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| The Vokkaligas ( |
The '''Vokkaligas''' ({{lang-kn|ವಕ್ಕಲಿಗರು}}) are an ]n ] or ] found mainly in the ] of southern ] state. In ] they are known as '''Okkaligar''' and use ] as a title.<ref name= Vokka/> | ||
| == Origins |
== Origins == | ||
| ''Vokkalathana'' in ] language means ''tilling land'' and Vokkaliga means ''one who tills land''. The agricultural communities of south Karnataka are called Vokkaligas. | ''Vokkalathana'' in ] language means ''tilling land'' and Vokkaliga means ''one who tills land''. The agricultural communities of south Karnataka are called Vokkaligas. | ||
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| Vokkaliga Gowdas are known for their agricultural activities and recorded prosperity through cultivation. The common saying "Gowda chennagiddare ooru Chennagiruthe" means "When a Gowda is happy the whole Village is Happy". This implies the significance of the group among the Socio-Economic Groups.<ref name= Vokka/> | Vokkaliga Gowdas are known for their agricultural activities and recorded prosperity through cultivation. The common saying "Gowda chennagiddare ooru Chennagiruthe" means "When a Gowda is happy the whole Village is Happy". This implies the significance of the group among the Socio-Economic Groups.<ref name= Vokka/> | ||
| '''Great Migration''' | |||
| The Aryans who invaded had disregarded the local cultures and occupied greater part of North India by pushing others to southwards or towards the jungles and mountains in North India. The '''Manu Dharma Sasthra''' rules for living were devised to degrade the indigenous Dravidians during the reign of Huns who tyrannically suppressed and oppressed them in Northern India and forced them to migrate to different regions. | |||
| The Hindu King '''Chandragupta-II''' who ruled North India during the post-Vedic period by waging the wars also pushed the Vokkaligas further from Delhi to other regions. They found their way to Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and regions lying between Ganga and Yamuna rivers, suggesting that the Hindus did have conflicts, unhealthy competition and inbuilt rivalry in those days as in the modern era, which alienated the people and exposed them to invasions by foreigners. The Nawabs who ruled India were also in opposition to Vokkaligas as they resisted to have their daughters married to them. The atrocities committed by the rulers on them in the North, and subsequently in the Central India made them to move to the '''Thungabadra River''' area in the South through Mazhava, Birar of Central India and Bhamini State lying on the South of Krishna River for safeguarding the interests of their women flock.The existence of 15 Dravidian languages out of 430 living languages of India in several regions of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra, Gujarat, Orissa and West Bengal is possible evidence to show that the Vokkaligars might have spread to these regions while fleeing from the North to the South during different periods of history.The River Thungabadra was in spate at the time of their arrival and found difficult to cross. Their chief Janakkallar made the prayers and offered sacrifice to God, which enabled them to cross the river on 18th of '''Adi /Asada Month''' i.e.3rd or 4th of August. According to the other version available with the Archeological Department at Coimbatore one of the Chieftains, Jallathipparaya (Jallam = water, Thipparaya = come back) was responsible for getting them to other side of Thungabadra River through his prayers and sacrifice.The event of crossing the River was being remembered every year by most of the South Indian communities irrespective of castes on 18th of Adi Month (August 3 or 4th) by celebrating it as '''‘Adi Perukku’''' (spate of Rivers) festival. It is performed not only for the prosperity of the family and society but also to remember the sacrifice made by their forefathers on this day while crossing the River. The population mourns and worships their forefathers on this day by conducting rituals. According to the Hyderabad and Arekaree Allakur Gazetteers the population of Vokkaligars was found to exist at Godhavari region of Andhrapradsh in A.D.8 and 10th centuries. They moved beyond Thungabadra River down to South and settled in a group at a place Nandana Hosur named after the Nandhi .The disturbances that possibly took place at Nandana Hosur in latter periods might have forced them to migrate to other places. Many of them were moved towards the Martha region presently Maharastra in 1224 and Tamilnadu in 1565 after the '''Talakad War'''. According to the Ethnographic Survey of Karnataka the successive influx of population that took place from the Western Martha region into Chitradurg and Tumkur areas of Karnataka might have set in the ecological succession that displaced their community down to Tamilnadu. They settled down at various parts in Tamilnadu mostly along the mountain range of the Western Ghats of Tamilnadu . There is another story that a Chieftain of Vokkaligar community from Bellary area of Karnataka invaded Madurai in Tamilnadu and ruled for a brief period .The people who came along with him had settled down in and around the Western region of Madurai on the mountain range of the Western Ghats. The people who migrated towards East founded their settlements in the present Orissa and Bengal regions, formed their kingdom and named as '''Gowda Desam''' .Wherever they went they built the '''‘Ammasimane’''' at their settlements and accommodated their '''Kula Devathaigals''' (Family Deities). There are more than 190 such family temples spread over 150 different villages covering 50 taluks in 13 Districts of Andhrapradesh, Karnataka and Tamilnadu States in India .The people of the community who settled down in different places of South and other States worshiped the Kula Devathaigals at Ammasimane by paying frequent visits on pilgrimages. They also organized an important festival called '''‘Jathrai’''' once in 12 years at their different settlements where the kula deity had been sanctified and offered their prayers for the welfare of people as preached by their chief at the time of crossing the River. This festival is being followed even now and has become an annual feature in some of the settlements in the modern days. | |||
| == Other References == | == Other References == | ||
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| '''Vokkaliga''' | '''Vokkaliga''' | ||
| The Vokkaligars was neither a caste nor a cult in previous periods of history also succumbed to | |||
| The orgin and history of Vokkaligas date back to the dawn of the era Dwapara Yuga (4000 - 3102 BC) and came into existence from the sticking milk that was poured over the Lingams of God Shiva by the Kamadhenu. They were very traditional, modest, non-aggressive and peace-loving people and led a disciplined life in the forest area of the Himalayan range by adhering strictly to the moral codes for living. They were secular and did not have any stratification in their commune during pre- Vedic period but worshipped the God Shiva in the form of Lingams. According to various inscriptions that were found on the copper plates and palm leaves in Archives in South India they were originally 48 in numbers and considered as forefathers of the modern Vokkaligars. Their behaviour, characters, physiques and their social activities are shown against their name in parenthesis as follows: 1).Alenavaru (Alcohol free), 2).Alpenavaru (Used to be Alcohol free), 3).Alunavaru (Philanthropist),4). Andenavaru (Good Anchors), 5).Arasanavaru (Guru, Judge), 6).Avinavar (Traditional),7).Badavanavaru (Singer), 8).Basalenavru (Traders), 9).Bellenavaru (Aggressive one), 10).Danyathavaru (Elegant people),11).Dasalenavaru (One who stitches),12).Ellaioru (Elite people), 13).Emmenavaru (Diplomat), 14).Eradukkarioru (Absent minded), 15).Ethirukaraioru (Moral people), 16).Goniyoru (Rigid people), 17).Gudioru (Guard, guest), 18).Hundenavaru (Humorous one), 19).Huliyaru (Humane people), 20).Janakallinavru (Caretaker), 21).Jannakkoru (Warden), 22).Jaladenavaru (Jailor), 23).Jeriyoru (Entertainers), 24).Jeerikkoru (Jealous people), 25).Kallaioru (Karma), 26).Kamblioru (Juvenile in nature), 27).Kankalanavaru (Zealous), 28).Karikkenavaru (Youthful), 29).Kakkiyavaru (Enthusiastic one), 30).Kattaratavaru (Ardent people), 31).Koopaenavaru (With eye makeup), 32).Kokkenavaru (Knowledgeable), 33).Kuloru (Traditional people), 34).Mansanvaru (Recite Hymen), 35).Mayoru (Confused one), 36).Ollakkaloru (Celebrity), 37).Onamanavaru (Powerful one), 38).Rageoru (Crazy people),39(.Ravuththnaoru (Chatter), 40).Saradenavaru (Intelligent People), 41).Sarangathoru (Wisdom People), 42).Settenavaru (Decision makers), 43).Soolenavaru (Vocalists), 44).Thabbakkioru (Textile makers), 45).Thomkuthioru (Meticulous one), 46).Ullenavaru (Autocrat), 47).Uthathoru (Toolmakers) and 48).Uthenavaru (Commandeer). | |||
| the influence of this system and became one of the dominant ‘castes’ in the Indian society which | |||
| .Among them Avunavaru, Badavanaru, Basalenavaru, Emmenavaru, Dasalenavaru, Danyathavaru, Hundenavaru, Jaladenavaru, and Janakallinavaru got married to beautiful girls of Shri Krishna Kula set of Yadhava community and rest of them were married to the offspring of these couples by following the system of the brotherhood and living in the Himalayan regions and moved around Delhi during the pre-Vedic periods. Vokkaligas is a community that not only exists in South Karnataka but also in different parts of Tamillnadu,Andhrapradesh,Maharastra and Kerala and their main profession is agriculture similar to Kurmi caste of North India or '''Vellalar''' of Tamil nadu. . People belonging to Vokkaliga community are known as Okkalia of Utkala Kingdom presently Orissa.The origin of '''Cholas''' who founded a celebrated kingdom in Tamilnadu are also from this region and likely originated from this community. Many more people of different communities use Gowda as surname. Vokkaliga have names such as '''Gowda,''' '''Gowder,''' '''Gounder''', '''Reddy,''' '''Rao,''' '''Naidu''' and '''Naicker''' as the title after their name in the Southern States of India and these names are being used in the modern time to identify the group to which a person belongs A Gowda, also spelled Gowdaru or '''Gauda''' or '''Nayaka''' ( = Head / Chief) is the not a name of any caste. Gowda is a leader of a group or Head of Territory. The Gowdas claim to be Land Lords and Village Head Men and are known to be the dominant and powerful caste group in the Village. Vokkaliga Gowdas are known for their agricultural activities and recorded prosperity through cultivation. The common saying "Gowda Chennagiddare ooru Chennagiruthe" means "When a Gowda is happy the whole Village is Happy". This implies the significance of the group among the Socio-Economic Groups. | |||
| undergone several transformations and fractured into different sub divisions such as | |||
