Thigala

The Thigala or Tigala are a social group found in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states of India, and particularly the city of Bangalore; the caste is traditionally gardeners of flowers and vegetables.^[1] They are likely a sub-caste of the numerous Vanniyar caste.^[2]

They are generally Hindus.^[3] It is claimed that King Hyder Ali encouraged them to settle down in Bangalore to help in the laying out of Lal Bagh. Their main deity is Draupadi, the dharmaraya swamy temple near corporation was built in 11th century AD. Kempegowda the founder of Bangalore built four gopuras with this temple as the centre of the city. ^[4]:173 and the Karagam festival celebrated in Kolar, Bangalore and other towns highly significant to the community.^[5] The Thigala in Karnataka speak a mixture of Kannada and Tamil.^[2]

A Karnataka state government order of 1994 designated the Thigala there as members of the Backward Classes.^[6] Some Thigala self-identify at Vanniar kula kshtriyar, claiming a connexion to the Kshatriya (warrior) varna.

Origins

As per legend, the Thigalas believe that their origins date to the time of the Mahabharatha epic. They are believed to be descendants of the Veerakumaras, an army created by Draupadi. and ancestral community of Bangalore. It is claimed that King Hyder Ali encouraged them to settle down in Bangalore to help in the laying out of Lal Bagh

Note: King Hyder Ali ruled Bangalore in 17 Century and if you see the History of Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple it was built in 11 century, this means Thigalas were in Bangalore much before then King Hyder Ali.

References