Namadhari naik
Encyclopedia
Namadhari naik is a Hindu
Vaishnava community predominantly found in Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Daksina Kannada District of Karnataka
State in India and are numerically a majority community in the district . They are also known as Halepaika (ಹಳೇಪೈಕ Haḷēpaika) and are referred to as the same in most of the literature. Deeva (ದೀವ Dīva) , Idiga are the other terms used for reference. They are clubbed along with other similar communities like Idiga and Billava
in the government list. The term Arya-Idiga is also used widely to refer them. They are an agricultural community, though toddy tapping once formed an important source of income. The people of the community use Naik (ನಾಯ್ಕ), Nayak (ನಾಯಕ), and Namadhari (ನಾಮಧಾರಿ) as surnames . The community considers the Lord of Tirupati as their deity, apart from the local gods as family deities depending on the place of their origin .
s to there is a grouping called Namadhari Gowda which has similar origin . This has been referred to by the greatest poet of modern Kannada, Kuvempu
in his magnum opus Malegalalli Madumagalu
.
Halepaika in Kannada means Old Soldiers [hale-old, paika-Soldier]. In the Vikramarjunavijaya (ವಿಕ್ರಮಾರ್ಜುನ ವಿಜಯ ) of Adikavi Pampa
dating back to 10th century there is a reference to the houses of Halepaika in the new capital of Yudhishtira , the Indraprastha . This indicates the prominence enjoyed by Halepaika during that time . And to refer them as "old soldiers" during that time should convey the fact that Halepaika formed one of the earliest martial settlers in this part of country . This fact can be compared with another similar community in the region, the Komarapaiks which means 'junior soldiers' in Kannada and are said to have migrated during 12th century . There is a reference to a regiment of Halepaika [Halepaikara sainya] in one of the paintings of Mysore Palace
. Kanthirava Narasaraja Vijaya (ಕಂಠೀರವ ನರಸರಾಜ ವಿಜಯ) , the 17th century panegyric of Mysore Wodeyar
king Kanthirava Narasaraja I
by Govinda Vaidya describes a battle scene where in the Halepaik troops were in action against the invading Bijapur Sultanate army . There is a reference in a Nagamangala
inscription (Mysore Dist)to a 'Halikera' (ಹಳಿಕೇರ) (Halepaik??) chief 'Lakhana Nayaka' making a landgrant of a plot containing 400 arecanut trees to 'Shrivaishnava Koneriyayya' in Devalapura in obeisance to Ramanuja
(1471 A.D)
It is known that the community served as soldiers http://www.ignca.nic.in/cd_08009.htm, mercenaries and commanders. Nayaka or Naik in Kannada or Sanskrit means commander. Halepaiks seem to have served almost all the important Kannada dynasties right from the Chutu satakarni and Kadambas
to Vijayanagar
kingdom and later Keladi Nayaka
s.
The term Deeva finds mention in the great epic Mahabharata
as to one involved in the naval occupation and to denote islanders. It could also mean torch-bearing soldeirs for night warfare (Deevige (ದೀವಿಗೆ)= Torch). Since ancient times the armies equipped themselves for battles in dark. Torch bearing infantrymen were one of the ploys employed. Adikavi Pampa
in his Vikramarjunavijaya (ಪಾದಚರರ್ಗೊಂದೆನೆ ದೀವಿಗೆಗಳ್ಲ್) and Kumaravyasa in his 15th century masterpiece Karnata Bharata Kathamanjari
attests to this fact (ದೀವಿಗೆ ಹೊತ್ತ ಭಟರುಗಳು) . According to another deduction Deeveru also means islanders. Incidentally the term Idiga also is supposed to mean islander http://www.tamilnation.org/diaspora/karnataka.htm or someone belonging to Srilanka. Hence it is not surprising to know about some similar communities of Lanka with similar antecedents (Durave).
The term Arya' in Arya-idiga is said to indicate the northern origin. In all probability the terms Deeva and Idiga are used to indicate the occupation of toddy tapping which the Halepaiks resorted to,and cannot be used to indicate ethnicity or origin. In this aspect the term Halepaik stands out prominently and holds the key to the origin of the community.
According to eminent Kannada littérateur Shankar Baladikshit Joshi's (ಶಂ.ಬಾ. ಜೋಶಿ) 'Kanmareyada Kannada'(1933) and 'Maharashtrada Moola'(1934) (ಕಣ್ಮರೆಯಾದ ಕನ್ನಡ(೧೯೩೩) , ಮಹಾರಾಷ್ಟ್ರದ ಮೂಲ(೧೯೩೪)) , Halepaiks migrated from the Central Provinces
/ Berar
region long ago and these regions still have a population (1 lakh) by name 'Halaba' speaking 'Halabi' language which is a dialect of Kannada with heavy Marathi
accent . Their deity is the 'Huliyayya' or Tiger-God. The writer alludes to the legend among the Halepaiks of 'Banavasi
' and 'Tulunadu' that they migrated from Gulbarga
region of Karnataka
.
Prof D.L. Narsimhacharya in his 1935 review of the book has declined this contention
The People of India series by the Anthropological Survey of India
too delves on similar lines as above. According to it, the Halepaiks/Komarpaiks are migrants from Andhra Pradesh. It refers to the legend of king Gopala Krishnaraya who was ruling Vijayanagar
, when the Halepaiks were living in Kumarakshetra near the capital (read: Hampi
). It says that one of the Halepaiks, Narayana, son of Ranga Naik and Laxmi Devi, impressed the king by faithfully serving him, pleased with which the King granted him the village of 'Halepaik' as inam.
The above theory, in considering the legends related to Komarpaiks and Halepaiks as same loses its credibility. The 1893 'Bombay gazetteer in Karnataka' clearly mentions the legend of Komarpaiks (and not Halepaiks) originating from Gulbarga region in around 12th century (hence the name Komarpaiks or Junior Soldiers). Further, the theory hardly takes into account the references to Halepaiks in Vikramarjunavijaya which was written in 10th century.
as their lord and olden days saw them carrying out pilgrimage to Tirupati
on foot akin to the pilgrimage to dhams in North India among all Hindus. Those who had completed the pilgrimage were considered as saints and were carried out in a procession and cremated in sitting position on death.
