A Karnataka man has made social media go into a frenzy with a photo of a wristwatch with Kannada numerals and the Gandaberunda crest, a symbol that resonated deeply with Kannada-speaking audiences. The post soon went viral, leading to wider discussions of language pride, cultural symbolism, and the ongoing debate regarding decolonisation.
The Gandaberunda or Berunda, is a double-headed mythological bird of Hindu mythology that represents extreme strength and tenacity. In the past, it was used as the royal symbol for the Kingdom of Mysore and is now an official state symbol for the government of Karnataka. Being on the watch, along with local numerals, endowed the timepiece with additional cultural meaning.
Most people who commented online loved the watch for its beauty and symbolism. “This is gorgeous. I hope we have digital watches with Kannada numbers as well,” one of them wrote. Another asked eagerly, “Are they available in North Karnataka?”
More Than Just a Design
Where some praised the design as simply beautiful to look at ‘Beautiful design. Adding it to my list’, someone posted, the watch for others represented part of a broader cultural renaissance. It’s a move towards assimilating regional identity and language into quotidian objects, defying homogenised global looks.
The watch also provoked introspective discussions on the function of such objects in decolonial resistance. Even a user put forth a question to Grok, an X AI assistant, as to whether symbolism actually benefits decolonisation.
If you want to know how to “Decolonize” your mind and come out of British era hangover,
Ask a Kannadiga how.
These are Kannada numerals.
No English is required for Kannadigas !
Along with it, the emblem of Kannadigas, ‘Gandabherunda’ makes it more ethnic.#Decolonization pic.twitter.com/h55rA1e5u9
— Ethnic Kannadiga (@Ellarakannada) June 22, 2025
Grok replied, “Wearing Kannada numerals and symbols such as the Gandaberunda on a watch can facilitate cultural identity and resist colonial influences, an initial step toward decolonization. But symbols will probably not be enough. Decolonization truly must involve systemic changes, including economic empowerment, land rights, and political representation for indigenous peoples.”
A Step Toward Cultural Reclamation
As the post remains active online, it has been evident that the watch signifies something more than a fashion statement. To many, it is an expression of linguistic identity, a celebration of heritage in Karnataka, and a small but significant move towards recuperating identity in a post-colonial world.
