Havyaka

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Havyaka Brahmin
Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swami
Total population

1,00,000 (estimate)
Regions with significant populations
Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala
Languages
Mother tongue is Havyaka Kannada or Havigannada, a dialect of Kannada
Religions

Hinduism


Havyaka Brahmins are a Brahmin subsect primarily from the Indian state of Karnataka and Northern Kerala. Havyakas mostly profess the advaita philosophy propounded by Shankaracharya. Most Havyakas can trace their immediate ancestry to either Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada or Shimoga districts of Karnataka and Kasaragod district of Kerala.

Contents

[edit] Etymology

The word Havyaka was transcended from words Havyaga or Haveega which means the one who performs Havana (Havya) and Homa (Gavya), since the very purpose of Havyaka Brahmins was to perform the royal rituals and the related functions of the empirical government. In fact, the name "Haiga" persists in Havyaka lexicon.

The word Havyaka might also be derived from the place named Haigunda. That region of Karnataka which has been inhabited by Havyakas from ancient times is also called Parashuramakshethra, Gorastradesha, Gokarnamandala.[1]

[edit] Origin of Havyakas

Exact facts about Havyaka's origin are hard to come by since there is very little research available. Historically, it is believed that Havyakas are the first of the Brahmin kind to descend to the present day Karnataka around 3rd century ACE, followed by other sects like Shivalli, Smartha etc., who arrived much later, around 7th century ACE. [2] However, the scientific school of thought places the date of Havyaka's immigration back to about 1300 years ago. The Brahmin king Mayooravarma was instrumental in bringing the first Havyaka families. It is believed that Kadambas brought many Havyakas in to perform the royal rituals and the related functions of the empirical government from a place called Ahichchathra in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Thus the first few families were settled in Banavasi, the capital of the Kadambas and the place adored by Pampa.[3] King Mayooravarma's act of inviting Havyakas to Banavasi has been inscribed on a stone slab (Shilashasana) from the period of the Kadambas, which now lies near the village of Varadahalli in Sagar Taluk of Shimoga district.

[edit] Havyakas today

Havyakas today are the followers of either Ramachandrapura Math or Swarnavalli Mutt and are guided by advaita philosophy of Shankaracharya. Havyakas derive their last names from the jobs that they perform rather than by their origin. Till recently Havyakas were primarily engaged in vedic professions like priests or they were in agriculture especially growing betel nut, paddy, banana, coconut etc. A few decades back they also started entering into all other vocations like business, education, employment etc. During Indian freedom struggle, Havyaka community played a prominent part. Men and women took leading role in Salt Satyagraha and No-Tax Campaign. Dodmane Hegdes of Siddapur had an important role in freedom movement at all stages.[4]

[edit] Geographic distribution

Havyakas are mainly concentrated in the state of Karnataka. Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Shimoga, Chikmagalur, Kodagu Districts in Karnataka and Kasarogod in Kerala are the districts where Havyakas have lived for centuries. They are now spread all over India, especially in metropolitan cities of Mumbai, New Delhi and other industrial and business centres. Havyakas are also in large numbers in countries like United States of America, United Kingdom and other places outside India. [5]

[edit] Population

Population of Havyakas all around the world is estimated to be around 100000.

[edit] Language

The Havyakas are united by their unique language. They speak a dialect of Kannada known as Havigannada (Havyaka+Kannada). It is 60-70% similar to mainstream Kannada but draws more words from ancient Kannada. However, most mainstream Kannada speakers find it difficult to understand Havyaka Kannada. The Havyaka dialect is supposed to be quite old. Its origins, like many other things in India, are shrouded in mystery. Notably certain Havigannada speakers, more so in Uttara Kannada and Sagara region, uses neutral gender in place of feminine gender while addressing females. But Havyaks in certain part of Karnataka, like Kundapur, Thirthahalli, Kodagu do not speak Havigannada. They love Yakshagana. Their contribution to Yakshagana literature is immense.Certain Havyakas settled in coastal areas also speak Konkani, Tulu and Marathi.