Worship of Renukambe (Yellamma) or similar deities is widespread among the Halepaiks of western ghats. They consider the Chandragutti Renukambe as their family deity (ಕುಲ ದೇವತೆ) and attend the annual fair (ಜಾತ್ರೆ) religiously.
Most of the Halepaiks of Ankola region consider Sundara-Narayan as their family deity and pray to the Murkundi Honna deity of Bankikodla.
The worship of Baleendra (King Mahabali
worshipped in Kerala
during Onam
) during Deepavali has been continuing since ages and is common to almost all communities in coastal Karnataka. But according to Prof.L.R.Hegde the Baleendra worship denotes the worship of agricultural deity (Baleendra= Agridiety in folk culture) common to all agricultural communities and not the Vedic Asura King . The Tulu culture too supports this in calling Baleendra as Bhumiputta (Son of soil)
The Bandi-Habba (ಬ೦ಡಿ ಹಬ್ಬ)is essentially an agricultural festival related to new crop. This festival is a common factor in almost all towns and villages of coastal Uttara Kannada
and also up in the Ghats. It involves the drawing of a 3–4 storey Chariot with the presiding goddess in it. The festival is akin to the 'carnival-burning' festivals among the Europe
an agricultural communities. It also involves certain rituals related to the local Sati deity in which the people pay their obeisance.
Suggi-kunita (ಸುಗ್ಗಿ ಕುಣಿತ) [SuggiKannada for Harvest season & Kunita=Dance] is another agricultural folk art common to all of coastal towns. Apart from Halepaiks other agricultural communities like Halakki vokkaliga
, Devadiga
, Komarpaiks Gamokkalu and Mukri
, Ambiga, Marathi-Kunbi perform it in individual fashion. It involves Kolata (ಕೋಲಾಟ) or dancing with batons in each hand (similar to Gujarati
Garbha). A special instrument 'Gumate' (ಗುಮಟೆ) is used in this. The earliest reference to this instrument goes back to 17th century when a Portuguese
traveller Petro della Valle came visiting to the Keladi
Kingdom. He mentions the art being performed by ladies in the city of Ikkeri
.
During Deepavali the festival of lights, the Halepaiks have a ritual of singing verses called 'Bingi-Pada' (ಬಿ೦ಗಿ ಪದ) while bringing the lamp. This is followed by other communities like Madivala and Kare Vokkaliga too.
The Dahikaala (ದಹಿಕಾಲ) festival in Ankola
as in Dahi Handi of North India celebrates the playful and mischievous side of Krishna
, where teams of young men form human pyramids to reach a high-hanging pot of butter and break it. This festival is very much important to the Halepaiks of Ankola
in particular and the teams usually are of Halepaik youth by tradition.
The region of Uttara Kannada
is dotted by many Jataga/Beera (ಜಟಗ /ಬೀರ) temples and Masti-kattes (ಮಾಸ್ತಿ=ಮಹಾಸತಿ). These are said to be the hero-worship memorials (ವೀರಗಲ್ಲು) of combatants succumbing in battles and their consorts/wives, committing Sati
or even dying in battlefield fighting the enemy. The local folk culture identifies most of these memorials belonging to Halepaik warriors . Madageri Ramanatha (ಮಾಡಗೇರಿ ರಾಮನಾಥ), Kumara Rama of Chandavara (ಚ೦ದಾವರ ಕುಮಾರ ರಾಮ), Bankikodla Murkundi Honna (ಬ೦ಕಿಕೊಡ್ಲ ಮೂರ್ಕು೦ಡಿ ಹೊನ್ನ) are important examples. While Honnamma (ಹೊನ್ನಮ್ಮ)consort of Ramanatha is supposed to have died alongside him in the battlefield and hence became a Sati (virtuous wife), Murkundi Honna is said to have died in the Bargi-Ghat battle and his wife Mankali (ಮ೦ಕಾಳಿ) is said to have committed Sati
. Kumara Rama died fighting the Chandavar Sultan.
Dandina Hanuma (ದ೦ಡಿನ ಹನುಮ) temple in Chandavar is in the memory of a Halepaik captain named Hanuma. According to a popular legend the Jataga deity of this temple defeated the Sultan's army and put him to flight. Kapalira Amma (ಕಪಲಿ-ವೀರ ಅಮ್ಮ) temple in the vicinity is also related.
Other popular temples include the Honamavu Dandina Durgi (ಹೊನಮಾವು ದ೦ಡಿನ ದುರ್ಗಿ) temple , Oorakeri Kudure Beerappa and Malamma (ಕುದುರೆ ಬೀರಪ್ಪ ಮತ್ತು ಮಾಳಮ್ಮ) temple in Kumta
; Hacchchali Kudure,Aaneya Gove Ganapa (ಹಚ್ಚಾಲಿ ಕುದುರೆ ಮತ್ತು ಆನೆಯ ಗೋವೆ ಗಣಪ) of Madageri; Jattu-Masti (ಜಟ್ಟುಮಾಸ್ತಿ) , Malla-Masti (ಮಳ್ಳಮಾಸ್ತಿ), Honnamma-Masti (ಹೊನ್ನಮ್ಮಮಾಸ್ತಿ), Kondada-Masti (ಕೊ೦ಡದಮಾಸ್ತಿ), Kendada-Masti ( ಕೆ೦ಡದಮಾಸ್ತಿ) of Shirali
; Sodigadde-Masti (ಸೋಡಿಗದ್ದೆಮಾಸ್ತಿ) of Bhatkal
.
Almost all these temples have 'Kenda-Hayuvike' ritual conducted annually. It is supposed to denote the committing of Sati by the deity and is usually done by Halepaik youth. During this a Choma (ಚೋಮ)or Large mask denoting the deity is worn by volunteer doing the ritual. A Choma is peculiar to each deity and may be in the shape of a horse, elephant depending on which deity it denotes (ex:ಹಚ್ಚಾಲಿ ಕುದುರೆ ಮತ್ತು ಆನೆಯ ಗೋವೆ ಗಣಪ).A Kalasha is carried during the Bandi-Habba festival denoting the deity.
