Hi. I am Dinesh Kannambadi. I was born in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. I am a microchip designer (microprocessor) and an Electronics Engineer by education. The surname Kannambadi is from "AneKannambadi" in Hassan district from where my ancestors hail. I am a U.S citizen and have been living in the U.S.A. since 1988 when I left India for graduate studies. My interests are History (especially of Karnataka and Kannada language), Wildlife Photography, birding (including educating myself about habitats, animal behaviour etc). Travelling the back roads of Karnataka, exploring well known and lesser known temples, understanding the various architectural styles, sculptural details and history of the kingdoms that originated there, soaking in the culture and talking to locals are favourite hobbies. I have travelled to most of the wildlife sanctuaries in Southern Karnataka and in East Africa in pursuit of wildlife. Currently number of species of birds I have spotted is about 375 and the number of species of mammals exceeds 50 and growing. While in the U.S. I spend time birding and reading history books I purchased in India.

FA's authored

FA contribution

Karnataka (FAC Discussion) -- WP:Kar collaboration

WP:DYK's created=47

...that between the 10th and 14th centuries, the Indian state of Karnataka was ruled by the Hoysala Empire?
...that Kavirajamarga, the earliest extant literary work in the Kannada language, was written by King Amoghavarsha I who was a famous poet and a scholar?
...that Mayurasharma was the founder of the Kadamba Kingdom of Banavasi, the earliest native Kingdom to rule over what is today modern Karnataka state, India?
...that Chavundaraya, the builder of the Gomateshwara monolith (pictured) at Shravanabelagola, was an army commander, minister and a famous writer of Kannada and Sanskrit literature?
...that though the Origin of the Western Ganga Dynasty of Talakad (in modern Karnataka, India) is debated, they made rich contributions to the polity, culture and literature of the region?
... that Western Ganga literature included Kannada poetry and prose written by royalty, on topics ranging from religion to elephant management?
...that religion in the Western Ganga Dynasty included influences from Jainism and the Hindu sects Shaivism, Vedic Brahminism and Vaishnavism?
...that Vijaya Dasa, an 18th century Hindu saint from the Karnataka Haridasa tradition, composed about 25,000 devotional songs in the Kannada language?
...that Shivappa Nayaka, a king in 17th century Karnataka, India, introduced a unique and variable tax system called Sist?
...that the Lakshminarayana Temple in Hosaholalu, Karnataka state, India is mounted on a platform (jagati), a style unique to Hoysala architecture?
...that Kannada is the only language in which a Jain version of the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata exists?
...that after the British took control of the Mysore Kingdom in the 19th century, they had a strong influence on Kannada literature?
...that many of the carnatic musicians of the Mysore Kingdom were also trained in Western classical music?
...that the founders of the Kingdom of Mysore may have been descendents of the Hoysala Dynasty or fugitives from the Vijayanagara Empire court?
...that King Narasaraja Wodeyar II, who ruled over the Indian Kingdom of Mysore for a decade in the 18th century, was either mute or preferred to remain silent throughout his rule?
...that the first ever Representative Assembly in 19th century British India was formed in the Kingdom of Mysore?
...that technology from 18th-century France and China was used to improve the economy of Mysore kingdom?
...that by the end of 19th century, there were an estimated two thousand English language schools in the Kingdom of Mysore?
...that the first temple to be built in soap stone was constructed in Western Chalukya architecture (pictured), in the Karnataka, India?
...that the Jnanpith Award for modern literature in India has been awarded to more writers of Kannada literature, than those of any other Indian language?
...that under the Vijayanagara empire, Kannada literature made major progress due to the development of its native metres?
...that Ratnakaravarni, the noted 16th century Kannada poet of the Vijayanagara times, was an expert on erotic writings?
...that Raghavanka, a 12th century writer of Hoysala literature, penned five classics just to expiate a sin his guru felt he had committed?
...that the 12th century Kannada poet Harihara was initially an accountant in the Hoysala court?
...that Andayya's 13th century Kannada work Kabbigara Kava is considered important for its strict adherence to the indigenous Kannada language?
...that a story in Janna's 13th-century Kannada classic Yashodhara Charite deals with sadomasochism and transmigration of the soul?
...that the last old-Kannada grammar, authored by Bhattakalanka Deva in circa 1604 CE, followed the model of Sanskrit grammar?
...that Lakshmisha's 16th century Kannada writing, the Jaimini Bharata, focuses on the horse sacrifice chapter of the Hindu epic Mahabharata?
... the Harihareshwara temple in Karnataka, India, was consecrated in 1224 CE, in dedication to Harihara (pictured), a fusion of the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu?
... that the 12th century Doddabasappa Temple (pictured) in Karnataka state, India, has a 24-pointed star-shaped plan?
... that erotic sculptures (example pictured) found in the 11th century Tripurantaka Temple in Karnataka state, India, are miniatures?
... that a 12th-century epigraph styles the Mahadeva temple (pictured) in Karnataka, India, as "the emperor among temples"?
... that the 9th century Navalinga temple in Karnataka, India, is a cluster of nine Hindu temples, each containing a Shiva linga?
...that although the Siddhesvara Temple (pictured) in Karnataka, India is currently a temple of Shiva, historians are unsure of its original faith?
... that although the Ishvara temple (pictured) in Karnataka, India, seems modest in construction, it is in fact the most complicated Hoysala monument?
... that the 6th century Mahakuta group of temples in Karnataka, India, exhibit pan-Indian architectural forms?
...that shrines dedicated to the Hindu sun god Surya usually face east, but the one at the Kasivisvesvara Temple in Lakkundi, Karnataka faces west?
... that the Bhutanatha temples (pictured) in India have a pillared hall extending into a lake?
...that Jagannatha Dasa is one of the widely known 18th-century saint-poets of the Kannada language?
...that Nijaguna Shivayogi, a petty chieftain in 15th-century Karnataka, India, was a visionary writer and poet in the Kannada language?
...that Sri Ponna, the classical Kannada language poet of c. 950, is considered one of the "three gems of Kannada literature?
...that the noted medieval Telugu-language writer and poet Palkuriki Somanatha wrote important classics in Kannada and Sanskrit as well?
...that that 11th-century "minister of war and peace" Durgasimha wrote the Kannada language version of the Panchatantra, the first Indian vernacular adaptation of these fables?
... that the didactic Jain literature, Vaddaradhane, written by Shivakotiacharya in c. 900, is the earliest available prose work in the Kannada language?
... that in c. 990, Nagavarma I authored the earliest available work on the science of prosody in the Kannada language?
... that Nagavarma II, a Kannada language grammarian of the 11th century, authored important writings in prosody, rhetoric, poetics and vocabulary?
...that Allama Prabhu, the mystic-saint of 12th century Karnataka, India, was also an accomplished Vachana poet?

