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| {{For | Naik | Namadhari Naik }} | |||
| '''Namadhari Naik''' is a ] ] District of ] State in ] and are numerically a majority community in the district. They are also known as ] and are referred to as the same in most of the literature. ], ] are the other terms used for reference. They are clubbed along with other similar communities like Idiga and ] in the government list. The term ''Arya-Idiga'' is also used widely to refer them. They are mainly into agriculture, though toddy tapping once formed an important source of income. The people of the community use Naik, Nayak, and Namadhari as surnames. The community considers the Lord of ] as their deity, apart from the local gods as family deities depending on the place of their origin. | |||
| {{original research|date=May 2010}} | |||
| {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}} | |||
| {{Use Indian English|date=December 2019}} | |||
| {{Infobox ethnic group | |||
| | image = File:Namadhari Naik.jpg | |||
| | caption = | |||
| | group = Namadhari ನಾಮಧಾರಿ | |||
| | population = | |||
| | popplace = Uttara Kannada, Udupi | |||
| | region1 = {{flagcountry|India}} | |||
| * ] | |||
| | languages = ] | |||
| | religions = ] ] | |||
| }} | |||
| '''Namadhari Naik,''' also known as '''Hale paika, Namadhari Naik, Namadhari Gowda,''' is a Hindu warrior community predominantly found in ] ] of ] State in ], and forms the numerical majority in the region. Traditionally, members of the Namadhari Naik community have been engaged in ], ], and ], though ] once formed an important source of income. The surnames ] (ನಾಯಕ) and ] (ನಾಯ್ಕ), along with (surname)], are commonly used among community members, signifying their status and lineage. | |||
| ==Etymology== | |||
| The word '''Namadhari''' seems to be of later origin attributed to their Vaishnavite allegiance. Initially they seem to have been following ] or ] belief which was widespread in ] region. In 14th century they were brought to Vaishnava fold under the guidance of a ] pontiff along with other communities in the region. Hence the term ''Namadhari''. It can be noted here that among the ] too there is a grouping called ] which has similar origin. This has been referred to by greatest poet of modern Kannada, ] in his magnum opus ]. | |||
| '''Halepaika''' in Kannada means ''Old Soldiers'' . In the ] of ] dating back to 10th century there is a reference to the houses of Halepaika in the new capital of ], the ]. 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 ]s which means 'junior soldiers' in Kannada and are said to have migrated during 12th century.<ref>--</ref> There is a reference to a regiment of Halepaika in one of the paintings of ]. It is known that the community served as soldiers , 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 ] and ]s to ] kingdom and later ]s. While serving in the armies Namadharis or Halepaiks attributed to have invented a novel way of escaping certain death in the ] by applying ] on their ] and acting dead. The ] swarming around the jaggery on the buttocks created the illusion of a rotting ] and the opponents did not realise that the brave fallen ] is not dead but just acting. This led to a popular kannada saying in ] District amounting to "even if thousands of heads roll, the deevars/namdharis will survive". | |||
| ==Origin== | |||
| The term ''Deeva'' finds mention in the great epic '']'' as to one involved in the naval occupation and to denote islanders. In Kannada, Deeveru means islanders. Incidentally the term ''Idiga'' also means ''islander'' or someone belonging to ]. Hence it is not surprising to know about some similar communities of Lanka with similar antecedents . Incidentally the term '']'' 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. | |||
| There is little known about the origins of this community. However, based on evidence that one of their sects' guru or leader was located in ] of the ] (commonly known as Karnataka empire), it is inferred that their traditions are linked to the Vijayanagara Empire. They are presumed to have been part of the ] kingdom of the Vijayanagara Empire, possibly serving as soldiers within its formidable military forces. | |||
| == |
==Sub groups== | ||
| Disregarding various myths and legends, the Halepaika community comprises two sub-groups: Tengina Deewaru (Coconut Palm), who live along the coast, known as Namadharis or Trinamadharis, and Bayine Deewaru or Kānu Deewaru, who reside in the hill regions. The names Namadhari or Trinamadhari come from the followers of Sri ] sect, with the Trinamadharis claiming social superiority over the Namadharis. However, according to the 1901 census, most identified themselves as Namadharis. The term "Hale" means ancient or old, and "Paika" refers to soldiers, indicating their martial background. During the British colonial period, the Halepaikas were known as troublesome martial tribes. At various times, they served as a military force for the rulers of Vijayanagara and the coastal chieftains.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |title=The Tribes and Castes of Bombay |year=1922 |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.7823 |first=Reginald Edward |last=Enthoven |location=Bombay |publisher=Government Central Press}} – three volumes, published between 1920–1922</ref> | |||
| The Namadharis or Halepaiks have a distinct culture, complete with a distinct dialect of their own. Though the dialect is no more differentiable from normal Kannada, it still retains some distinct words. Worship of local divine spirits can also be seen and the worship of ''Baleendra'' ] worshipped in ] during ]] during ] 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. | |||
