Karnatak University was established initially at Mumbai in 1949. It was later shifted to Dharwad in October, 1949 and Karnatak University had its official inauguration in March 1950. Covering a vast expanse of 750 acres on the hill named 'Chota Mahabaleshwar' one of seven hillocks on which Dharwad is beautifully perched inviting comparison with Rome. The campus has 48 Departments that have come up during the half century or so of its historic existence. The University in its formative years had the leadership of Dr. D.C. Pavate as the Vice-Chancellor (1954-1967 ) who gave it a shape.UGC recently has granted an outlay of rupees 25 crores. The newly created Departments like Genetics, Microbiology, Reproductive Health Management bid fair to do well besides the established departments of yore with a track record of Academic Excellence.