[edit] Caste

Havyakas are the subsect of Brahmin caste of Hinduism, followers of Sri Adi Shankaracharya's Advaitha.

[edit] Havyaka festivals

Havyakas celebrate almost all festivals celebrated in Hinduism. [6]

[edit] Art, literature and culture

As Havyakas gained population in Karnataka they became influential in politics and also cultivated fine arts. The Yakshagana folk theatre has been exclusively developed by Havyakas[citation needed]. Music, dance and writing came very attractive to Havyakas. Karki Yakshagana group which toured Maharashtra in the mid-19th century has the credit of inspiring Marathi theatre. In 1842, Karki Mela (group) performed before the Rajasaheb of Sangli (Maharashtra State), who encouraged court artists to learn from the group acting and singing. This laid basis for Marathi Professional theatre.

The first social play in Kannada was written by Suri Venkataramana Shastri in 1887. The play titled Iggappa Hegade Vivaha Prahasana deals with child marriage and evils of incompatibility. There have been a good number of writers, singers, teachers, doctors, industrialists, scientists, engineers and executives from Havyaka community.

A good number of youngsters have taken up Hindustani classical music and Karnataka classical music. [7]

[edit] Havyaka food

Havyakas are pure vegetarians (probably 'Lacto-vegetarian' is the exact name). Havyaka recipe consists of some unique food items like "Tellevu" "Todedevu", "Odape","kocheegayi gojju","Holige","AppehuLi",ThambLi", Halasinakayi huLi (very famous in kalache-yellapur region of Uttarakannada district) etc. [8] hagalkai hashi, kai gojju, kai rasaa, karkli, KaDle Gojju (famous in sagar prantya), Famouse Soppina TambLI-Swarle-kudi, Honegone soppu, Vidangada soppu, Vasange soppu, Yelurge soppu, Kanchi-soppu, ChoGte-soppu. KaLale-palya, Huli, Sasvme, Kannekudi katne.Many items prepared by jackfruit,101 types of 'ThambLi's and variety 'chatni pudi's,Sendige,Happala which can preserve for a long time. Havyakas have a unique food system which contains medicinal values as well as delicious taste. Some of the food items includes wiled leaves, roots/herbs, barks of the trees which are directly obtained from the nature and processed fresh and consumed. By the end of the each meal, one is assured of protection from the nature itself. This was possible because most Havyakas lived in the villages where abundant sources were available around them.

[edit] Havyaka Gotra

  • Angeerasa
  • Baradhwaja
  • Goutama
  • Jamadagni
  • Kashyapa
  • Mounabharghava
  • Vasishta
  • Vishwamitra