| The term "Deewaru" relates to "Teewaru," meaning islanders, indicating a connection to island origins. This is supported by ] traditions that speak of some ] tribes migrating to ] and then spreading along the northern coastal regions upon their return. Thus, they are also referred to as islanders. Anthropological studies highlight similarities between the Halepaikas and the ].<ref name=":0" /> | |||
| ==In popular culture== | |||
| Halepaiks find continuous reference in ]'s ] which deals with life in the ] 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. | |||
| In ancient times, the Halepaikas were organized into social groups based on different ] known as "] (ಬಳಿ)," named after elements of nature like trees, ], or animals, believed to be the totems of the clan's ancestors.<ref name=":0" /> The Bali names were often derived from nature, indicating a deep connection to the environment and possibly the occupations or social status within the community. Marriages were conducted outside one's own Bali to maintain ]. A distinctive feature of this community's Balis is that the origin of the Balis is traced through women, not men. Observing this practice suggests that this community has its roots in the practice of ] that existed in ]. | |||
| ==Present conditions and social status== | |||
| ==The Ancient Social Structure and traditions== | |||
| The martial Halepaiks took to agriculture and toddy tapping 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, that is working on lands passed on by heredity on the condition of parting with a portion of produce. This system is known as ] in Kannada. There are two versions, ] being the hereditary one and ] 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 ] to ] 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 ] 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 ]. The ] 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 ], ], ] worked closely with leaders like ], ] 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. | |||
| In ancient times, the Halepaikas were a settled and cohesive community. They inhabited the Uttara Kannada district, where they had meticulously organized their domains into twelve distinct sectors. The coastal regions of the Halepaika territory were divided into: | |||
| 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. | |||
| 1) Chandavar 2) ] 3) ] 4) Ankola | |||
| ⚫ | ==References== | ||
| {{Reflist}}<!--added under references heading by script-assisted edit--> | |||
| #Malegalalli madumagalu, Kuvempu. | |||
| #Pampana samastha bharata kathamruta, Dr.L.Basavaraju. | |||
| #Bombay gazetteer in Karnataka: Dharwad,Belgaum,Bijapur and Kannara districts, Venkataramgo Katti. | |||
| #Kaada toreya jaadu: Autobiography of Kadidal Shamanna. Kagodu ondu nenapu, C.B.Chandrashekhar. | |||
| Chandavar was esteemed among these sectors, with Konalli, situated in its vicinity, regarded as the cultural and spiritual heartland of the community, often referred to as the "motherland". The dwellings they occupied bore no mark of peculiarity, embodying the simplicity of their way of life. | |||
| ==See also== | |||
| *] | |||
| The hill territories of the Halepaikas were segmented into: | |||
| *] | |||
| *] | |||
| 1) ] 2) ] 3) ] 4) Sirsi 5) ] 6) ] 7) Isloor 8) Bilgi | |||
| *] | |||
| *] | |||
| Each sector was composed of numerous villages, bound together by a shared identity and common traditions. Leadership within each sector was vested in a "Buddhivanta" or chief, a title passed down through generations. This chief held the authority to convene assemblies aimed at resolving communal disputes. Matters that remained unsettled were escalated to the landlord, who served as the overarching chief for several sectors. In those times, the Halepaikas maintained a strict social boundary, refraining from assimilating individuals from other castes into their fold.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
| *] | |||
| *] | |||
| ===Dietary Practices=== | |||
| *] | |||
| The Halepaikas traditionally consume a variety of meats as part of their diet, including ], ] and several types of ]. | |||
| ==Notable people== | |||
| * ], former minister, ]<ref>{{cite news |title=Uttara Kannada left out of Ministry expansion |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/uttara-kannada-left-out-of-ministry-expansion/article18408473.ece |access-date=30 June 2018 |agency=The Hindu}}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | ==References== | ||
| {{reflist}} | |||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
Latest revision as of 16:35, 25 July 2024
For Naik, see Namadhari Naik. | This article possibly contains original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. (May 2010) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Ethnic group
 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Uttara Kannada, Udupi | |
| Languages | |
| Kannada | |
| Religion | |
 Hinduism |
Namadhari Naik, also known as Hale paika, Namadhari Naik, Namadhari Gowda, is a Hindu warrior community predominantly found in Uttara Kannada of Karnataka State in India, and forms the numerical majority in the region. Traditionally, members of the Namadhari Naik community have been engaged in agriculture, military service, and priesthood, though toddy tapping once formed an important source of income. The surnames Nayak (ನಾಯಕ) and Naik (ನಾಯ್ಕ), along with (surname)], are commonly used among community members, signifying their status and lineage.