Articles created

Templates

((Rashtrakuta Manyakheta Kings Infobox)), ((Kalyani Chalukya Kings Infobox)), ((Mysore Kings Infobox)), ((Mysore Kingdom Musicians)), ((Western Ganga Kings Infobox)), ((Banavasi Kadamba Kings Infobox)), ((Famous Hoysala temples)), ((Western Chalukya Temples)), ((Kannada poets in Western Chalukya Empire)), ((Kannada poets in Rashtrakuta Empire)), ((Kannada poets in Hoysala Empire)), ((Kannada poets in Western Ganga Kingdom)), ((Haridasa poets (Kannada) of 18th-19th century)), ((Kannada poets in 17th century)), ((Kannada poets in 18th century))((Haridasa poets (Kannada) of 17th-19th century))

Major contributions

Empires and Kingdoms

Kadamba Dynasty, Western Ganga Dynasty, Kalachuri, Chalukya dynasty, Hoysala Empire, Vijayanagara Empire, Hoysala architecture, Western Chalukya Empire, Rashtrakuta Dynasty, Kingdom of Mysore

Historical places

Hampi,Belur, Halebidu, Somanathapura, Pattadakal, Aihole, Shravanabelagola

Famous temples

Chennakesava Temple, Hoysaleswara temple, Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura, Lakshmi Devi temple, Doddagaddavalli, Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Nuggehalli, Amrutesvara temple, Amruthapura

