Kannada is a Dravidian language predominantly spoken in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is one of the official languages of India and has a rich literary history that dates back over a thousand years. The language is known for its unique script, which is derived from the Brahmi script, and has a vast vocabulary influenced by various languages. With approximately 50 million speakers, Kannada is the 27th most spoken language in the world. It has a vibrant cultural heritage, including classical music, dance, and theater. The language is also recognized for its contributions to Indian literature, with notable poets and writers like Kuvempu and B. M. Srikantaiah.