Mangaloreans


Mangaloreans are a collection of ethnic groups that hail from the historical locales of South Canara on the south western coast of Karnataka, India, particularly the residents of Mangaluru.

History

Historically, Tulunaad included the two separate lands of Haiva and Tuluva. The Ballal Kings of Sullia had ruled this area around 1100 years back. The Tulu Brahmin migration to Tulunaad might have happened during the lifetime of the Kadamba king Mayuravarma at 345 AD. During the 13th century, the Hindu philosopher Madhvacharya built the eight Ashta Muttas in modern Udipi district that was partitioned from Mangalore district.
During the rule of the Vijayanagara dynasty, Tulu Nadu was administered in two parts—Mangaluru Rajya and Barakuru Rajya. Tulu Nadu was the original homeland of the Tuluva dynasty, the third dynasty of the Vijayanagara monarchy. Tulu Nadu was governed by feudatories of the Vijayanagara Empire until the 17th century. The longest reigning dynasty of Tulu Nadu were the Alupas, feudatories and nobility of the prominent dynasties of Carnatica. The Kadamba dynasty of Banavasi was the earliest, under which the Alupas flourished. Later the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta, Chalukyas of Badami, Chalukyas of Kalyani, Hoysalas of Durasamudra and rayas of Vijayanagara were the overlords. The Alupas, however, were independent and their subordination was nominal at best. They ruled during the Vijaynagara domination of Tulu Nadu from 14th to the 17th centuries. The region became extremely prosperous during Vijayanagara period with Barcoor and Mangalore gaining importance. After the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, much of Tulu Nadu came under the control of the Keladi Nayakas of Ikkeri.
Over the following many centuries, more ethnic groups migrated to the area. Various Hindu Konkani people namely Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, Daivajnya Brahmins, Karhad Brahmins, a few Chitpavans, Vaani, a few Rajapur Saraswats arrived by sea during the religious persecution by lawless Portuguese pirates and ex-jailbirds. Mangalore was a major port that served not only the Portuguese but also the Arabs for maritime trades. Jains were already a prominent group and even today are uniquely preserved in Tulunaad. Though small in number, the Jains left behind indelible reminders of their glory with temples in Moodabidri, and monolithic statues of Bahubali and the Gomateshwara in Karkala, Venoor& Dharmasthala. In the 16th century, there was a large influx of New Christians who fled the Inquisition in Portuguese Goa, they were given refuge in the area by the Nayakas of Keladi, particularly by Kittur Chennamma. The settlement of these New Christians in the area gave rise to their own unique and mixed culture that developed into a localised community of Mangalorean Christians, distinct from Goan Christians and East Indians, they built prominent educational institutions and contributed to socio-economic progress in the area. The Muslims of Tulu Nadu are basically descended from Arab traders who married local women and settled there. They speak Beary, which is a mix of Tulu and Malayalam.

Demographics

Majority of Mangaloreans belong to the Tuluva ethnic group. The Tuluvas have historically been concentrated in the coastal areas. The major Tulu speaking castes are Shettigar, Mundalas, Mogeras, Bairas, Samagaras, Billavas, Sapaliga, Bunts, Mogaveeras, Kulala's, Devadiga's, Tulu Brahmins, Vishwakarmas and Nayak's. Mangalorean Protestants are also mostly Tulu speakers. The next largest group are the Konkanis, in particular the Goud Saraswat Brahmins, Daivadnya Brahmins as well as the Mangalorean Catholics whose ancestors migrated here from Goa, due to persecution by the Portuguese. Other groups who historically settled in Tulu Nadu, include the Kannadigas and Bearys.

Culture

Cuisine

Mangalorean cuisine is largely influenced by the South Indian cuisine, with several cuisines being unique to the diverse communities of the city. Coconut and curry leaves are common ingredients to most Mangalorean Curry, as are ginger, garlic and chili. Mangalorean Fish Curry is popular dish in Canara. The Tulu community's well-known dishes include Kori Rotti, Chicken Ghee Roast, Bangude Pulimunchi, Beeja-Manoli Upkari, Neer dosa, Boothai Gasi, Kadabu, and Patrode. The Kube Sukkhe, a traditional clam dish of Mangalorean Protestants is also very popular. The Konkani community's specialities include Daali thoy, beebe-upkari, val val, avnas ambe sasam, Kadgi chakko, paagila podi, and chana gashi. Tuluva vegetarian cuisine in Mangalore, also known as Udupi cuisine, is known and liked throughout the state and region. Since Mangalore is a coastal town, fish forms the staple diet of most people. Mangalorean Catholics' Sanna-Dukra Maas, Pork Bafat, Sorpotel and the Mutton Biryani are well-known dishes. Pickles such as happala, sandige and puli munchi are unique to Mangalore. Shendi, a country liquor prepared from coconut flower sap, is popular.

Traditions

Many classical dance forms and folk art are practised among Mangaloreans. The Yakshagana, a night-long dance and drama performance, is held in Mangalore, while Hulivesha, a folk dance unique to the city, is performed during Dasara and Krishna Janmashtami. Karadi Vesha is another well known dance performed during Dasara. Paddanas are sung by a community of impersonators in Tulu and are usually accompanied by the rhythmic drum beats. The Bearys' unique traditions are reflected in such folk songs as kolkai, unjal pat, moilanji pat, and oppune pat. The Evkaristik Purshanv is an annual Catholic religious procession led on the first Sunday of each New Year.

World record

On 26–27 January 2008, a Konkani cultural event, Konkani Nirantari, held in Mangalore by a Mangalorean organization, Mandd Sobhann, entered the Guinness Book of World Records for non-stop singing of Konkani hymns. Mandd Sobhann members sang for 40 hours, surpassing the old record of 36 hours held by a Brazilian musical troupe.

Notable Mangaloreans