Origin
There is little known about the origins of this community. However, based on evidence that one of their sects' guru or leader was located in Anegundi of the Vijayanagara Empire (commonly known as Karnataka empire), it is inferred that their traditions are linked to the Vijayanagara Empire. They are presumed to have been part of the Hindu kingdom of the Vijayanagara Empire, possibly serving as soldiers within its formidable military forces.
Sub groups
Disregarding various myths and legends, the Halepaika community comprises two sub-groups: Tengina Deewaru (Coconut Palm), who live along the coast, known as Namadharis or Trinamadharis, and Bayine Deewaru or Kānu Deewaru, who reside in the hill regions. The names Namadhari or Trinamadhari come from the followers of Sri Ramanuja's sect, with the Trinamadharis claiming social superiority over the Namadharis. However, according to the 1901 census, most identified themselves as Namadharis. The term "Hale" means ancient or old, and "Paika" refers to soldiers, indicating their martial background. During the British colonial period, the Halepaikas were known as troublesome martial tribes. At various times, they served as a military force for the rulers of Vijayanagara and the coastal chieftains.
The term "Deewaru" relates to "Teewaru," meaning islanders, indicating a connection to island origins. This is supported by Malabar traditions that speak of some Dravidian tribes migrating to Sri Lanka and then spreading along the northern coastal regions upon their return. Thus, they are also referred to as islanders. Anthropological studies highlight similarities between the Halepaikas and the Thiyyas.
In ancient times, the Halepaikas were organized into social groups based on different clans known as "Balis (ಬಳಿ)," named after elements of nature like trees, snakes, or animals, believed to be the totems of the clan's ancestors. The Bali names were often derived from nature, indicating a deep connection to the environment and possibly the occupations or social status within the community. Marriages were conducted outside one's own Bali to maintain genetic diversity. A distinctive feature of this community's Balis is that the origin of the Balis is traced through women, not men. Observing this practice suggests that this community has its roots in the practice of polyandry that existed in South India.
The Ancient Social Structure and traditions
In ancient times, the Halepaikas were a settled and cohesive community. They inhabited the Uttara Kannada district, where they had meticulously organized their domains into twelve distinct sectors. The coastal regions of the Halepaika territory were divided into:
1) Chandavar 2) Mirjan 3) Gerusoppa 4) Ankola
Chandavar was esteemed among these sectors, with Konalli, situated in its vicinity, regarded as the cultural and spiritual heartland of the community, often referred to as the "motherland". The dwellings they occupied bore no mark of peculiarity, embodying the simplicity of their way of life.
The hill territories of the Halepaikas were segmented into:
1) Yellapur 2) Sonda 3) Karwar 4) Sirsi 5) Hulekal 6) Banavasi 7) Isloor 8) Bilgi
Each sector was composed of numerous villages, bound together by a shared identity and common traditions. Leadership within each sector was vested in a "Buddhivanta" or chief, a title passed down through generations. This chief held the authority to convene assemblies aimed at resolving communal disputes. Matters that remained unsettled were escalated to the landlord, who served as the overarching chief for several sectors. In those times, the Halepaikas maintained a strict social boundary, refraining from assimilating individuals from other castes into their fold.
Dietary Practices
The Halepaikas traditionally consume a variety of meats as part of their diet, including poultry, mutton and several types of fish.
Notable people
- Shivanand Naik, former minister, Government of Karnataka
References
- ^ Enthoven, Reginald Edward (1922). The Tribes and Castes of Bombay. Bombay: Government Central Press. – three volumes, published between 1920–1922
- "Uttara Kannada left out of Ministry expansion". The Hindu. Retrieved 30 June 2018.