Question

The Karnataka Ekikarana Samithi was headed by _______.
A. Ramakrishna Karanth
B. Alavandi Shivamurthy Swamy
C. S. Nijalingappa
D. Alur Venkatrao

Answer 1

Hint:
> The Karnataka Ekikarana Samithi was headed by who was popularly called as “Kannada Kula Purohita” meaning “High Priest of Kannada”.
> The publication of his Gatha Vaibhava in 1912 gave a huge push in terms of a mass movement.

Complete answer:
To form one state of Karnataka, there was a need which was felt among Kannadigas living in these various administrative units which would unify all Kannada-speaking people in the various regions. This movement was named the Ekikarana movement. In 1890, the Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha was set up in Dharwad, which became a significant step in the history of the unification movement.

The main light of the unification movement was Alur Venkatrao. The publication of his Gatha Vaibhava in 1912 gave a huge push in terms of a mass movement. His entry into this movement was a game-changer, mainly because he was able to arouse passions of the usually conservative Kannadigas, initially, most of them were indifferent to the movement but finally understood and became a part of the movement. Therefore, Karnataka Ekikarana Samithi was headed by ‘Alur Venkatrao’.

Therefore, the correct answer is D

Note:
> In 1909, Rao wrote a book targeting high school students titled Kannadigara Bhramanirasana (The Disillusionment of Kannadigas), in collaboration with Nargundkar Ramarao. His main idea behind writing the book was to influence young minds.
> In this book, he talked about the lives of Kannadigas, the history of wars and battles fought, and how far the dynasties were spread under the reign of Pulakeshi.