Great Kings

Vikramaditya VI, Pulakesi II, Krishnadevaraya, Harihara Raya I, Bukka Raya I, Vishnuvardhana, Veera Ballala II, Veera Ballala III, Krishna I Govinda III, Dhruva Dharavarsha, Amoghavarsha I, Deva Raya II

General history

The great Karnataka Expansion, Kannada, Hoysala architecture, Battle of Talikota, Economy of Rashtrakuta empire of Manyakheta, Kannada literature

Nature

Bandipur National Park, Rangantittu Bird Sanctuary, Biligirirangan Hills Nagarahole, Western Ghats

Karnataka places

Chikmagalur district, Hassan district, Mandya district, Uttara Kannada district,Chitradurga district, Shimoga district, Karnataka, Bangalore

Famous people

Jayatirtha, Vyasatirtha,Purandaradasa, Kanakadasa, List of people from Karnataka, Akka Mahadevi, Shivappa Nayaka, Nijaguna Shivayogi, Nagavarma I, Nagavarma II, Allama Prabhu

India

South India, History of India, History of South India

Templates

((Hoysala Kings Infobox)),((Vijayanagara empire))

Awards

		The Indian Barnstar of National Merit
		Awarded to Dineshkannambadi, one of the most prolific editors from India. We are proud of you ! -- *Tinu* *Cherian* - 06:12, 4 December 2008 (UTC)

		The Special Barnstar
		This Special Barnstar is awarded to Dinesh for showing exemplary courage to stand his ground in light of false accusations laid on him in Talk:Kannada literature. Dinesh, you deserve this... ¿Amar៛^{Talk to me/My edits} 04:43, 18 April 2008 (UTC)

		The Barnstar of National Merit
		For his tremendous contributions to Western Chalukya architecture and other Karnataka-related articles, I award Dineshkannambadi the Barnstar of National Merit. AreJay (talk) 19:52, 21 January 2008 (UTC)

		The India Star
		The India Star is awarded to Dinesh for his seven Kannada FAs, and for keeping WP:INDIA's FA factory afloat in 2007. See Image:IndiaFA.JPG. Blnguyen (bananabucket) 01:58, 5 June 2007 (UTC)

		The Epic Barnstar
		Great work on karnataka history. i hope there were 30 more of you that i can allocate one each to each indian state. Though sometimes, i don't agree with some of the works that you cite or the inferences, this award is in recognition to the tireless efforts made to bring FA level articles. Great going and keep this ticking. Kalyan 16:50, 21 June 2007 (UTC)

The Photographer's Barnstar

For your beautiful original photographs of Karnataka temples - Parthi 20:10, 1 August 2006 (UTC)

The Tireless Contributor Barnstar

Hi Dinesh, I am thankful and greatly appreciate the phenomenal work you have done(and continue to do) on Kannada, Karnataka, Kannadiga related pages. As a small token of my appreciation I hand you this barnstar which was long overdue. Keep up the GREAT work. Sirigannadam Gelge! Sarvagnya 04:06, 25 August 2006 (UTC)

		The Tireless Contributor Barnstar
		For your tireless contributions on making Chalukya dynasty a featured article and for your excellent contributions in lot more articles on South Indian history. KNM ^Talk 16:46, 22 November 2006 (UTC)

		The Epic Barnstar
		"Wow!". Here's another barnstar from me. A new 'variety' for your page :) Sarvagnya 02:52, 25 November 2006 (UTC)

		The Epic Barnstar
		For a fantastic collaborative effort in Hoysala Empire I award you this epic barnstar BostonMA ^talk 14:17, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

One more barnstar for your work on Karnataka-related topics, as well as for your efforts to get Chalukya dynasty to featured status. - --ashwatha 08:49, 8 December 2006 (UTC)

		The Epic Barnstar
		Awarded to Dineshkannambadi by deeptrivia on behalf of WikiProject Indian history for outstanding contributions to articles related to Indian history. deeptrivia (talk) 06:51, 24 December 2006 (UTC)