The widespread occurrence of Sati among the Halepaiks which was only limited to the warrior class in those days and which is said to be a practice of Scythian origin further strengthens the Naga/Scythian origin theory of Halepaiks . Worship of local divine spirits can also be seen and the worship of Baleendra [King Mahabali
worshipped in Kerala
during Onam
] during Deepavali has been continuing since ages and is common to almost all communities in coastal Karnataka. Certain rituals as during marriage ceremony indicate their martial origin. Until recently it seems the bridegroom rode on a horse in full martial attire complete with a sword to his marriage. The betrothal ceremony too is accomplished in a manner indicating the bride being won in a duel.
, Shimoga regions pays tribute to the battleskills of Halepaiks.
"ಸಾವಿರ ತಲೆ ಉರುಳಿದರೂ ದೀವರ ತಲೆ ಉರುಳೋದಿಲ್ಲ"
means, even if a thousand heads roll, the Deevars (Halepaik) heads don't.
The first reference to Halepaiks as a community comes from the 10th century workVikramarjunavijaya of Adikavi Pampa
. He refers to the houses of Halepaiks
"ಸಾಲಾಗಿಹ ಹಳೆಯಪೈಕರ ಮನೆಗಳವು"
in the Yudhishtiras city of Indraprastha which should be the present day Banavasi
as Pampa
had adapted the Mahabharata
to the local kingdom and Arjuna
was identified with his patron Arikesari.
The richest tribute yet to the Halepaik valour, though in fleeting references is paid by Kanthirava Narasaraja Vijaya (ಕಂಠೀರವ ನರಸರಾಜ ವಿಜಯ) , a 17th century historical account of life of Mysore Wodeyar king Kanthirava Narasaraja I by Govinda Vaidya describes the turbulent times faced by the Mysore region and the grit and mettle of the king Kanthirava in facing the same. In one of the battle scenes the poet describes the marauding and undefeated armies of Bijapur Sultanate under the famed general Ranadulla Khan, laying siege to the Shrirangapattana fort. In this the poet aptly captures the valour of Halepaik infantry in fighting off the aggressors and wreaking havoc on them by looking very much the embodiment of battle-gods (ರಣ ಕಲಿ).
"ಕವಿದು ಕೋಟೆಯ ತೆನಗೆ ಉರುಬುವ ಖಾನರು ಕರಾಚೂರಿ ಯಿಂದ ತಿವಿಯೇ , ಕೆಳಗೆ ತಲೆಯಾಗಿ ಸುರುಳಿ ಬಿದ್ದ ಅಸುರರ ಹವಣನು ಈಶ್ವರ ತಾನೆ ಬಲ್ಲ .
ಚಿಗಿದು ಆಳವೆರಿಗಿಳಿವ ಖಾನಖಾನರ ಮುಂದಲೆಗಳ ನಗುತ ಪಿಡಿದು , ಆಯುಧಗಳ ಉಗಿದು , ಶಿರಗಳ ಖಂಡಿಸಿ , ಅಗಳಿಗೆ ಇಟ್ಟರು"
"ವಸುಧೇಶ್ವರ ಕಂಠೀರವ ಸಾಕಿರ್ದ
ಅಸಹಾಯ ಶೂರ ಮನ್ನೆಯರು
ದೆಸೆದೆಸೆಯೋಳು ಕೋಟೆಗದರ್ವ
ಖಾನರುಗಳ ಕುಸುರಿದರಿದು ಕೆಡಹಿದರು"
"ಮೈಸೂರಿನ ಹಳೆಯ ಪೈಕದ ಕೋವಿಯ ಭಟರು ವೈರಿಗಳ ತಲೆ ಚೆಂಡಆಡಿದರು , ಏರಿ ಬರುವ ತುರುಕರ ಸೈನ್ಯವನ್ನು ಚೆದುರಿಸುತ..."
Halepaiks find continuous reference in Kuvempu
's Malegalalli Madumagalu
& Kanooru Subbamma Heggaditi which deal with life in the Western Ghats
in the 19th century. The then contemporary condition of Halepaiks, vague reference to their origins, social standings, inter relation with other communities, ongoing class struggle can be summed up from this work . Kuvempu indicates that there was a decision taken among the landlords that Halepaiks were to be not allowed to hold their own lands and were to be confined to tilling others' lands. The discrimination extended to ceremonies and rituals as well with the Halepaik groom not allowed to ride a horse to his marriage as was the practice for ages . The landlords seem to have guarded this privilege of theirs very closely. This also indicates the social downfall Halepaiks had attained by then.
to make it a success . This movement was very much responsible for the future land reforms that took place giving the land to the tiller.
The community today has produced many notable personalities and the younger generation continues the remarkable work done by its predecessors. Today the community is prosperous & boasts of a workforce including software professionals, doctors, lawyers, actors, civil servants, teachers, entrepreneurs and people in other successful fields. The literacy rate is high in both males and females and presently the emphasis has been rightly placed on education as may be evident from the fact that many youngsters are opting for higher studies abroad.
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
Vaishnava community predominantly found in Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Daksina Kannada District of Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
State in India and are numerically a majority community in the district . They are also known as Halepaika (ಹಳೇಪೈಕ Haḷēpaika) and are referred to as the same in most of the literature. Deeva (ದೀವ Dīva) , Idiga are the other terms used for reference. They are clubbed along with other similar communities like Idiga and Billava
Billava
The Billava, or Ilava people make up one of the largest Hindu communities of the Tulu ethnic group in India. They are also found in the Kannada-speaking Kundapura region of Karnataka and some parts of Kerala, including Kasaragod district...
in the government list. The term Arya-Idiga is also used widely to refer them. They are an agricultural community, though toddy tapping once formed an important source of income. The people of the community use Naik (ನಾಯ್ಕ), Nayak (ನಾಯಕ), and Namadhari (ನಾಮಧಾರಿ) as surnames . The community considers the Lord of Tirupati as their deity, apart from the local gods as family deities depending on the place of their origin .