| * Gangadikar Vokkaliga | |||
| * Kunchitiga Vokkaliga | |||
| * Rodhagaru vokkaliga | |||
| * Morasu Vokkaliga | |||
| * Hallikar Vokkaliga | |||
| * Reddy Vokkaliga | |||
| * Gudi Vokkaliga | |||
| * Grama Vokkaliga | |||
| * Keeraikara Vokkaliga | |||
| * Kappu Vokkaliga | |||
| * Namdhari Vokkaliga | |||
| * Musuku Vokkaliga | |||
| * Nonaba Vokkaliga | |||
| * kotte vokkaliga | |||
| * halakki Vokkaliga | |||
| * Uppina kolaga Vokkaliga | |||
| * Daasa Vokkaliga | |||
| * Mullu Vokkaliga | |||
| * Jogi Vokkaliga | |||
| ⚫ | ''Kunchitiga'' vokkaligas literally means traditional and they were known for being conservative and ardent followers of traditions and were mostly farmers. | ||
| '''Transformation of Vokkaliga''' | |||
| The Vokkaligar was neither a caste nor a cult in previous periods of history also succumbed to the influence of this system and became one of the dominant ‘castes’ in the Indian society which undergone several transformations and fractured into different sub divisions such as | |||
| ⚫ | ''Rodhagaru vokkaligas mainly found in Tumkur(Mainly in Pavagada,Madhugiri,gowri bidanuru),Bangalore,chitradurga,davanagere,Haveri etc.The name rodhagaru has been derived from the name of goddess 'Rodhamma'.this temple is in rodham village near Penagonda belongs to andhra pradesh. | ||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | ''Namadhari Vokkaligaru'' mainly found in Malenadu region of Karnataka. (Mainly in Shimoga and Chikkamagaluru Districts). Namadhari Vokkaligas form a major population of Vokkaliga Community. | ||
| '''Gudi Vokkaligar''' literally means guard or guest that perhaps related either to the duty of guarding the community or they were known for entertaining the guests and this division is an off shoot of one of the kula viz '''Gudioru''' . | |||
| ''Gudi vokkaliga'' literally means guard or guest that perhaps related either to the duty of | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| guarding the community or they were known for entertaining the guests and this division is an off | |||
| shoot of one of the kula viz Gudioru [Gudi=guest, oru or avaru =company, also used to call a person | |||
| in respectable way in their Kannada language]. | |||
| ⚫ | ''Grama vokkaliga'' is the vokkaliga community residing in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The phrase 'grama(ಗ್ರಾಮ)' refers to village (ಗ್ರಾಮ/ಊರು), the main profession is ]. | ||
| ⚫ | ''Kerraikarar'' vokkaligar were very honest and keep up their words as understood from the meaning of the name of the sect and their main occupation was cultivating ‘kirai’ (Amranthus leaves) and other vegetables. | ||
| '''Gangadiga Vokkaligar''' (Gangatkars) okkaligars were healthy and honest business people | |||
| ⚫ | of Western Ganga Dynasty and '''Thooran Kootam''' of the |
||
| The other endogamous sub divisions of negligible importance are Kamati, Gauri, Bai and Sani. | |||
| ⚫ | ''Gangadiga Vokkaliga''(Gangatkars) of ] and '''Thooran Kootam''' of the Kongu Vellalar ] caste of ], ] share the same origin along with some sects of the agricultural '''Kongu Vellala Gounder''' community, who migrated from ], near ]. The Vokkaligas of the ] are mostly ' Gangadikars ' of endogamous division. | ||
| ⚫ | |||
| This community was further fractured into more than thirty castes in South India. They are | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| Hallikkar, Alubalija Naidu, Arumudi, Basunadi, Belakavadi, Devaru, Dhandi-vandake, | |||
| Eazhibkka, Ellamakappu, Gangala, Gowda, Kamma, Konganiga, Kumbi, Malava, Musuku, | |||
| Moasureddy, Murlay, Namadhari, Nadavaru, Nunubha, Nunubhakappu, Okkulu makkalu, | |||
| Osadevaru, Palayakottai Pattakkarars, Pandi, Pandaru bellakudi, Pammareddy, Pattikasalina, | |||
| Reddy, Sathsappa, Summareddy, Uppinagonika and Varajha. The genetic, ethnographic, and historical studies have shown that the castes of the Hindu have been highly endogamous for several thousand years | |||
| ⚫ | '''Distribution of Vokkaligas''' | ||
| ⚫ | |||
| This community was further fractured to into more than thirty castes in South India. They are Alubalija Naidu, Arumudi, Basunadi, Belakavadi,Daasa Vokkaliga, Devaru, Dhandi-vandake, Eazhibkka, Ellamakappu, Grama, Gangala, Gowda,Hallikkar,Halakki Vokkaliga,Jogi Vokkaliga, Kamma, Konganiga, Kumbi, Malava, Musuku, Moasureddy, Mullu Vokkaliga, Murlay, Namadhari, Nadavaru, Nunubha, Nunubhakappu, Okkulu makkalu, Osadevaru, Palayakottai Pattakkarars, Pandi, Pandaru bellakudi, Pammareddy, Pattikasalina, Rodhagaru, Reddy, Sathsappa, Summareddy, Uppinagonika and Varajha. The genetic, ethnographic, and historical studies have shown that these castes of the Hindu have been highly endogamous for several thousand years and originated from one and the same biological entity. The rivalry with in the community, migration to new regions and intermarriages held with in and out side the four major divisions resulting new cultures and also ego of dominating persons are responsible for development of these castes from a single entity. | |||
| ⚫ | '''Distribution of Vokkaligas''' | ||
| The populations of Vokkaligas of different sub-divisions had settled down in the districts of |
The populations of Vokkaligas of different sub-divisions had settled down in the districts of | ||
| Darwar, Davengere, Chitradurga, Bellary, Raichur,Tumkur, Kolar, Bangalore, Shimoga, Hassan, | |||
| Mandya,chickaballapur, Uttara Kannada and Mysore of Karnataka State;Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh and | |||
