Gowda

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for the town in Afghanistan see Gowda, Afghanistan

Gowda ( Gauda or Gowdru) is usually the name given to the head of the family or family group in the state of Karnataka in India. It is similar to Goundar or Kaoundar of Tamilnadu

It is derived from Archaic Tamil-Kannada term Kavunda denoting a village or family head. People belonging to castes and communities in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu use it as a surname. Gowda or Gowdar is commonly used as surnames by people belonging to Vokkaliga community known as Okkalia from Utkala Kingdom. Many more people of different communities use Gowda as surnames. There are certain Gowda sects that are strictly vegetarians. For example Namadhary Vokkaliga Gowdas are strict vegetarians. Some sects of lingayats in Karnataka use Gowda as surname and they are also very strict vegetarians.

The city of Bangalore was established by Kempe Gowda in 1537 as the capital of his kingdom and has since grown into a booming metropolis and has evolved into the technological capital of India.

Vokkaliga Gowda is the largest community in Karnataka. Vokkaliga Gowda community has played an important role in the economy of Karnataka and India.

Other communities use Gowda as surname are Lingayat, kuruba, Idiga, uppaara, reddi, baliga

Kuruba Gowda is the third largest community in Karnataka, is playing important role in organisizing Other backward caste for their fair share of power in Karnataka.

Siddaramaiah is a mass leader of Karnataka from kuruba gowda community, who is leading the movement for social economic justice for the masses.

Well known Vokkaliga Gowda personalities are;
Dr. K.V.Puttappa also knowns as Kuvempu - the poet laurate of India (Winner of Jnanpeeth Award) and considered by many scholars to be a pre eminent author transcending all cultures and languages,
S M Krishna (Ex C.M of Karnataka)
Kengal Hanumantaiah (Ex C.M. of Karnataka)
Kadidal Manjappa (Ex C.M. of Karnataka)
H D Devegowda (Ex P.M. of India and Ex C.M. of Karnataka)
H.K. Veeranna Gowda
Venkatachalaiah (Ex Chief of Lok Ayukta)
Hamsalekha
Actor Jaggesh
H D Kumara swamy,
Sri Kempegowda (founder of Bangalore)
Actor turned politician Ambareesh
Ex. Late Chief Justice Hombegowda
Dr. M.H. Mari Gowda (The father of Horticulture in Karnataka and India)
Bala Gangadhara Swamiji
Dr. Hanumaiah Lingegowda (Director of Horticulture

[edit] External links

VPA Vokkaligara Parishat of America