Regions with significant populations |
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Karnataka |
Languages |
Religion |
Related ethnic groups |
Billava, Ezhava, Namadhari naik, Goud, Illathar |
Idiga or Ediga (Kannada:ಈಡಿಗ) is a Hindu community of people concentrated in south central areas of Karnataka. Idigas are involved in soma and Ayurvedic medicine developers in ancient days who are classified as Somavanshi Kshatriyas. In some parts of Karanataka they also called deevaru which means islanders. Their main profession were toddy tapping, brewing arrack etc., but now few people do their traditional job.
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Idigas are the group based in Karnataka and Andrapradesh, traditionally involved in toddy tapping, liquor sales, Ayurvedic medicine and farming.
The Idiga community in some areas of south coastal Karnataka is influenced by the teachings of Narayana Guru. Though Ary Idiga leaders have officially accepted him as their spiritual guru, the influence seems to be limited to certain pockets. Guru followers have many ashramas in Karnataka, including the Brahmashree Narayana Guru Ashrama in Shimoga. Some of the organizations associated with this ashrama are District Brahmashree Narayana Guru Arya Idiga Association and the Brahmashree Narayana Guru Arya Idiga Women's Association.