| Palaghat of Kerala State in South India. They hadalso settled down in more than 200 villages in the | |||
| districts of Dharmapuri, Salem, Nilagiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Karur, Trichy, Dindigul, | |||
| Madurai, Theni, Tirunelvelli and Kancheevaram in Tamil Nadu State of Southern India. | |||
| Among the different sub-divisions of Vokkaligas, Kunchitigas belong to about 35 Gotras(Kulas) | |||
| out of 101 known (Veerakyathaiah, 2005). A large portion of vokkaligas are found in the districts of Chitradurga, Tumkur, Bangalore and Mysore in the state of Karnataka. They are also found in various cosmopolitan cities of Andhrapradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu States in Southern India. | |||
| == |
== History == | ||
| The Yelahankanadu ({{convert|14|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} from ]) Prabhus were Gowdas or tillers of the Land. They belonged to Morasu Vokkalu sect, the ancestors of which were migrants from Morasunadu near ] (on the Bangalore–] Highway). Fourth in succession from Rana Bhairave Gowda, founder of the dynasty of Avati Nadu Prabhus and great grandson of Jaya Gowda, who established separate dynasty, is the famous Yelahanka Nadu Prabhus, ] who ruled for 46 years commencing his reign from 1513. Jaya Gowda accepted the sovergnity of the ] emperor.<ref name = about/> | The Yelahankanadu ({{convert|14|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} from ]) Prabhus were Gowdas or tillers of the Land. They belonged to Morasu Vokkalu sect, the ancestors of which were migrants from Morasunadu near ] (on the Bangalore–] Highway). Fourth in succession from Rana Bhairave Gowda, founder of the dynasty of Avati Nadu Prabhus and great grandson of Jaya Gowda, who established separate dynasty, is the famous Yelahanka Nadu Prabhus, ] who ruled for 46 years commencing his reign from 1513. Jaya Gowda accepted the sovergnity of the ] emperor.<ref name = about/> | ||
| The Gangadikar Gowdas were the Vokklaigas in other parts of ]. The name Gangadicara, which is derived from the word Gangawadi–kara, meaning the inhabitant of Gangawadi is a relic of ] Rule and has since survived in this part of Karnataka.<ref name= Vokka/> | The Gangadikar Gowdas were the Vokklaigas in other parts of ]. The name Gangadicara, which is derived from the word Gangawadi–kara, meaning the inhabitant of Gangawadi is a relic of ] Rule and has since survived in this part of Karnataka.<ref name= Vokka/> | ||
| '''Kempae Gowdas and Karnataka''' | |||
| Kempe Gowdas of the Morasu Vokkaliga sect, were great rulers who were concerned in the welfare of their subjects and spent lavishly in the construction of ], agraharas (suburbs of Brahmins), ] and ]. The Vokkaligas rendered great service in the fields of ], ] and soldiery. Kempegowda I conquered ] principality, {{convert|30|mi|km|abbr=on|1}} from Bangalore on Bangalore–Poona Hwy. Next, he annexed ] which is on the road from Bangalore to Old Bangalore Airport. Within this vast forest area, in 1537, he erected a mud fort and built the Township of Bangalore.<ref name= Vokka/> | Kempe Gowdas of the Morasu Vokkaliga sect, were great rulers who were concerned in the welfare of their subjects and spent lavishly in the construction of ], agraharas (suburbs of Brahmins), ] and ]. The Vokkaligas rendered great service in the fields of ], ] and soldiery. Kempegowda I conquered ] principality, {{convert|30|mi|km|abbr=on|1}} from Bangalore on Bangalore–Poona Hwy. Next, he annexed ] which is on the road from Bangalore to Old Bangalore Airport. Within this vast forest area, in 1537, he erected a mud fort and built the Township of Bangalore.<ref name= Vokka/> | ||
| Kempe Gowda I (1510 - 1570), whose ancestor had immigrated from ] to the neighborhood of Bangalore due to a personal feud with the chief of Kancheepuram established the city of Bangalore under the Vijayanagar empire. The document describing the city as he conceptualised it, written in Telugu the commonly spoken language of this region, is still preserved. This language is still spoken in the villages of Bangalore, Yelahanka, Devanahalli, Doddaballapur, Hoskote, Anekal and Hosur districts. | Kempe Gowda I (1510 - 1570), whose ancestor had immigrated from ] to the neighborhood of Bangalore due to a personal feud with the chief of Kancheepuram established the city of Bangalore under the Vijayanagar empire. The document describing the city as he conceptualised it, written in Telugu the commonly spoken language of this region, is still preserved. This language is still spoken in the villages of Bangalore, Yelahanka, Devanahalli, Doddaballapur, Hoskote, Anekal and Hosur districts. | ||
| Kempe Gowda I next annexed ] and Hesaraghatta. Bangalore's four main streets of the Old Bengaluru Pete, the Chickpete and Doddapete leading to Ulsoor gate, the Sondekoppa gate, the ] gate and the Anekal gate were laid. Kempe Gowda shifted his capital from Yelahanka to Bangalore. ] Achuta Raya granted Kempe Gowda I the neighboring villages of ], Jigani, ], ], Banavara and Kumbalgode, besides many other hamlets yielding a revenue of 30,000 varahas. Kempe Gowda I built the cave temple of ] at Gavipur, the ] in ], the Kempambudhi Tank and the Dharambudhi Tank. His successor, Kempe Gowda II, built the ], the Karanjee Tank, the Sampangi Tank, the Someswara Temple of Ulsoor, the famous four Kempe Gowda Towers and the Ranganatha Temple in Balepete, Bangalore.<ref name= Vokka/> | Kempe Gowda I next annexed ] and Hesaraghatta. Bangalore's four main streets of the Old Bengaluru Pete, the Chickpete and Doddapete leading to Ulsoor gate, the Sondekoppa gate, the ] gate and the Anekal gate were laid. Kempe Gowda shifted his capital from Yelahanka to Bangalore. ] Achuta Raya granted Kempe Gowda I the neighboring villages of ], Jigani, ], ], Banavara and Kumbalgode, besides many other hamlets yielding a revenue of 30,000 varahas. Kempe Gowda I built the cave temple of ] at Gavipur, the ] in ], the Kempambudhi Tank and the Dharambudhi Tank. His successor, Kempe Gowda II, built the ], the Karanjee Tank, the Sampangi Tank, the Someswara Temple of Ulsoor, the famous four Kempe Gowda Towers and the Ranganatha Temple in Balepete, Bangalore.<ref name= Vokka/> | ||
