Devadiga
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[edit] Devadiga
Devadiga is a sub-caste in Hinduism. This article contains some basic information about the community who mainly hail from South of Karnataka.
Devadiga (Moily, Sherigar, Shriyan, Gujaran) is usually the name given to a progressive community which hails from the south of Karnataka state, India.
Devadiga is a community of Hindu temple musicians hailing from the west coast of Karnataka, India. Devadigas are also known as Moily & Sherigar and many sport these surnames. The Name Devadiga is derived from archaic Kannada term 'Deva Adiga' 'Devara Adiyalu' means "God's Worker" The community members are now scattered all over India mainly in Mumbai, Bangalore,Mangalore and other cities. However the major concentration of the population is still in Canara (read South Karnataka and some parts of North Karnataka)Districts and many still practice this ancient art in all the temples of this historic area.
Many educated community members made their mark on society. Mr. Veerappa Moily is a noted name,who is the former Chief Minister of Karnataka and a Senior Politician with various portfolios in Govt of India/Karnataka. Maestro Kadri Gopalanath is a renowned musician in saxophone is considered as a great maestro in Indian classical music field. The famous Hindi film actress Sneha Ullal to name a few.