		The Epic Barnstar
		Epic Barnstar for your phenomenal effort and tireless contributions in articles relating to History of Karnataka. Hoping to see more FAs from you.Naveen ^(talk) 06:25, 31 December 2006 (UTC)

The Black Cross of St. Declan

You, Dineshkannambadi, are awarded the Black Cross of St. Declan for going medieval on our asses with your excellent work on articles of Dark Ages and Middle Ages interest. De réir a chéile a thógtar na caisleáin - "It takes time to build castles" Ciarán of Clonmacnoise 05:59, 8 January 2007 (UTC)

		The FA Barnstar
		For your wonderful featured article Vijayanagara Empire and the past two FAs(Chalukyas and Hoysala empires) in Indian history category. Wish you work on Kakatiya Empire one day. mlpkr 12:49, 31 January 2007 (UTC)

I =Nichalp «Talk»=, award you this medal for getting South Indian empires on the featured chart. May you feature many more empires. Regards, =Nichalp «Talk»= 12:05, 21 February 2007 (UTC)

		The Tireless Contributor Barnstar
		Kannada articles are becoming featured as an amazing rate. You deserve this for playing such a large part! Gizza^Chat ^© 11:56, 30 March 2007 (UTC)

		The Barnstar of Diligence
		For your tireless work in Jaffna kingdom that was awarded GA status today Taprobanus (talk) 16:37, 19 February 2008 (UTC)

Congratulations on raising Hoysala architecture to FA status. Kind regards --Mcginnly | Natter 13:13, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Sri Lankan Tamil people

		Rajaraja Chola Award
		Hi Dinesh. Just to say you've done a wonderful job with your edits to the article over the past few months - it flows much more smoothly now, and is a much better article for the work you've done. Arulmozhivarman smiles in delight.Taprobanus (talk) 02:24, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

		The India Star
		Awarded to Dineshkannambadi in his efforts to get Kannada literature in the Western Chalukya Empire to FA status. Well done ! -- *Tinu* *Cherian* - 16:41, 26 November 2008 (UTC)

My book collection

History

John Keay, History of India, 2000, Grove publications, New York, ISBN 0-8021-3797-0
Suryanath U. Kamat, A Concise history of Karnataka from pre-historic times to the present, Jupiter books, MCC, Bangalore, 2001 (Reprinted 2002) OCLC: 7796041
K.A. Nilakanta Sastri, History of South India, From Prehistoric times to fall of Vijayanagar, 1955, OUP, New Delhi (Reprinted 2002), ISBN 019560686-8
Dr. Romila Thapar, The Penguin History of Early India, From Origin to 1300 AD., 2003, Penguin, New Delhi, ISBN 0-14-302989-4
K.V. Ramesh, Chalukyas of Vatapi, 1984, Agam Kala Prakashan, Delhi ISBN 3987-10333 .
R. Narasimhacharya, History of Kannada Literature, 1988, Asian Educational Services, New Delhi, Madras,1988 ISBN 81-206-0303-6.
George M. Moraes (1931), The Kadamba Kula, A History of Ancient and Medieval Karnataka, Asian Educational Services, New Delhi, Madras, 1990 ISBN 81-206-0595-0
Malini Adiga (2006), The Making of Southern Karnataka: Society, Polity and Culture in the early medieval period, AD 400-1030, Orient Longman, Chennai, ISBN 81 250 2912 5
Pandit Bisheshwar Nath Reu (1933), History of The Rashtrakutas (Rathodas), Publication scheme, Jaipur, (Reprinted 1997) ISBN 81-86782-12-5
Altekar, Anant Sadashiv (1934), The Rashtrakutas And Their Times; being a political, administrative, religious, social, economic and literary history of the Deccan during C. 750 A.D. to C. 1000 A.D, Oriental Book Agency, Poona, OCLC 3793499
Karmarkar, A.P. (1947), Cultural history of Karnataka : ancient and medieval, Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha, Dharwad OCLC 8221605
West, E.W. (1877), History of Bombay Karnataka, Musalman and Maratha A.D. 1300-1818, Asian Educational Services, New Delhi, Madras (Reprinted 1989), ISBN 81-206-0468-9 Parameter error in ((ISBN)): checksum
Pranesh, Meera Rajaram (2003), Musical Composers during Wodeyar Dynasty (1638-1947 A.D.), Vee Emm Publications, Bangalore EBK 94056
Jain and Jain, Surendranath Shripalji and Sarojini Surendranath, Bahubali of Jainbadri (Shravanabelagola) and other Jain Shrines of Deccan, (1953), Second edition (2005), S.D.J.M.I. Managing Committe, Shravanabelagola.
Chopra P.N., Ravindran T.K., Subrahmanian N. (2003), History of South India (Ancient, Medieval and Modern), Chand publications, New Delhi ISBN 81-219-0153-7
Gowda, Aswathanarayana, Blazing trail of Golden Era-Tourism guide of Hassan district, (2006), District Tourism Council, Government of Karnataka
Paul Harding, Janine Eberle, Patrick Horton, Amy Karafin and Simon Richmond, (1998), South India, Lonely Planet (Reprinted 2005) ISBN 1-74104-165-1