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| There is an inscription in old Kannada,dated 1628, in the Ranganatha Temple, the ] translation of which is "Be it well, When Rajadhi-Raja-Parameshwara Vira Pratapa Vira-Maha-Deva Maharaya seated in the Jewel throne was ruling the empire of the world: When of the Asannavakula, the Yelahanka Nadu Prabhu Kempanacharya-Gauni's grandson Kempe Gowda''s son, Immadi Kempegaunayya was ruling a peaceful kingdom in righteousness". With the decline of the Vijayanagar Empire, the eclipse of the rule of Yelahanka Nadu Prabhus took place at the dawn of the Seventeenth century.<ref name= Vokka/> | There is an inscription in old Kannada,dated 1628, in the Ranganatha Temple, the ] translation of which is "Be it well, When Rajadhi-Raja-Parameshwara Vira Pratapa Vira-Maha-Deva Maharaya seated in the Jewel throne was ruling the empire of the world: When of the Asannavakula, the Yelahanka Nadu Prabhu Kempanacharya-Gauni's grandson Kempe Gowda''s son, Immadi Kempegaunayya was ruling a peaceful kingdom in righteousness". With the decline of the Vijayanagar Empire, the eclipse of the rule of Yelahanka Nadu Prabhus took place at the dawn of the Seventeenth century.<ref name= Vokka/> | ||
| ==Vokkaliga Organisations== | ==Vokkaliga Organisations== | ||
| There are several Vokkaliga organisations serving the community . | There are several Vokkaliga organisations serving the community . | ||
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| ==Community today== | ==Community today== | ||
| Vokkaligas once known for their successful agricultural activities now have diversified in to different fields with mild to moderate success. | |||
| Vokkaligas once known for their successful agricultural activities now have diversified in to different fields with mild to moderate success.Vokkaligas once known for their successful agricultural activities now have diversified in to different fields with mild to moderate success.The current status of their population comprises professionals, affluent industrialists and reputed Scientists who are serving the society in different parts of the world in different capacities. They have made very impressive contributions not only in the field of production of agriculture, horticultural, floricultural products and marketing but also in the fields of environment, forestry, education, linguistics, arts, culture, health and medicine, sciences including the modern technologies, industries, trades, commerce, charity, social, justice, law and order, state administration, cinematography and politics. Their sustained efforts in these fields facilitated the improvement of the standard of living of people, which enabled the overall growth, and development of their settlements and the country to a great extent. | |||
| Since the early days Vokkaligas have played a very vital and dominant role in |
Since the early days Vokkaligas have played a very vital and dominant role in Karnataka Politics and also Union Politics. | ||
| Mr. ] and Mr. ] prominent among them were the Presidents of Mysore Pradesh Congress and after freedom became the Chief Ministers of Mysore State. Sowcar Channaiah and Mr.Nagaiah Reddy also became Presidents of Mysore Pradesh Congress, Mr. ] another freedom fighter also became the ] of Mysore State for a period of two months until the reorganization of States till ] became of part of Karnataka. The former ], ] |
Mr. ] and Mr. ] prominent among them were the Presidents of Mysore Pradesh Congress and after freedom became the Chief Ministers of Mysore State. Sowcar Channaiah and Mr.Nagaiah Reddy also became Presidents of Mysore Pradesh Congress, Mr. ] another freedom fighter also became the ] of Mysore State for a period of two months until the reorganization of States till ] became of part of Karnataka. The former ], ] belongs to this community. | ||
| The renowned Kannada poet ], who advocated the Universal Humanism (]) concept, is a Vokkaliga. The members of the Vokkaliga community have made a mark in all fields. | The renowned Kannada poet ], who advocated the Universal Humanism (]) concept, is a Vokkaliga. The members of the Vokkaliga community have made a mark in all fields. | ||
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| * ]-MLA,former PWD and power Minister, KMF president( who made KMF no.2 in India) | * ]-MLA,former PWD and power Minister, KMF president( who made KMF no.2 in India) | ||
| * ] president KPCC, former minister | * ] president KPCC, former minister | ||
| * ]- A renowned Philanthropist donated his entire wealth for educational activities in Coimbatore,Tamilnadu. | |||
| *]-Former MLA,MP & Floor Opposition Leader in Madras Legislative Assembly | |||
| ===Literature=== | ===Literature=== | ||
