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Karnad Sadashiva Rao
ಕಾರ್ನಾಡು ಸದಾಶಿವರಾವ್
The Gandhi of Karnataka — who gave his wealth and health to the nation
Years
1881 – 1937
Known as
Karnad Sadashiva Rao
Birthplace
Karnataka
Field
Freedom Fighters
“Let me spend my all for the motherland — my money, my strength, and my life.”
— Karnad Sadashiva Rao
The Story
Born in 1881, Karnad Sadashiva Rao inherited wealth and position — but the national movement claimed him early. He joined the Congress and became one of the most dedicated workers of Karnataka, travelling the length of the state to spread Gandhi's message of swaraj, khadi, and swadeshi.
His generosity was legendary: he donated his properties and his fortune to the Congress and to the causes of the people, gave freely for education and relief, and lived a life of austerity in the service of the nation. For his work he was arrested and imprisoned during the salt satyagraha and other campaigns.
The years of struggle wore down his health, and he died in 1937, at just fifty-six. Karnataka mourned a leader who had given everything — and his name remains honoured across the state as the very symbol of selfless service to the motherland.
Core Ideas
The Gandhi of Karnataka
The title his people gave him for his service.
The Generous Donor
He gave his fortune to the freedom movement.
The Congress Worker
He spread the message of swaraj across Karnataka.
The Prisoner
Arrested during the salt satyagraha and campaigns.
Service Unto Death
He wore out his health in the nation's cause.
Why it matters today
Karnad Sadashiva Rao is remembered across Karnataka as the very type of the selfless worker — a man who could have lived in ease but chose to give everything to the motherland. His name is honoured in the history of the Congress of the state, and his life remains the model of sacrifice for every worker of Bhārat.