[edit] Prominent members

  • Shri Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji, The living legend who organised First world Cow Conference(Gow-Sammelan).
  • Shri Gangadharendra Saraswathi Swamiji, Swamiji of Sonda Havyaka Mutt and a great environmentalist.
  • Vidyaranya,founder of Vijayanagar Kingdom (according to Shatavadaani Ganesh)
  • Varanasi Subraya Hegde, founder of CAMPCO
  • Daivarata Sharma, Lived in Gokarna who is considered as modern Brahmarshi.
  • Suri Venkataramana Shastri, The first social play writer (1887)in Kannada.
  • K.V. Subbanna - Playwright and writer. Recipient of Ramon Magsaysay Award.[9]
  • Ramakrishna Hegde - Former chief minister of Karnataka and former union Minister, Former Deputy Chairman of Planning commission during the 10th Plan.
  • MUROOR DEVARU HEGDE- Famous yekshagana artist.
  • Dodmane Shri Ganesh Hegde, prominent socio-religious worker, philanthropist and proponent of educational institutions and Banks in the Uttara Kannada region of Karnataka
  • Hosabale Puttappa Hegade, A Multitalented leader. Founder of Havyaka co-op socity. He refused the Diwangiri (Chief minister of Mysore Kingdom) offer!
  • K.V. Akshara - Playwright and writer.
  • Jagannath Rao Hegde - Former Sheriff of Mumbai.
  • Bharatisutha-Novelist. His works include children's literature, short stories and novels. Edakallu guddada mEle, BayaludAri, Huliya hAlina mEvu to name a few
  • Narayan Hosmane, Distinguished Research Professor, two-times Humboldt Award winner and 2007 Lifetime Achievement Pravasi Award and Bharath Samman Medal from NRI Institute, Film Producer of Raghu Romeo (Rajat Kapoor's Direction), Ramya Chaitra Kala (Sunil Kumar Desai's Direction), Meera Madhava Raghava (T.N. Seetharam's Direction), MukhapuTa (Roopa Iyer's Direction) and e-Preethi (Priyabharathi's Direction).
  • Ganapathi Rao, HasaNagi- Hindustani vocalist
  • Parameshwara Hegde- Hindustani vocalist
  • Chittani Ramachandra Hegde-Yakshagana
  • Keremane Shambhu Hegde-Yakshagana
  • Doddamane Mahadevi Hegde or Mahadevi Tai - Noted social worker, Sarvodaya movement leader, freedom fighter
  • Late Dr. Shreni Gopalakrishna Rao-Yakshagana
  • K.Rama Hegde, Urimajalu - Social worker, Ex MLA and former Correspondent of Vivekananda College Puttur.
  • Vidvan N.Ranganatha Sharma, Living Legend of Sanskrit/Kannada literature and a scholar. Recipient of many national & State awards including Rashtrapathi Gold Medal.
  • Dr. Kalladka Prabhakara Kattinakere - Social reformer and RSS Leader.
  • Kuntikanamata Balakrishna Hegde -Kannada poet, writer, social worker, global man award winner in Bahrain.
  • Ashakiran Kilankaje - Lyrics writer in Malayalam.
  • Venkataramana Kattinakere - The Managing Director of Hyderabad International Airport Construction, GMR.(2007-Present)
  • Manjappa Manchale - Former VC Bangalore University.
  • Madiyala - Former Police Commissioner, Bangalore
  • Sri Paramadeva - Poet, author of "Turanga Bharatha"
  • Cha Mu Krishna shastry founder member of sumskritha Bharathi wing of RSS which propagate speaking Sanskrit
  • Kadatoka Manjunatha Bhagwath Yakshagana Bhagavatharu
  • Kadatoka Krishna Bhagwath Yakshagana Bhagavatharu
  • Padyana Ganapathi Sharma Yakshagana Bhagavatharu
  • Padyana shankara Narayana Rao Yakshagana Himmela artist
  • Dr P. Subrahmanya Shastri - Freedom fighter from Kasargod District, religious leader, Founder of schools and temples in the area.
  • Late Shri Shreepad R. Hegde, Kadave- Social worker and politician who fought for the welfare of lakhs of totagars (farmers) through co-operative revolution
  • Dr. Thimmappa, Former VC, Bangalore university.
  • Mrs. Madura Hegde, famous woman entrepreneur/industrialist started Leather Exports from Bangalore. She received 'Best women enterprenuer Award' for 9 consecutive years.
  • Mr. Rama Jois, Governor UP,
  • R.V.Shastri, Chairman Canara bank, Vice Chairman IBA
  • Noojibail Krishna Shastri, Partner, Indo-American Hybrid Seeds, Bangalore
  • S.Gopal Krishna Kilankaje, well known priest and farmer - Balekoppa
  • Raghu Ram Rao, Cricketer
  • B.J.Shreedhara, Well-known Industrialist and Former President, KASSIA.
  • Sheshagiriappa Hegade, Hosabale, Honoured by Mysore Maharajas.
  • Dattatreya Hosabale, Former General Secretary and Organising of ABVP, Presently Akhila Bharatiya Saha Boudhika Pramukh of RSS.
  • L.T. Hegade, Former MLA, Congress/BJP Leader.
  • Hosabale Narayan Rao, a versatile agriculturist. He was Director of many organisations.
  • Hosabale Sitharama Rao, A Gamaka scholar. Recipient of Rajyotsava award.
  • Ramakrishna, Kannada film hero of yesteryears.
  • Vijaya Kashi,Kannada film hero of yesteryears.
  • M.K.Janardana, A pioneer Industrialist from Mumbai.
  • P.B.Ramamurthy. An IPS and IAS officer. He was/is chief officer of many govt. offices. First He was IPS officer, he achieved his IAS when he broken his leg during an accident, studied and passed the exam! A great Model/Icon for achievers.
  • P.Gopalakrshna ( Pa. Go) renowned veteran journalist & Columnist of Mangalore.
  • Seetaram Shastri Eminent Stage Actor of fiftees.
  • Kuntikanamata Kumar Business man,Social worker,Actor,oratory,Literary.
  • Urimajal Ram Kumar Ex MLA puttur called bheeshma of karavaLi BJP