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| * ] (Father of Horticulture in Karnataka and India) | * ] (Father of Horticulture in Karnataka and India) | ||
| * ] Dayanand sagar institutions | * ] Dayanand sagar institutions | ||
| * ] –Author, First to write the History of Vokkaligar in Tamil Language | |||
| * ]- Former Vice Chancellor,Madras University, Director of National Environmental Engineering Research Institute & FAO Expert | |||
| ===Artists and cinema=== | ===Artists and cinema=== | ||
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| * ]- Director. | * ]- Director. | ||
| * ] - Actress | * ] - Actress | ||
| * ]- Tamil Cine Director & Producer | |||
| ===Business=== | ===Business=== | ||
| * H.D Revanna -president of ] and former Minister of Karnataka | * H.D Revanna -president of ] and former Minister of Karnataka | ||
| * O.Arumugasamy- Industrialist, Philanthropist & Educationist, supporting financially weaker students of professional degree courses in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. | |||
| ===Others=== | ===Others=== | ||
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| * {{note|1}} Genetic Structure of ..... by R. Rajkumar and V.K. Kashyap, Central forensic laboratory, India | * {{note|1}} Genetic Structure of ..... by R. Rajkumar and V.K. Kashyap, Central forensic laboratory, India | ||
| * Subbaiah, C.: Kamukula Urbhva Puranam (in Tamil Language) . Madras Diamond Printing House, Madras (1911) | |||
| *Sundaramurthy, V.T: The Genesis, Divisions, Movement and Transfonnation of Okkaligar Community, Anthropologist, 9(4): 305-313 (2007). | |||
| *Danniel, A.Information on India-Religions in India From, Pezarkar.com> (2004) | |||
| *Deivanayagam, M. and Devakala, D: Christianity in Hinduism, Dravidian Religion Trust, Page 107 (1997) | |||
| *Thurston, E. and Rangachari, K.: Castes and Tribes of South India. Government Press, Madras (1909) | |||
| *Natarasan, N.: Konghu Velhala Goundarghal (in Tamil Language). Pallavi Publisher Publishers, Chennai (1999) | |||
| == Notes == | == Notes == | ||
Revision as of 03:37, 15 October 2009
The Vokkaligas (Template:Lang-kn) 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 Gounder as a title.
Origins
Vokkalathana in Kannada language means tilling land and Vokkaliga means one who tills land. The agricultural communities of south Karnataka are called Vokkaligas.
Vokkaligas is a community in South Karnataka whose main profession is agriculture and is similar to Kurmi caste of North India or Vellalar of Tamil nadu..
People belonging to Vokkaliga community are known as Okkalia of Utkala Kingdom. Many more people of different communities use Gowda as surname. Vokkaliga have names such as Gowda, Gowder, Gounder, Reddy, Rao, Naidu and Naicker as the title after their name in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and these names are being used in the modern time to identify the group to which a person belongs
A Gowda, also spelled Gowdaru or Gauda or Nayaka( = Head / Chief) is the not a name of any caste. Gowda is a leader of a group or Head of Territory. The Gowdas claim to be Land Lords and Village Head Men and are known to be the dominant and powerful caste group in the Village.
Vokkaliga Gowdas are known for their agricultural activities and recorded prosperity through cultivation. The common saying "Gowda chennagiddare ooru Chennagiruthe" means "When a Gowda is happy the whole Village is Happy". This implies the significance of the group among the Socio-Economic Groups.
Other References
Vokkaliga
The Vokkaligars was neither a caste nor a cult in previous periods of history also succumbed to the influence of this system and became one of the dominant ‘castes’ in the Indian society which undergone several transformations and fractured into different sub divisions such as
- Gangadikar Vokkaliga
- Kunchitiga Vokkaliga
- Rodhagaru vokkaliga
- Morasu Vokkaliga
- Hallikar Vokkaliga
- Reddy Vokkaliga
- Gudi Vokkaliga
- Grama Vokkaliga
- Keeraikara Vokkaliga
- Kappu Vokkaliga
- Namdhari Vokkaliga
- Musuku Vokkaliga
- Nonaba Vokkaliga
- kotte vokkaliga
- halakki Vokkaliga
- Uppina kolaga Vokkaliga
- Daasa Vokkaliga
- Mullu Vokkaliga
- Jogi Vokkaliga
Kunchitiga vokkaligas literally means traditional and they were known for being conservative and ardent followers of traditions and were mostly farmers.
Rodhagaru vokkaligas mainly found in Tumkur(Mainly in Pavagada,Madhugiri,gowri bidanuru),Bangalore,chitradurga,davanagere,Haveri etc.The name rodhagaru has been derived from the name of goddess 'Rodhamma'.this temple is in rodham village near Penagonda belongs to andhra pradesh.
Namadhari Vokkaligaru mainly found in Malenadu region of Karnataka. (Mainly in Shimoga and Chikkamagaluru Districts). Namadhari Vokkaligas form a major population of Vokkaliga Community.
Gudi vokkaliga literally means guard or guest that perhaps related either to the duty of guarding the community or they were known for entertaining the guests and this division is an off shoot of one of the kula viz Gudioru [Gudi=guest, oru or avaru =company, also used to call a person in respectable way in their Kannada language].
Grama vokkaliga is the vokkaliga community residing in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The phrase 'grama(ಗ್ರಾಮ)' refers to village (ಗ್ರಾಮ/ಊರು), the main profession is agriculture.
Kerraikarar vokkaligar were very honest and keep up their words as understood from the meaning of the name of the sect and their main occupation was cultivating ‘kirai’ (Amranthus leaves) and other vegetables.
