The Kannada language is a Dravidian language predominantly spoken in the Indian state of Karnataka. It has a rich literary history that dates back over a thousand years, with a diverse range of poetry, prose, and drama. Kannada is recognized as one of the classical languages of India, highlighting its cultural significance. With approximately 50 million speakers, Kannada is the official language of Karnataka and is used in government, education, and media. The language has its own script, also called Kannada, which is derived from the ancient Brahmi script. Kannada plays a vital role in the identity and heritage of the people of Karnataka.