Chitrakala Parishat is an organisation in Karnataka dedicated to promoting
painting, mainly in the Mysore painting style.

Saree is the traditional dress of women in Karnataka. Women in Kodagu have a

distinct style of wearing the saree, different from the rest of Karnataka. Dhoti,
known as Panche in Karnataka, is the traditional attire of men. Shirt, Trousers and
Salwar kameez are widely worn in Urban areas. Mysore Peta is the traditional
headgear of southern Karnataka, while the pagadi or pataga (similar to the
Rajasthani turban) is preferred in the northern areas of the state.

Rice and Ragi form the staple food in South Karnataka, whereas Jolada rotti,
Sorghum is staple to North Karnataka. Bisi bele bath, Jolada rotti, Ragi mudde,
Uppittu, Benne Dose, Masala Dose and Maddur Vade are some of the popular food items
in Karnataka. Among sweets, Mysore Pak, Karadantu of Gokak and Amingad, Belgaavi
Kunda and Dharwad pedha are popular. Apart from this, coastal Karnataka and Kodagu
have distinctive cuisines of their own. Udupi cuisine of coastal Karnataka is
popular all over India.