| Kodagu - Tuluva Gowdas |
| Total population |
|---|
| (approx) 0.4 million[1] |
| Regions with significant populations |
| Coorg, Dakshina Kannada, Bangalore, Mysore |
| Languages |
|
Are Bhashe(dialect of Kannada) and Tulu |
| Religion |
| Related ethnic groups |
Arebhashe gowdas[2] or Kodagu Gowdas (Coorg Gowdas) and Tulu Gowdas are the major ethnic group in the Kodagu and some parts of Dakshina Kannada[3]. More than half of the population in Madikeri taluk consists of Gowdas,they are almost fully occupied in Virajpet and Somwarpet taluks of Kodagu and Sullia, Puttur, Subramanya of Dakshina Kannada
Gowdas are very much proud of their culture & rich traditions.Coorg Gowdas or Tulu Gowdas were the pioneers in one of the earliest freedom movement against British[4] called "Amara Sulliada Swantantrya Sangraama"[5]("Amara Sulya Dhange"[6] formally called by British) started in 1837.Guddemane Appaih Gowda along with many other freedom fighters revolted against British in an armed struggle which covered entire Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada.The freedom warriors were successful in their revolt against British and hoisted their flag in Bavuta Gudde in mangalore.
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Coorg Gowdas (Are Bhashe) & Tulu Gowdas are wide spread in various rural and urban parts of South Karnataka[7], majorly sullia, Kushalanagara, Mangalore, Mysore,and few in Bangalore & Other urban parts of India. Its also being said that few of the families are the migrated inhabitants from Sakaleshpur,Shiraadi and Charmaadi ghats of hassan and united with the other Gowdas.
"10 Kutumba - 18 Bali (Gotra)"[8] is the maxim of Kodagu Gowdas, but there are more than 100 families, which got separated from the primordial Kutumbas. Gowdas believe that people from same BALI or GOTRA cannot marry as they have originated from the same base family. They have good recognition for their renowned culture and various rituals being celebrated in various festivals and occasions.
The proud Gowdas are basically agriculturists[9] and are very passionate about hunting and bacchanalian revelry. Wines and Home-made brewed drinks are very common in the sumptuous formal parties and traditional occasions. The Valaga-Dance is quite famous and frolic for Gowdas during ceremonies.Its very common to see that one or two members of almost each Gowda families represent Indian Armed Forces in one or the other capacity.
The Kodagu Gowdas worship Lord "Tirupathi Thimappa" or Venkataramana of Tirupathi as their Mane/Kula devaru. Goddess "Sabbakka", (Sri Sharadha Devi of Shringeri Matt) is also being worshiped and offerings are kept prior to any fest.
"Arebhashe"[10] is the main lingo of Kodagu Gowdas, which is the dialect of Kannada, being spoken majorly in Madikeri, Bhagamandala, Kushalanagara and Sullia. Although Arebhashe is the main language of the Gowdas in Kodagu and Sullia of Dakshin Kannada, few of them in puttur speak Tulu, effectuated by the Mangalore customs.
AreBashe News in Madikeri AIR The news in Arebhashe is being casted on Madikeri AIR daily at 7:45 PM,featuring the Local news of Kodagu and various Gowda activities held in Sullia and Mysore.
The Cricket matches between many Gowda families will be held in Madikeri or Sullia for Gowda Cup. Also Hockey, Kabaddi, volleyball matches are organised for gowdas during various occasions like Kailu Muhurtha, Huttari, Kaveri Sankramana.Since Gowdas are widely present in Armed forces, they engage themselves in many sports activities like Athletics,Boxing etc.