Etymology
The word Namadhari seems to be of later origin attributed to their Vaishnavite allegiance . Initially they seem to have been following Shaiva or Jain belief which was widespread in Kannada region . In the 14th century they were brought to Vaishnava fold under the guidance of a Shrivaishnava pontiff (Tirumale Tatacharya) along with other communities in the region . Hence the term Namadhari. It can be noted here that among the VokkaligaVokkaliga
The Vokkaligas are an Indian caste or social group found mainly in the Old Mysore Region of southern Karnataka state. In Tamil Nadu they are known as Okkaligar and use Gowder as a title...
s to there is a grouping called Namadhari Gowda which has similar origin . This has been referred to by the greatest poet of modern Kannada, Kuvempu
Kuvempu
Kuppali Venkatappagowda Puttappa was a Kannada writer and poet, widely regarded as the greatest poet of 20th century Kannada literature. He is the first among eight recipients of Jnanpith Award for Kannada. Puttappa wrote all his literary works using the pen name Kuvempu...
in his magnum opus Malegalalli Madumagalu
Malegalalli madumagalu
Malegalalli Madumagalu is a 1967 Kannada novel by popular author & poet, Kuvempu. The title "Malegalalli madumagalu" translates to "the bride in the mountains"...
.
Halepaika in Kannada means Old Soldiers [hale-old, paika-Soldier]. In the Vikramarjunavijaya (ವಿಕ್ರಮಾರ್ಜುನ ವಿಜಯ ) of Adikavi Pampa
Adikavi Pampa
Pampa , called by the honorific Ādikavi is one of the greatest Kannada poets of all time.He is very famous even today for his philosophical beliefs...
dating back to 10th century there is a reference to the houses of Halepaika in the new capital of Yudhishtira , the Indraprastha . This indicates the prominence enjoyed by Halepaika during that time . And to refer them as "old soldiers" during that time should convey the fact that Halepaika formed one of the earliest martial settlers in this part of country . This fact can be compared with another similar community in the region, the Komarapaiks which means 'junior soldiers' in Kannada and are said to have migrated during 12th century . There is a reference to a regiment of Halepaika [Halepaikara sainya] in one of the paintings of Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace
The Palace of Mysore is a palace situated in the city of Mysore in southern India. It is the official residence of the Wodeyars - the erstwhile royal family of Mysore, and also houses two durbar halls ....
. Kanthirava Narasaraja Vijaya (ಕಂಠೀರವ ನರಸರಾಜ ವಿಜಯ) , the 17th century panegyric of Mysore Wodeyar
Wodeyar
The Wodeyar dynasty was an Indian royal dynasty that ruled the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947, until the independence of India from British rule and the subsequent unification of the Indian dominion and princely states into the Republic of India.The spelling Wodeyar/Wadiyar is found in most...
king Kanthirava Narasaraja I
Kanthirava Narasaraja I
Kanthirava Narasaraja I was the Wodeyar ruler of Mysore from 1638 to 1659.-Early years:...
by Govinda Vaidya describes a battle scene where in the Halepaik troops were in action against the invading Bijapur Sultanate army . There is a reference in a Nagamangala
Nagamangala
Nagamangala is a panchayat town in Mandya district in the Indian state of Karnataka.-Demographics: India census, Nagamangala had a population of 16,050. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Nagamangala has an average literacy rate of 71%, higher than the national average of...
inscription (Mysore Dist)to a 'Halikera' (ಹಳಿಕೇರ) (Halepaik??) chief 'Lakhana Nayaka' making a landgrant of a plot containing 400 arecanut trees to 'Shrivaishnava Koneriyayya' in Devalapura in obeisance to Ramanuja
Ramanuja
Ramanuja ; traditionally 1017–1137, also known as Ramanujacharya, Ethirajar , Emperumannar, Lakshmana Muni, was a theologian, philosopher, and scriptural exegete...
(1471 A.D)
It is known that the community served as soldiers http://www.ignca.nic.in/cd_08009.htm, mercenaries and commanders. Nayaka or Naik in Kannada or Sanskrit means commander. Halepaiks seem to have served almost all the important Kannada dynasties right from the Chutu satakarni and Kadambas
Kadambas
The Kadamba Dynasty was an ancient royal family of Karnataka that ruled from Banavasi in present day Uttara Kannada district. The dynasty later continued to rule as a feudatory of larger Kannada empires, the Chalukya and the Rashtrakuta empires for over five hundred years during which time they...
to Vijayanagar
Vijayanagara Empire
The Vijayanagara Empire , referred as the Kingdom of Bisnaga by the Portuguese, was an empire based in South Indian in the Deccan Plateau region. It was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I of the Yadava lineage. The empire rose to prominence as a culmination of attempts...
kingdom and later Keladi Nayaka
Keladi Nayaka
Keladi Nayaka Kingdom were an important ruling dynasty of post-medieval Karnataka, India. They initially started to rule as a feudatory of the Vijayanagar Empire...
s.
The term Deeva finds mention in the great epic Mahabharata
Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India and Nepal, the other being the Ramayana. The epic is part of itihasa....
as to one involved in the naval occupation and to denote islanders. It could also mean torch-bearing soldeirs for night warfare (Deevige (ದೀವಿಗೆ)= Torch). Since ancient times the armies equipped themselves for battles in dark. Torch bearing infantrymen were one of the ploys employed. Adikavi Pampa
Adikavi Pampa
Pampa , called by the honorific Ādikavi is one of the greatest Kannada poets of all time.He is very famous even today for his philosophical beliefs...
in his Vikramarjunavijaya (ಪಾದಚರರ್ಗೊಂದೆನೆ ದೀವಿಗೆಗಳ್ಲ್) and Kumaravyasa in his 15th century masterpiece Karnata Bharata Kathamanjari
Karnata Bharata Kathamanjari
Karnata Bharata Kathamanjari is the Kannada version of the great Indian epic, Mahabharata. This is written by Kumara Vyasa. It has only the first 10 chapters of the original work....
attests to this fact (ದೀವಿಗೆ ಹೊತ್ತ ಭಟರುಗಳು) . According to another deduction Deeveru also means islanders. Incidentally the term Idiga also is supposed to mean islander http://www.tamilnation.org/diaspora/karnataka.htm or someone belonging to Srilanka. Hence it is not surprising to know about some similar communities of Lanka with similar antecedents (Durave).
