The department was started in July 1953 with Prof. S. V. Bhat as the first member teacher of Hindi. Hindi examination then being compulsory to class I, II and III servants of Bombay Government.

1958 onwards Hindi was introduced both as Major and Minor subject at B.A. level. In 1959 post graduate instruction in Hindi, as a subsidiary subject was started in this college. Subsequently provision for entire Hindi course was made from 1960..

Dr. S. S. Kattimani promoted as a Principal of Karnatak Arts College in March 2011.

Functional Hindi course is introduced in our college form 1994. The language laboratory is equipped with the computers, type writers etc. Where students of Functional Hindi are being trained.

Now, the department has one permanent staff member; Dr. Z. A. Gulagundi (Head of the Department) along with the Three Teaching Assistants and Two Guest Lecturers.