Architecture

Hampi, A Travel Guide, Department of Tourism, India, Good Earth publication, New Delhi 2003 ISBN 81-877801-7-7
Gerard Foekema, A Complete Guide To Hoysala Temples, 1996, Abhinav, ISBN 81-7017-345-0
New Light on Hampi, Recent research in Vijayanagara, edited by John M. Fritz and George Michell, MARG, 2001, ISBN 81-85026-53-X
Michell, George, (2002), Pattadakal: Monumental Legacy, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, ISBN 019566057-9
Sarma, I.K., (1992), Temples of the Gangas of Karnataka, Archaeological survey of India, New Delhi
Foekema, Gerard (2003), Architecture decorated with architecture: Later medieval temples of Karnataka, 1000-1300 AD, Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, ISBN 81-215-1089-9
Cousens, Henry, (1926), The Chalukyan Architecture of Kanarese Distrcits, Archeological Survey of India, New Delhi, OCLC 37526233

Books to buy/borrow

The cave temples of India By James Fergusson, James Burgess, Published by W.H. Allen & co., 1880, Original from Harvard University
Indian Temple Architecture: Form and Transformation : the Karṇāṭa Drāviḍa Tradition, 7th to 13th, Centuries By Adam Hardy, Published by Abhinav Publications, 1995, ISBN 8170173124, ISBN 9788170173120
Imagining Architects: Creativity in the Religious Monuments of India, By Ajay J. Sinha Published by University of Delaware Press, 2000 ISBN 0874136849, ISBN 9780874136845
The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent: Second Edition, By James C. Harle Published by Yale University Press, 1994, ISBN 0300062176, ISBN 9780300062175
Art shrines of ancient India By V. K. Subramanian, Mohan Aashis Khokar, Published by Abhinav, Publications, 2003, ISBN 8170174317, ISBN 9788170174318
Principles of Composition in Hindu Sculpture: Cave Temple Period, By Alice Boner, Published by, Motilal Banarsidass Publ., 1990, ISBN 8120807057, ISBN 9788120807051
Speaking stones: World Cultural Heritage Sites in India By Bill Aitken, Eicher Goodearth Limited,, India Dept. of Tourism Published by Eicher Goodearth Limited, 2002 ISBN 8187780002, ISBN 9788187780007
The Architectural Antiquities of Western India By Henry Cousens, Published by READ BOOKS, 2007 ISBN 1406752460, ISBN 9781406752465

More

FA's authored

FA contribution

WP:DYK's created=47

Articles created

Empires and Kingdoms

Historical places

Famous temples

Great kings and persons

General history

Literature

Nature

Famous People

Templates

Major contributions

Empires and Kingdoms

Historical places

Famous temples

Great Kings

General history

Nature

Karnataka places

Famous people

India

Templates

Awards

Sri Lankan Tamil people

My book collection

History

Architecture

Books to buy/borrow