The term Arya' in Arya-idiga is said to indicate the northern origin. In all probability the terms Deeva and Idiga are used to indicate the occupation of toddy tapping which the Halepaiks resorted to,and cannot be used to indicate ethnicity or origin. In this aspect the term Halepaik stands out prominently and holds the key to the origin of the community.
Origin
The origin of Halepaiks is still shrouded in mystery. Of all the various speculations and hypothesis presently three theories are worthy of consideration.According to eminent Kannada littérateur Shankar Baladikshit Joshi's (ಶಂ.ಬಾ. ಜೋಶಿ) 'Kanmareyada Kannada'(1933) and 'Maharashtrada Moola'(1934) (ಕಣ್ಮರೆಯಾದ ಕನ್ನಡ(೧೯೩೩) , ಮಹಾರಾಷ್ಟ್ರದ ಮೂಲ(೧೯೩೪)) , Halepaiks migrated from the Central Provinces
Central Provinces
The Central Provinces was a province of British India. It comprised British conquests from the Mughals and Marathas in central India, and covered parts of present-day Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra states. Its capital was Nagpur....
/ Berar
Berar
Berar may refer to:*Berar Sultanate, a Deccan sultanate established 1490*Berar Subah, a Subah of the Mughal empire from 1596 to 1724*Berar Province, a province of British India*Berar , a sailing ship built in 1863-See also:...
region long ago and these regions still have a population (1 lakh) by name 'Halaba' speaking 'Halabi' language which is a dialect of Kannada with heavy Marathi
Marathi language
Marathi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Marathi people of western and central India. It is the official language of the state of Maharashtra. There are over 68 million fluent speakers worldwide. Marathi has the fourth largest number of native speakers in India and is the fifteenth most...
accent . Their deity is the 'Huliyayya' or Tiger-God. The writer alludes to the legend among the Halepaiks of 'Banavasi
Banavasi
Banavasi is an ancient temple town in Uttara Kannada District bordering Shivamogga district in the South Indian state of Karnataka .-History:Banavasi is one of the oldest towns in the Karnataka state...
' and 'Tulunadu' that they migrated from Gulbarga
Gulbarga
Gulbarga is a city in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the administrative headquarters of Gulbarga District. It was formerly part of Nizam's Hyderabad state...
region of Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
.
Prof D.L. Narsimhacharya in his 1935 review of the book has declined this contention
The People of India series by the Anthropological Survey of India
Anthropological Survey of India
Anthropological Survey of India is the apex Indian organisation involved in anthropological studies and field data research for human and cultural aspects, working primarily in the fields of physical anthropology and cultural anthropology...
too delves on similar lines as above. According to it, the Halepaiks/Komarpaiks are migrants from Andhra Pradesh. It refers to the legend of king Gopala Krishnaraya who was ruling Vijayanagar
Vijayanagara Empire
The Vijayanagara Empire , referred as the Kingdom of Bisnaga by the Portuguese, was an empire based in South Indian in the Deccan Plateau region. It was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I of the Yadava lineage. The empire rose to prominence as a culmination of attempts...
, when the Halepaiks were living in Kumarakshetra near the capital (read: Hampi
Hampi
Hampi is a village in northern Karnataka state, India. It is located within the ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Predating the city of Vijayanagara, it continues to be an important religious centre, housing the Virupaksha Temple, as well as several other...
). It says that one of the Halepaiks, Narayana, son of Ranga Naik and Laxmi Devi, impressed the king by faithfully serving him, pleased with which the King granted him the village of 'Halepaik' as inam.
The above theory, in considering the legends related to Komarpaiks and Halepaiks as same loses its credibility. The 1893 'Bombay gazetteer in Karnataka' clearly mentions the legend of Komarpaiks (and not Halepaiks) originating from Gulbarga region in around 12th century (hence the name Komarpaiks or Junior Soldiers). Further, the theory hardly takes into account the references to Halepaiks in Vikramarjunavijaya which was written in 10th century.
Language
The Halepaiks have a distinct culture, complete with a distinct dialect (Halepaiki) of their own . Though the dialect is no more differentiable from normal Kannada, it still retains some distinct words.Belief system
The Halepaiks worship Tirupati Timmappa or VishnuVishnu
Vishnu is the Supreme god in the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. Smarta followers of Adi Shankara, among others, venerate Vishnu as one of the five primary forms of God....
as their lord and olden days saw them carrying out pilgrimage to Tirupati
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple ), is a Hindu temple in the hill town of Tirumala, near Tirupati in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, South India. It is around from Chennai, from Hyderabad, and from Bangalore....
on foot akin to the pilgrimage to dhams in North India among all Hindus. Those who had completed the pilgrimage were considered as saints and were carried out in a procession and cremated in sitting position on death.
Worship of Renukambe (Yellamma) or similar deities is widespread among the Halepaiks of western ghats. They consider the Chandragutti Renukambe as their family deity (ಕುಲ ದೇವತೆ) and attend the annual fair (ಜಾತ್ರೆ) religiously.
Most of the Halepaiks of Ankola region consider Sundara-Narayan as their family deity and pray to the Murkundi Honna deity of Bankikodla.
Festivals and Rituals
Haleapiks celebrate festivals celebrated in Hinduism based on the region they settled.The rituals among the Halepaiks indicate both their martial traditions and agricultural (ಒಕ್ಕಲುತನ) moores. The widespread Hero-Stone (ವೀರಗಲ್ಲು) worship in praying to local deities Jataga/Beera (ಜಟಗ /ಬೀರ) indicates their martial origin and also the aspect of ancestor worship. Certain rituals as during marriage ceremony also indicates the same. Until recently it seems the bridegroom rode on a horse in full martial attire complete with a sword to his marriage. The betrothal ceremony too is accomplished in a manner indicating the bride being won in a duel.The worship of Baleendra (King Mahabali
Mahabali
Mahabali , also known as Bali or Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam commemorates his yearly homecoming after being sent down to the underworld by Vamana, the fifth avatar of Vishnu.-Conquest of the Universe and banishment:Bali, an asura, was the...
worshipped in Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
during Onam
Onam
Onam is a Hindu festival celebrated by the people of Kerala, India. The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali. It falls during the month of Chingam and lasts for ten days...