Gangadiga Vokkaliga(Gangatkars) of Western Ganga Dynasty and Thooran Kootam of the Kongu Vellalar Gounder caste of Kongu Nadu, Tamil Nadu share the same origin along with some sects of the agricultural Kongu Vellala Gounder community, who migrated from Halebidu, near Hassan. The Vokkaligas of the Mysore are mostly ' Gangadikars ' of endogamous division.
This community was further fractured into more than thirty castes in South India. They are Hallikkar, Alubalija Naidu, Arumudi, Basunadi, Belakavadi, Devaru, Dhandi-vandake, Eazhibkka, Ellamakappu, Gangala, Gowda, Kamma, Konganiga, Kumbi, Malava, Musuku, Moasureddy, Murlay, Namadhari, Nadavaru, Nunubha, Nunubhakappu, Okkulu makkalu, Osadevaru, Palayakottai Pattakkarars, Pandi, Pandaru bellakudi, Pammareddy, Pattikasalina, Reddy, Sathsappa, Summareddy, Uppinagonika and Varajha. The genetic, ethnographic, and historical studies have shown that the castes of the Hindu have been highly endogamous for several thousand years
Distribution of Vokkaligas
The populations of Vokkaligas of different sub-divisions had settled down in the districts of Darwar, Davengere, Chitradurga, Bellary, Raichur,Tumkur, Kolar, Bangalore, Shimoga, Hassan, Mandya,chickaballapur, Uttara Kannada and Mysore of Karnataka State;Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh and Palaghat of Kerala State in South India. They hadalso settled down in more than 200 villages in the districts of Dharmapuri, Salem, Nilagiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Karur, Trichy, Dindigul, Madurai, Theni, Tirunelvelli and Kancheevaram in Tamil Nadu State of Southern India.
Among the different sub-divisions of Vokkaligas, Kunchitigas belong to about 35 Gotras(Kulas) out of 101 known (Veerakyathaiah, 2005). A large portion of vokkaligas are found in the districts of Chitradurga, Tumkur, Bangalore and Mysore in the state of Karnataka. They are also found in various cosmopolitan cities of Andhrapradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu States in Southern India.
History
The Yelahankanadu (14 km (8.7 mi) from Bangalore) Prabhus were Gowdas or tillers of the Land. They belonged to Morasu Vokkalu sect, the ancestors of which were migrants from Morasunadu near Kanchipuram (on the Bangalore–Madras Highway). Fourth in succession from Rana Bhairave Gowda, founder of the dynasty of Avati Nadu Prabhus and great grandson of Jaya Gowda, who established separate dynasty, is the famous Yelahanka Nadu Prabhus, Kempe Gowda I who ruled for 46 years commencing his reign from 1513. Jaya Gowda accepted the sovergnity of the Vijayanagar emperor.
The Gangadikar Gowdas were the Vokklaigas in other parts of Karnataka. The name Gangadicara, which is derived from the word Gangawadi–kara, meaning the inhabitant of Gangawadi is a relic of Ganga Dynasty Rule and has since survived in this part of Karnataka.
Kempe Gowdas of the Morasu Vokkaliga sect, were great rulers who were concerned in the welfare of their subjects and spent lavishly in the construction of tanks, agraharas (suburbs of Brahmins), temples and forts. The Vokkaligas rendered great service in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry and soldiery. Kempegowda I conquered Sivaganga principality, 30 mi (48.3 km) from Bangalore on Bangalore–Poona Hwy. Next, he annexed Domlur which is on the road from Bangalore to Old Bangalore Airport. Within this vast forest area, in 1537, he erected a mud fort and built the Township of Bangalore.
Kempe Gowda I (1510 - 1570), whose ancestor had immigrated from Kancheepuram to the neighborhood of Bangalore due to a personal feud with the chief of Kancheepuram established the city of Bangalore under the Vijayanagar empire. The document describing the city as he conceptualised it, written in Telugu the commonly spoken language of this region, is still preserved. This language is still spoken in the villages of Bangalore, Yelahanka, Devanahalli, Doddaballapur, Hoskote, Anekal and Hosur districts.
Kempe Gowda I next annexed Ulsoor and Hesaraghatta. Bangalore's four main streets of the Old Bengaluru Pete, the Chickpete and Doddapete leading to Ulsoor gate, the Sondekoppa gate, the Yelahanka gate and the Anekal gate were laid. Kempe Gowda shifted his capital from Yelahanka to Bangalore. Vijayanagar Emperor Achuta Raya granted Kempe Gowda I the neighboring villages of Begur, Jigani, Varthur, Kengeri, Banavara and Kumbalgode, besides many other hamlets yielding a revenue of 30,000 varahas. Kempe Gowda I built the cave temple of Gavi Gangadhareswara at Gavipur, the Bull Temple in Basavanagudi, the Kempambudhi Tank and the Dharambudhi Tank. His successor, Kempe Gowda II, built the Ulsoor Lake, the Karanjee Tank, the Sampangi Tank, the Someswara Temple of Ulsoor, the famous four Kempe Gowda Towers and the Ranganatha Temple in Balepete, Bangalore.
KempeGowda is a renowned name and is duly honoured by naming the prime locations of Karnataka in his name. A statue of Kempegowda I is erected in the city centre, in front of the Bangalore City Corporation office.
It is a fact that being the Ruler he promoted the upliftment of the backward classes and built colonies such as Thigalar Pet, Kumbar Pet for specific backward classes to ensure their welfare.
