Karnataka Janapada Vishwavidyalaya, Gotagodi

Karnataka Janapada Vishwavidyalaya, Gotagodi was established in 2011 by the Government of Karnataka through the Karnataka Janapada Vishwavidyalaya Act. Located in Gotagodi village in Shiggaon taluk of Haveri district, Karnataka, this unique institution stands as India's first State University dedicated exclusively to folklore and folk culture studies. The university operates as a Public State university, recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Spread across a scenic campus, Karnataka Janapada Vishwavidyalaya, Gotagodi focuses on preserving, promoting, and researching the rich folk traditions, indigenous knowledge systems, and cultural heritage of Karnataka and India. The university offers specialized programmes across Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and PhD levels in various disciplines related to folklore studies, folk arts, folk music, folk literature, and cultural studies. The institution admits students primarily through merit-based admission and entrance examinations conducted by the university for specific programmes. With a mission to document, archive, and academically study the oral traditions, performing arts, material culture, and folk practices of rural communities, Karnataka Janapada Vishwavidyalaya, Gotagodi serves as a vital center for folklore research and cultural preservation in India.