) during Deepavali has been continuing since ages and is common to almost all communities in coastal Karnataka. But according to Prof.L.R.Hegde the Baleendra worship denotes the worship of agricultural deity (Baleendra= Agridiety in folk culture) common to all agricultural communities and not the Vedic Asura King . The Tulu culture too supports this in calling Baleendra as Bhumiputta (Son of soil)
The Bandi-Habba (ಬ೦ಡಿ ಹಬ್ಬ)is essentially an agricultural festival related to new crop. This festival is a common factor in almost all towns and villages of coastal Uttara Kannada
Uttara Kannada
Uttara Kannada also known as North Canara or North Kanara, is a district in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is bordered by the state of Goa and Belgaum District to the north, Dharwad District and Haveri District to the east, Shimoga District and Udupi District to the south and the...
and also up in the Ghats. It involves the drawing of a 3–4 storey Chariot with the presiding goddess in it. The festival is akin to the 'carnival-burning' festivals among the Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an agricultural communities. It also involves certain rituals related to the local Sati deity in which the people pay their obeisance.
Suggi-kunita (ಸುಗ್ಗಿ ಕುಣಿತ) [SuggiKannada for Harvest season & Kunita=Dance] is another agricultural folk art common to all of coastal towns. Apart from Halepaiks other agricultural communities like Halakki vokkaliga
Halakki vokkaliga
The Halakki Vokkaliga are a caste group of Goudas of Karnataka, India....
, Devadiga
Devadiga
Devadiga are Tulu speaking Hindu community of temple musicians and Temple attendants who mainly hail from the region of Tulu Nadu in the south west of India which comprises the districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada in the Indian state of Karnataka and Kasaragod taluk of Kerala.-Origins:The name...
, Komarpaiks Gamokkalu and Mukri
Mukri
"Mukri" was born as Muhammad Umar Mukri in 1922 in Alibagh. He started his film career from film "Pratima" along with notable Indian film actor Dilip Kumar in 1945....
, Ambiga, Marathi-Kunbi perform it in individual fashion. It involves Kolata (ಕೋಲಾಟ) or dancing with batons in each hand (similar to Gujarati
Gujarati language
Gujarati is an Indo-Aryan language, and part of the greater Indo-European language family. It is derived from a language called Old Gujarati which is the ancestor language of the modern Gujarati and Rajasthani languages...
Garbha). A special instrument 'Gumate' (ಗುಮಟೆ) is used in this. The earliest reference to this instrument goes back to 17th century when a Portuguese
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
traveller Petro della Valle came visiting to the Keladi
Keladi
Keladi is a temple town in Shimoga district of the state of Karnataka in India.Located about 8 KM from Sagara town.-History:It is interesting as the place whence the Ikkeri chiefs derived their origin, which is thus related :-...
Kingdom. He mentions the art being performed by ladies in the city of Ikkeri
Ikkeri
Ikkeri is situated in Shimoga district of Karnataka state at about 6 km to the south of Sagara. The word Ikkeri in Kannada means "Two Streets". It was, from about 1560 to 1640 AD, the capital of the Keladi chiefs, afterwards removed to Bednur...
.
During Deepavali the festival of lights, the Halepaiks have a ritual of singing verses called 'Bingi-Pada' (ಬಿ೦ಗಿ ಪದ) while bringing the lamp. This is followed by other communities like Madivala and Kare Vokkaliga too.
The Dahikaala (ದಹಿಕಾಲ) festival in Ankola
Ankola
Ankola which is a Taluk is in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state, India. A small town by any standard surrounded by numerous temples. It is in line with Arabian sea. The beaches present at this place are Baskal gudda, nadibag, shedikuli, keni, Belekeri and many more...
as in Dahi Handi of North India celebrates the playful and mischievous side of Krishna
Krishna
Krishna is a central figure of Hinduism and is traditionally attributed the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita. He is the supreme Being and considered in some monotheistic traditions as an Avatar of Vishnu...
, where teams of young men form human pyramids to reach a high-hanging pot of butter and break it. This festival is very much important to the Halepaiks of Ankola
Ankola
Ankola which is a Taluk is in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state, India. A small town by any standard surrounded by numerous temples. It is in line with Arabian sea. The beaches present at this place are Baskal gudda, nadibag, shedikuli, keni, Belekeri and many more...
in particular and the teams usually are of Halepaik youth by tradition.
Tradition
Halepaiks all along the history have formed the sword-arm of the dynasties and kingdoms in the region. As soldeirs, commanders, mercenaries there have been many instances where the sacrifices and valour of Halepaiks have stood out.The region of Uttara Kannada
Uttara Kannada
Uttara Kannada also known as North Canara or North Kanara, is a district in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is bordered by the state of Goa and Belgaum District to the north, Dharwad District and Haveri District to the east, Shimoga District and Udupi District to the south and the...
is dotted by many Jataga/Beera (ಜಟಗ /ಬೀರ) temples and Masti-kattes (ಮಾಸ್ತಿ=ಮಹಾಸತಿ). These are said to be the hero-worship memorials (ವೀರಗಲ್ಲು) of combatants succumbing in battles and their consorts/wives, committing Sati
Sati
Sati may refer to:*An alternative name for Hindu goddess Dakshayani, Shiva's first wife*Sati , an ancient Indian tradition of the immolation of a widow on her husband's funeral pyre, now illegal*Mindfulness...
or even dying in battlefield fighting the enemy. The local folk culture identifies most of these memorials belonging to Halepaik warriors . Madageri Ramanatha (ಮಾಡಗೇರಿ ರಾಮನಾಥ), Kumara Rama of Chandavara (ಚ೦ದಾವರ ಕುಮಾರ ರಾಮ), Bankikodla Murkundi Honna (ಬ೦ಕಿಕೊಡ್ಲ ಮೂರ್ಕು೦ಡಿ ಹೊನ್ನ) are important examples. While Honnamma (ಹೊನ್ನಮ್ಮ)consort of Ramanatha is supposed to have died alongside him in the battlefield and hence became a Sati (virtuous wife), Murkundi Honna is said to have died in the Bargi-Ghat battle and his wife Mankali (ಮ೦ಕಾಳಿ) is said to have committed Sati
Sati
Sati may refer to:*An alternative name for Hindu goddess Dakshayani, Shiva's first wife*Sati , an ancient Indian tradition of the immolation of a widow on her husband's funeral pyre, now illegal*Mindfulness...
