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Devadiga

Regions with significant populations
India Karnataka Kerala
Languages
Tulu Kannada
Religion
Hinduism

Devadiga (also Moily, Sherigar,Seriyan,Gujaran) 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 [edit]

The name "Devadiga" is derived from archaic tulu term "Deva Adiga" ('Who entertains God'). Devadiga is a community of Hindu temple musicians, drum beaters^[1] hailing from the west coast of Karnataka, India. Devadigas are originally from the land of Lord Parashurama stretching between Karwar in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka and Kasaragod district of Kerala in west-coast of India.

Language [edit]

Tulu is the main language spoken by Devadigas. In some areas of Karnataka where Devadigas also speak Kannada and identifies themselves as Kannada Devadigas. The Tulu dialect spoken by the Devadiga people is known as common Tulu. Devadigas live in temple surroundings.

Worship of Spirits [edit]

Just like Theyyam in Kerala, Tulu regions have Bhoota kola and Nema, a kind of spirit worship. Devadigas were important part of this native worship. Dhoomavathi, Panjurli, Kalkudi, Varthe, Marl jumadi, Kodimanithaya, Maisandaya and Jarandaya are some of the most common Bhutas worshipped by the community.

Nagaradhane [edit]

Nagaradhane or snake worship, along with Bhuta Kola, is one of the unique traditions prevalent among Devadigas of coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi in Karnataka.

Traditions of Devadigas [edit]

Aliya kattu [edit]

(Tulu: ಅಳಿಯ ಕಟ್ಟು) (Nephew lineage) in Tulu or Marumakkatayam in Malayalam was, a matrilineal system of property inheritance practiced by many communities in coastal Karnataka and Kerala.

Some anthropologists believe matrilineal societies were common among early primitive human societies(See Marija Gimbutas). In India, South Indians were believed to be the last communities to become patriarchal. However, mostly Malabar region of Kerala and Karnataka remained matrilineal even today. But there were people in this region who were patriarchal.

Tuluvas believe Aliya Kattu was adopted at the behest of a king called Bhootala Pandya. The story goes like this. A demon wanted the king to sacrifice his son. However, none of his queens and sons were ready to be sacrificed. Seeing the difficult situation, king's sister offers her son. However, the demon shows mercy and lets him off. On his part, the king declares his nephew as his true inheritor

There are two type of the systems followed 1)ALIYA KATTU: In ALIYA KATTU system the mother's family takes control of the family and property matters. The family functions such as Bhootha Kola will be performed initiated from mother's family. The ALIYAKATTU system is followed by castes like DEVADIGAS,BILLAVAS,KOTTARI,SHETTY,KULAL,GATTI,SHETTIGAR.

2)MAKKALA KATTU: In MAKKALA KATTU father's family controls the family and property matters. After marriage the bride joins husband's family and all the traditions from husband's family takes precedence especially Bhootha Kola. The MAKKALA KATTU system is followed by castes like Brahmins,KONKANI BRAHMINS,VISHWAKARMA ACHARYA,KOTA KSHATRIYA etc.

Yakshaganas [edit]

Yakshagana is a kannada classical folk art form in India mostly popular in Tulu Nadu areas of South India. Devadigas contributed to the development of this folk dance, which was taught in Yakshagana mandalis.

Notable Persons [edit]

Veerappa Moily, Union Minister of Corporate Affairs

Sneha Ullal, Film Actress

B S Sherigar, Ex. Vice Chancellor, Kuvempu University, Shimoga

References [edit]

External links [edit]

• www.devadiga.com