Idiga
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Karnataka | |
| Languages | |
| Kannada | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism |
Idiga or Ediga is a Hindu community of people concentrated in south central areas of Karnataka. Idigas are involved in soma and Ayurvedic medicine. 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.
History Of Idigas in Karnataka
Idigas formed the backbone of armies in Kannada empires. They are still called SOMAVAMSHA KSHATRIYAS in some parts of karnataka. But establishment of British administration led to settlement of Idigas in agriculture activities. Even the Origin of surname GOWDA is attributed to Idigas of Andra Origin. Which was tookover by Vokkaligas due to numerical dominance.
Population
Idiga population in Karnataka
In Karnataka while Idigas form 4th largest Caste group among Hindus, constituting 6-7% of population of Karnataka, but due to use of different nomenclature they are misunderstood to be small community. Idigas are called Billava in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada(South Canara), Namadhari Naik in Uttara Kannada(North Canara), Halepaik in Uttara Kannada and Deevaru/Idiga in Central Karnataka.
They are majority populations in following districts of Karnataka.
1.Udupi- as Billava / Poojary (Billava subcaste)
2.Dakshina Kannada(South Canara)- as Billava / Poojary (Billava subcaste)
3.Uttara Kannada(North Canara)- as Namadhari Naik
4.Shivamogga -as Idiga/Deevaru
Idigas in neighbouring states
- Idigas are called Thiyya/ Ezhava in Kerala who form approx 25% population of Kerala and thereby forming numerically dominant community with largest community among Hindus.
- Idigas are called Nadars in Tamil Nadu who form arount 10% of Population, they are economically dominant with majority of business owners in the state belonging to Nadar community.
- Idigas are called Idigas/ Gouds Telangana and Gowda Andra Pradesh and constitute around 17% of Telangana Andhra population and significant political group among OBCs.
Important personalities
- Dr.Rajkumar- Actor(Kannada Cinema God) and thespian
- S.Bangarappa- Former Chief Minister
- R.L Jalappa - Former Home Minister and educationist
- Kagodu Thimmappa - Speaker of Karnataka Assembly
- Shiva Rajkumar - actor (one and only hatrick hero)
- Raghavendra Rajkumar Actor and producer
- Puneeth Rajkumar - Actor (national award winner)
- Chinne Gowda- Producer
- Sri Murali - Actor (roaring star of Kannada Film Industry)
- Vijay Raghavendra - Actor (national award winner)
- Janardhan Poojari - Former KPCC president and minister
- Dasappa - Yellamma Dasappa education group
- J.P. Narayanaswamy - Industrialist