There is an inscription in old Kannada,dated 1628, in the Ranganatha Temple, the English translation of which is "Be it well, When Rajadhi-Raja-Parameshwara Vira Pratapa Vira-Maha-Deva Maharaya seated in the Jewel throne was ruling the empire of the world: When of the Asannavakula, the Yelahanka Nadu Prabhu Kempanacharya-Gauni's grandson Kempe Gowdas son, Immadi Kempegaunayya was ruling a peaceful kingdom in righteousness". With the decline of the Vijayanagar Empire, the eclipse of the rule of Yelahanka Nadu Prabhus took place at the dawn of the Seventeenth century.
Vokkaliga Organisations
There are several Vokkaliga organisations serving the community .
Vokkaligara Sangha : The Vokkaligara Sangha was founded in the year 1906 to promote social, cultural and educational aspirations of the agricultural community of the erstwhile Mysore State.Vokkaligara Sangha has it head quarters in Bangalore and has many affiliated regional sanghas. Today, Vokkaligara Sangha is one of the premium Community Organisation in Karnataka State and serving the Vokkaliga community in different areas. Sangha owns reputed educational institutions like Bangalore Institute of Technology, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) etc.
Vokkaligara sanga has well structured election system . Elected members handle key roles in Sangha's activities and Sanga owned institutions .Elected members serve as community representative of their region.
Vokkaligara Parishat of America (VPA):VPA was established in 1991 and located in Illianos, USA . VPA is dedicated to assist and promote literacy, cultural, educational, social, economic, health of rural farming community. VPA is serving the North American Vokkaliga Community. VPA is also involved in various Charity works.
Community today
Vokkaligas once known for their successful agricultural activities now have diversified in to different fields with mild to moderate success.
Since the early days Vokkaligas have played a very vital and dominant role in Karnataka Politics and also Union Politics.
Mr. K.C. Reddy and Mr. Kengal Hanumanthaiah prominent among them were the Presidents of Mysore Pradesh Congress and after freedom became the Chief Ministers of Mysore State. Sowcar Channaiah and Mr.Nagaiah Reddy also became Presidents of Mysore Pradesh Congress, Mr. Kadidal Manjappa another freedom fighter also became the Chief Minister of Mysore State for a period of two months until the reorganization of States till Mysore State became of part of Karnataka. The former Prime minister of India, H.D. Deve Gowda belongs to this community.
The renowned Kannada poet Kuvempu, who advocated the Universal Humanism (Viswamaanava) concept, is a Vokkaliga. The members of the Vokkaliga community have made a mark in all fields.
They are active members in Politics,Bureacracy,Art,Literature,Technology,Business and sports.
Even to date Karnataka Politics is controlled by the Vokkaliga Leaders.
Some famous Vokkaligas are
Prominent personalities
Politicians and leaders
- Kempe Gowda I, founder of Bangalore,
- K.C.Reddy- First Chief Minister of Karnataka,(then Mysore State)
- Kengal Hanumanthaiah- Former Chief Minister of Karnataka then Mysore State
- Shantaveri Gopala Gowda- Famous Socialist Leader & Politician
- Kadidal Manjappa- Former Chief Minister of Karnataka then Mysore State
- H. D. Deve Gowda- Former Prime Minister of India & Former Chief Minister of Karnataka.
- S. M. Krishna- Former Chief Minister of Karnataka ,Former Governor of Maharastra & current External Affairs Minister of India.
- H.D.Kumaraswamy- Former Chief Minister of Karnataka.
- D. V. Sadananda Gowda -BJP Leader
- Narayana Gowda - Karnataka Rakshana Vedike President
- Krishna Byre Gowda - MLA
- H.D.Revanna-MLA,former PWD and power Minister, KMF president( who made KMF no.2 in India)
- D.K.Shivakumar president KPCC, former minister
Literature
- Kuvempu - Rashtra Kavi (National Poet)
- H. N. Nage Gowda - Poet.
- Ha Ma Nayak- Writer.
- Poorna Chandra Tejaswi- Writer.
- Dr.Purushothama Bilimale - Writer,Folklorist & Director of American Institute of Indian Studies.
Civil service and judiciary
- Justice Venkatachala- former Lokayukta.
- H. L. Nage Gowda I.A.S Founder of Janapada Loka, Writer
Academicians and founders of educational institutions
- Dr. K. Chidananda Gowda - Former vice Chancellor Kuvempu University
- Dr. M. H. Marigowda (Father of Horticulture in Karnataka and India)
- Dr.Dayanandasagar Dayanand sagar institutions
Artists and cinema
- Tirumakudalu Chowdiah - Violinist (Musician).
- Ambarish- Actor& Politician.
- Vajramuni- Actor.
- B. Saroja Devi- Actress.
- Nagathihalli Chandrashekar- Director.
- Ramya - Actress
Business
- H.D Revanna -president of Karnataka Milk Federation and former Minister of Karnataka
Others
- Kavya Shivashankar - 2009 National Spelling Bee champion
References
Notes
- ^ Vokkaligara Parishat of America (VPA) - About Vokkaligas
- ^ Vokkaligas since the Time of Kempe Gowda
- Kempegowda Day celebrations in Bangalore
- http://books.google.co.in/books?id=R84n-Wv1S-8C&pg=RA2-PA237&lpg=RA2-PA237#v=onepage&q=&f=false
- http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?issueid=&id=44196&option=com_content&task=view§ionid=21
External links
- Vokkaligara Parishat of America
- The importance of being Vokkaliga
- Great Analysis and More details are found in this pdf file about Vokkaliga community
- Vokkaligas Website