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IV. KARNATAKA CULTURE Such as the character and history of Jainism have been in Karnāțaka, what is their bearing on Karnāțaka Culture ? Though an answer to this question has been suggested in more than one chapter of this book already, we should here try to focus our attention more pointedly on the main theme we set out to study. It is obvious from what has been set down in the course of our survey that both Jainism and Karnataka Culture have affected each other deeply. A creed that held sway over the lives of princes aud peasants alike, during more than a millennium in Karnāțaka, was bound to leave its indelible marks on the culture of its people. Likewise, the fact that Jainism came to be substantially transformed in Karnataka as witnessed in an earlier chapter, is sufficient proof of the strength of Karnăţaka Culture. From both these points of view, therefore, a closer examination of Karnāțaka Culture becomes quite necessary.
Culture is not an easy word to understand. It might mean different things to different people. Hence, it is desirable to explain its connotation, at least in our present context. Mr. Devudu in the Introduction to his book on Kannada Culture has, we are afraid, given it too general a meaning. Though it is correct to define “Culture" as 'that which differentiates man from the mere animals,' it is necessary to be more specific. He has done this admirably, however, in the body of his work itself. Therein he has dealt with the development of culture among the people of Karnataka as might be learnt from their folk-songs, tales, proverbs, conundrums, etc.' A similar attempt to explore the vital elements in Karnāțaka Culture has been also made by Mr. M. Venkatesa Iyengar, in his Popular Culture