. Kumara Rama died fighting the Chandavar Sultan.
Dandina Hanuma (ದ೦ಡಿನ ಹನುಮ) temple in Chandavar is in the memory of a Halepaik captain named Hanuma. According to a popular legend the Jataga deity of this temple defeated the Sultan's army and put him to flight. Kapalira Amma (ಕಪಲಿ-ವೀರ ಅಮ್ಮ) temple in the vicinity is also related.
Other popular temples include the Honamavu Dandina Durgi (ಹೊನಮಾವು ದ೦ಡಿನ ದುರ್ಗಿ) temple , Oorakeri Kudure Beerappa and Malamma (ಕುದುರೆ ಬೀರಪ್ಪ ಮತ್ತು ಮಾಳಮ್ಮ) temple in Kumta
Kumta
- External links :*...
; Hacchchali Kudure,Aaneya Gove Ganapa (ಹಚ್ಚಾಲಿ ಕುದುರೆ ಮತ್ತು ಆನೆಯ ಗೋವೆ ಗಣಪ) of Madageri; Jattu-Masti (ಜಟ್ಟುಮಾಸ್ತಿ) , Malla-Masti (ಮಳ್ಳಮಾಸ್ತಿ), Honnamma-Masti (ಹೊನ್ನಮ್ಮಮಾಸ್ತಿ), Kondada-Masti (ಕೊ೦ಡದಮಾಸ್ತಿ), Kendada-Masti ( ಕೆ೦ಡದಮಾಸ್ತಿ) of Shirali
Shirali
Shirali is a village in the located in the Bhatkal subdistrict of Uttara Kannada district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Shirali is home to two prominent temples: the Chitrapur Matt and the Maha Ganapathi Mahammaya Temple...
; Sodigadde-Masti (ಸೋಡಿಗದ್ದೆಮಾಸ್ತಿ) of Bhatkal
Bhatkal
Bhatkal is also known as Batecala in some historical text especially in Portuguese history.Once ruled by Jain King Bhattakalanka and thus the name. Bhatkal is a port town in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India 126 km from Karwar. The town lies on NH-17 running between Mumbai and Mangalore...
.
Almost all these temples have 'Kenda-Hayuvike' ritual conducted annually. It is supposed to denote the committing of Sati by the deity and is usually done by Halepaik youth. During this a Choma (ಚೋಮ)or Large mask denoting the deity is worn by volunteer doing the ritual. A Choma is peculiar to each deity and may be in the shape of a horse, elephant depending on which deity it denotes (ex:ಹಚ್ಚಾಲಿ ಕುದುರೆ ಮತ್ತು ಆನೆಯ ಗೋವೆ ಗಣಪ).A Kalasha is carried during the Bandi-Habba festival denoting the deity.
The widespread occurrence of Sati among the Halepaiks which was only limited to the warrior class in those days and which is said to be a practice of Scythian origin further strengthens the Naga/Scythian origin theory of Halepaiks . Worship of local divine spirits can also be seen and the worship of Baleendra [King Mahabali
Mahabali
Mahabali , also known as Bali or Māveli was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam commemorates his yearly homecoming after being sent down to the underworld by Vamana, the fifth avatar of Vishnu.-Conquest of the Universe and banishment:Bali, an asura, was the...
worshipped in Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
during Onam
Onam
Onam is a Hindu festival celebrated by the people of Kerala, India. The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali. It falls during the month of Chingam and lasts for ten days...
] during Deepavali has been continuing since ages and is common to almost all communities in coastal Karnataka. Certain rituals as during marriage ceremony indicate their martial origin. Until recently it seems the bridegroom rode on a horse in full martial attire complete with a sword to his marriage. The betrothal ceremony too is accomplished in a manner indicating the bride being won in a duel.
In popular culture
A very famous proverb popular in the Uttara KannadaUttara Kannada
Uttara Kannada also known as North Canara or North Kanara, is a district in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is bordered by the state of Goa and Belgaum District to the north, Dharwad District and Haveri District to the east, Shimoga District and Udupi District to the south and the...
, Shimoga regions pays tribute to the battleskills of Halepaiks.
"ಸಾವಿರ ತಲೆ ಉರುಳಿದರೂ ದೀವರ ತಲೆ ಉರುಳೋದಿಲ್ಲ"
means, even if a thousand heads roll, the Deevars (Halepaik) heads don't.
The first reference to Halepaiks as a community comes from the 10th century workVikramarjunavijaya of Adikavi Pampa
Pampa
The Pampas are the fertile South American lowlands, covering more than , that include the Argentine provinces of Buenos Aires, La Pampa, Santa Fe, Entre Ríos and Córdoba, most of Uruguay, and the southernmost Brazilian State, Rio Grande do Sul...
. He refers to the houses of Halepaiks
"ಸಾಲಾಗಿಹ ಹಳೆಯಪೈಕರ ಮನೆಗಳವು"
in the Yudhishtiras city of Indraprastha which should be the present day Banavasi
Banavasi
Banavasi is an ancient temple town in Uttara Kannada District bordering Shivamogga district in the South Indian state of Karnataka .-History:Banavasi is one of the oldest towns in the Karnataka state...
as Pampa
Pampa
The Pampas are the fertile South American lowlands, covering more than , that include the Argentine provinces of Buenos Aires, La Pampa, Santa Fe, Entre Ríos and Córdoba, most of Uruguay, and the southernmost Brazilian State, Rio Grande do Sul...
had adapted the Mahabharata
Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India and Nepal, the other being the Ramayana. The epic is part of itihasa....
to the local kingdom and Arjuna
Arjuna
Arjuna in Indian mythology is the greatest warrior on earth and is one of the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahābhārata. Arjuna, whose name means 'bright', 'shining', 'white' or 'silver' Arjuna (Devanagari: अर्जुन, Thai: อรชุน, Orachun, Tamil: Arjunan, Indonesian and Javanese: Harjuna,...
was identified with his patron Arikesari.
