Thigala
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Languages | |
| Tamil, Kannada | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Dravidian · Kannadiga · Tamil · Telugu · Tigalari |
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 originated from Iyengar-Tenkalai sect and are traditionally occupied with livelihood on gardeners of flowers and vegetables.[1] They are likely a sub-caste of the numerous Vanniyar caste.[1]
They are generally Hindus.[1] 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.[2]:173 and the Karaga festival celebrated in Kolar, Bangalore, Hosakote, Anekal, Kanakapura, Jakkasandra and other towns highly significant to the community.[3] The Thigala in Karnataka speak a mixture of Kannada and Tamil.[4]
A Karnataka state government order of 1994 designated the Thigala there as members of the Backward Classes.
Tigalari language
Tigalari language is a mother tongue of Tigala community.[5]
References
- 1 2 3 Singh, Kumar Suresh; India, Anthropological Survey of (2003-01-01). People of India. Anthropological Survey of India. ISBN 9788185938981.
- ↑ Karnataka State Gazetteer: Bangalore District. Director of Print., Stationery and Publications at the Government Press. 1990-01-01. p. 173.
- ↑ Kamath, Suryanath U. (1996-01-01). A Handbook of Karnataka. Government of Karnataka, Karnataka Gazetteer Department.
- ↑ People of India - Kumar Suresh Singh, Anthropological Survey of India - Google Books
- ↑ Srinivas, Smriti (2001-01-01). Landscapes of Urban Memory: The Sacred and the Civic in India's High-Tech City. U of Minnesota Press. ISBN 9781452904894.