The correct answer is C. Praise of deities.
Karnataka’s devotional folk songs are a genre of music that is sung in praise of Hindu deities. The songs are often accompanied by dance and are used to express devotion and worship. The themes of the songs vary, but they often focus on the beauty and power of the deities, as well as the singer’s love and devotion for them.
Option A, unrequited love, is not a common theme in Karnataka’s devotional folk songs. While love is a common theme in many types of folk music, it is not typically expressed in a devotional context.
Option B, critique of religious institutions, is also not a common theme in Karnataka’s devotional folk songs. While there are some folk songs that criticize religious institutions, these songs are not typically considered to be devotional.
Option D, war and battle, is also not a common theme in Karnataka’s devotional folk songs. While there are some folk songs that describe war and battle, these songs are not typically considered to be devotional.
In conclusion, the correct answer is C. Praise of deities.