The richest tribute yet to the Halepaik valour, though in fleeting references is paid by Kanthirava Narasaraja Vijaya (ಕಂಠೀರವ ನರಸರಾಜ ವಿಜಯ) , a 17th century historical account of life of Mysore Wodeyar king Kanthirava Narasaraja I by Govinda Vaidya describes the turbulent times faced by the Mysore region and the grit and mettle of the king Kanthirava in facing the same. In one of the battle scenes the poet describes the marauding and undefeated armies of Bijapur Sultanate under the famed general Ranadulla Khan, laying siege to the Shrirangapattana fort. In this the poet aptly captures the valour of Halepaik infantry in fighting off the aggressors and wreaking havoc on them by looking very much the embodiment of battle-gods (ರಣ ಕಲಿ).
"ಕವಿದು ಕೋಟೆಯ ತೆನಗೆ ಉರುಬುವ ಖಾನರು ಕರಾಚೂರಿ ಯಿಂದ ತಿವಿಯೇ , ಕೆಳಗೆ ತಲೆಯಾಗಿ ಸುರುಳಿ ಬಿದ್ದ ಅಸುರರ ಹವಣನು ಈಶ್ವರ ತಾನೆ ಬಲ್ಲ .
ಚಿಗಿದು ಆಳವೆರಿಗಿಳಿವ ಖಾನಖಾನರ ಮುಂದಲೆಗಳ ನಗುತ ಪಿಡಿದು , ಆಯುಧಗಳ ಉಗಿದು , ಶಿರಗಳ ಖಂಡಿಸಿ , ಅಗಳಿಗೆ ಇಟ್ಟರು"
"ವಸುಧೇಶ್ವರ ಕಂಠೀರವ ಸಾಕಿರ್ದ
ಅಸಹಾಯ ಶೂರ ಮನ್ನೆಯರು
ದೆಸೆದೆಸೆಯೋಳು ಕೋಟೆಗದರ್ವ
ಖಾನರುಗಳ ಕುಸುರಿದರಿದು ಕೆಡಹಿದರು"
"ಮೈಸೂರಿನ ಹಳೆಯ ಪೈಕದ ಕೋವಿಯ ಭಟರು ವೈರಿಗಳ ತಲೆ ಚೆಂಡಆಡಿದರು , ಏರಿ ಬರುವ ತುರುಕರ ಸೈನ್ಯವನ್ನು ಚೆದುರಿಸುತ..."
Halepaiks find continuous reference in Kuvempu
Kuvempu
Kuppali Venkatappagowda Puttappa was a Kannada writer and poet, widely regarded as the greatest poet of 20th century Kannada literature. He is the first among eight recipients of Jnanpith Award for Kannada. Puttappa wrote all his literary works using the pen name Kuvempu...
's Malegalalli Madumagalu
Malegalalli madumagalu
Malegalalli Madumagalu is a 1967 Kannada novel by popular author & poet, Kuvempu. The title "Malegalalli madumagalu" translates to "the bride in the mountains"...
& Kanooru Subbamma Heggaditi which deal with life in the Western Ghats
Western Ghats
The Western Ghats, Western Ghauts or the Sahyādri is a mountain range along the western side of India. It runs north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, and separates the plateau from a narrow coastal plain along the Arabian Sea. The Western Ghats block rainfall to the Deccan...
in the 19th century. The then contemporary condition of Halepaiks, vague reference to their origins, social standings, inter relation with other communities, ongoing class struggle can be summed up from this work . Kuvempu indicates that there was a decision taken among the landlords that Halepaiks were to be not allowed to hold their own lands and were to be confined to tilling others' lands. The discrimination extended to ceremonies and rituals as well with the Halepaik groom not allowed to ride a horse to his marriage as was the practice for ages . The landlords seem to have guarded this privilege of theirs very closely. This also indicates the social downfall Halepaiks had attained by then.
Present conditions and social status
The martial Halepaiks took to agriculture in peacetime and down the centuries were left with small landholdings, a condition which led to them being downtrodden and marginalized. Until recently Halepaiks were known for their status as resident cultivators (Gross-crop sharing), that is working on lands passed on by heredity on the condition of parting with a portion of produce. This system is known as Geni paddati (tenure system) in Kannada. There are two versions, Moola geni (protected tenant with certain rights; similar to Bhoomidar of U.P) being the hereditary one and Chala geni (tenant at will; ex Sirdars and Asamis of U.P) given on a contract lasting 4–5 years. Halepaiks became almost synonymous with the Moolageni system. With the undergoing changes at the socio-political level and the onset of lenders the condition became such that over the last century every family which was poor to own land by themselves took to the above said system irrespective of caste, creed and community. From Brahmins to Muslims they were at it for livelihood . Most became resident cultivators in their own land due to debt trap. Even so there was oppression in the Geni system with the landlords resorting to arm twisting and violence to extract greater share. This led to one of the most important agrarian movements in post independent India, the Kagodu satyagraha. The Kagodu Satyagraha of 1951 turned out to be a memorable period for the community, with many from community assuming leadership in the movement. The doyen of community like H.Ganpatiyappa, Savaji Beera Naik, Mandagadale Ram Naik worked closely with leaders like Shantaveri Gopalagowda, Yusuf MeherallyYusuf Meherally
Yusuf Meherally was an Indian freedom fighter and socialist leader. He was elected Mayor of Bombay in 1942 while he was imprisoned in Yerawada Central Prison....
to make it a success . This movement was very much responsible for the future land reforms that took place giving the land to the tiller.
The community today has produced many notable personalities and the younger generation continues the remarkable work done by its predecessors. Today the community is prosperous & boasts of a workforce including software professionals, doctors, lawyers, actors, civil servants, teachers, entrepreneurs and people in other successful fields. The literacy rate is high in both males and females and presently the emphasis has been rightly placed on education as may be evident from the fact that many youngsters are opting for higher studies abroad.