Further Details of Hosabale Ramappa Hegde & Hosabale H.R. Subbarao

Hosabale Ramappa Hegde (1853-1908):

He was functioned as the member of the Mysore Legislative Assembly for 15 years from 1889-1904.

Hosabale Subbrayaru (1901-1986):

Shri. H.R.Subbarao the son of Shri.Ramappa Hegde was born on 1901.

He devoted most of his life time to Social, Religious and Co-operative sectors.

He served as the president of Havyaka Cooperative Society Ltd. Talakalakoppa for 35 long years from 1933-1968 with great deal of Sincerity, Commitment and Passion towards his work to the well being of all the society members.

During the coronation ceremony of the Sri Jayachamarajendra Odeyar Bahadur Mysore in year 1940, Shri.H.R Subbarao was honored as one of the best co-operative member and rewarded with GOLD medal.

He was also served as the Member of legislative Assembly Mysore from 1938-1943 for 5 years.

He served as the Director of the Mysore State Apex Bank Ltd Bangalore for 5 years from 1940-1945 as well as the State Land Development Bank Ltd Bangalore for 6 years from 1950-1956 and also for State Marketing Federation, Co-operative Printing Press, District Areka Marketing Cooperative Society, the Taluk Society.

He was the convener of Sri Vinayaka Temple Kodanakatte for 25 years.

Shri.H.R.Subbarao was one of the founders of Annavar Adike Company Ltd Sagar along with the Co-ordination of Mr.LaxminarayanaRao Mattikoppa and Mr.Ganashiah Mugimane in the year 1945.Since then this company never looked back and still operating towards the betterment of the Areka Cultivators.

In the year 1949, Sri Srimadjagdguru Shankaracharya Sri Srimadragahvendra Bharati Swamiji of Ramachandrapura Mutt Hosanagar (tq) handed over the General power of Attorney to Hosabale Subbarao Hegde till he alive.

During the period of Sri Sri Srimdjagadguru Shankaracharya SrimadRamachandra Bharati Swaimji of Ramachandrapura Mutt , he took the initiation and on that time

Hosabale Puttppa hegde,son of Shri.Ramappa Hegde and his brothers ( H.R Subbarao & Sheshagiriappa) who were the important officers of the mutt, had engaged Mr.Hirinyannappa, Master of Craftsman, who had devoted 17 years of his life and completed successfully the Ivory throne along with a team of seven other carvers. On this Ivory Gold throne, they have engraved the scenes of Ramayana, Mahabharata,pictures of Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva etc.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ http://www.havyaka.com/about.html
  2. ^ It is beyond a doubt that each human group is biologically distinct and culturally unique
  3. ^ Prof. Narayan S. Hosmane's Personal Page - Roots of the Havyaka Brahmins
  4. ^ Havyak Brahmins from Kamat's Potpourri
  5. ^ Havyaka associations
  6. ^ LIST OF HINDU FESTIVALS AND DISHES NAME PERIOD DISHES 1
  7. ^ Havyaka brahmins from Kamat's potpourri
  8. ^ Havyaka recipes
  9. ^ 1991 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Journalism, Literature, and the Creative Communication Arts - K. V. Subbanna

[edit] External links

www.kuntikanamata.com

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