No culture can dominate the culture of Tulunadu

        The state of Karnataka is blessed by the unique culture called ‘Tulu’. The people of Tulunadu are so attached to their culture because it was like mother who initiated them to relate with other cultures. As a result they are able to vibrate their culture with other culture. Though the Tuluvas are aware of other cultures yet they find a strong bonding towards Tulu culture; and this passion drives them to be loyal to their culture. The influence of western culture is dominant but it cannot separate the people from their local culture. The external expression of Tulu culture stands out very prominently. Kambla, pili vesha, cock fight and festivals like Shivarathri, Gheddasa, Bisu parba, Aatikalenja, Atiammavasi, kangilu, etc. are witnessed by everyone in Manglaore. These are so indigenous in nature that they are preserved by the people who feel proud of it.
                                                         

     ‘Tulu Chavadi’ is one of the programs of Radio Sarang which broadcasts every Saturday. This reminds people of their culture and their significance. This is one of the popular radio programs in Mangalore produced by Mr.Thimmappa who comes out with new topics for every Saturday. For instance, Jack fruit may not be a topic of people’s interest but yet there is a lot of interesting angle which are looked at by the radio artist. The program takes the people of this culture and others to see the traditional aspect of Tulu culture.   Tulu Chavadi also address interesting topics such as festivals and celebrations in order to invite more people to discuss and interact to see the essence of Tulu culture.

     

Banks that made remark in the nation building

       Tulunadu has made a significant contribution in nation building. Mangalore has grown not only into the field of education, business and industries but also banking system. Great men like Mulki Sundaram Shetty, Shri. Attavar Balakrishna Shetty and T. M. A. Pai were couple of giants among Tuluvas who had a vision for the society they lived in. History is not planned and created but rather it is a simple idea put in action when our society is in need. 
                                                   

                                         
    Today what we consider Padma Bhushan as a great honor for K V Kamath is because of that simple idea which was born out of a need. And this will be the history or ‘His-story’ of tomorrow. Likewise Dakshina Kannada was blessed with variety of people with different caliber. Mangalore holds a prominent place in the Indian map or history because of its contribution to the larger society. In making what is Mangalore today Tulunadu played a vital role by giving birth to some visionary leaders. 
       One of the fine works that is witnessed by all is the banking service. Vijya Bank was that which was established in the year 1931 by Shri. BalaKrishna Shetty had a noble cause of building banking habits and entrepreneurial life-style among the farmers. This noble cause led to making ‘Vijaya Bank’ a nationalized. This was one of the biggest contributions one can ever make to the society. Another important bank that made an unforgettable contribution to nation building is 'Syndicate Bank' which was nationalized in 1969. The great cause for which it was created is to assist financially to local weavers. Thus Tulunadu has played a role in making Mangalore a unique place and also contributing to India in a bigger level.

        

“Guthu Mane” has a message to tell us

                                                      

        It was in September, 2013 when I visited Guthu Mane of Pilikula’ along with my friends. There is green everywhere. The entire surrounding made us feel a sense of oneness and happiness. Our students went to every corner of the house and around the house to relish the grandeur of the house. The elegant ambiance of the place stole our heart. The house has beauty and space for people who have passion for a harmonious living.

        Can we believe that Guthu Mane has a message to tell us? There is a community called Bunts who are from Coastal Karnataka, lived a life with a sense of pride. This feeling of pride came from the joy of living together and sharing life with one another. They celebrated life together and sent out the message of unity and peace. 
      Bunts are known for their gentry and nobility. They always enjoyed the life of superiority as they recognize themselves as or take sideline with Kshatriyas, one of the three classes of Vedic society. The Vedic scriptures say that the Kshatriyas are the military or ruling class people. Everyone considered them as those who have power to rule and protect others.  This 'warrior' nature of the Bunts in Tulunadu enabled them to live a life that is different from others. Their lifestyle and the philosophy can be comprehended by seeing their house style in places like Kodialbail, Kankanadi, Khuriya, Badla, etc. Masadika Bunts, Nad and Parivara Bunts are the people who are named in the order of their population, place and the language dialects.

          In the contemporary life of the Bunts, it is something sad that they abandon the wonderful life and choose a life that is divided or scattered and a life that has more jealous and hatred. The Guthu Mane gives a message that not to abandon the life that has more value, peace and harmony. All the Bunts' Guthu Mane are made museum today where people cannot live.
                                                        

Kudla Resturant, a place that gives the flavor of Tulunadu Mangalore

     What could be the reason that the People of Mangalore feel attached to the name ‘Kudla?’ Has it got any magnetic effect? Some of these questions will keep alarming in our ears. Though it is a Tulu word for Kodialbail yet it gives an identity for the people of Mangalore. The history of Tulunadu is reminded through various ways. Kudla Restaurant is one of the best ways that draws the attention of not only the people of Mangalore but also others from various parts of the country and world. It is well known and popular for the traditional cuisines filled with sea foods. As it is a coastal district of Karnataka the sea food is quite rich enough to pull the heart of everyone.

       Though there are North Indian, Panjabi, Hydrabad Bryani and Chinese special are available yet eating Kudla special is something unique feeling for people. Kudla special brings people a variety of sea food preparation such us fish, crab, prawns which are rare in other parts of Karnataka. Today most people avoid other meat items and prefer this sort of food because it has a lot of protean and gives a great satisfaction. Kudla Restaurant of Mangalore is a place of ‘Sangama’ because it unites people from all walks of life. The specialty of it is that it welcomes family people who are united by their emotions. Kudla Restaurants create this type of atmosphere. That is why all people love to go there.

      The memory of Mangalore remains unforgettable for those who visit it because the taste of Kudla special remains forever in their tongue.  

Sculptures that speak the nature of religiosity and love

     One will be simply wonderstruck to hear that Tulunadu is a place that witnessed over 5000 temples and shrines.  Dakshina Kannada is a place more loved and developed by its people. Their religiosity and love for own land and nature have nurtured the district which has thrived in many areas such as education, business, industries and agriculture and farming, etc. Therefore what is Mangalore today is because of the hard work and creativity.Their contribution to literature, religion and culture is tremendous. The district has given great leaders and artists to the world. Having this as background one will be able to understand the wonders that the artist have done in the area of art and sculpture.

         Those who are ignorant and have no broader outlook about the Hindu Deities will not be able to perceive the meaning of the different forms of God. Yet most of the people including foreigners is able to appreciate the sculptures.  In Indian mythology there is a profound meaning for all the forms of God. The various forms of God arewell depicted through creative ways by the artists. Regarding the artists, though there is no record of all those who contributed to art and sculpture yet it is important to have some knowledge of the sculpture. The work of sculpture reminds us of the “DhyanaSlokas.”  The Slokas which are ancient in nature has reference in ShilpaSastras and Puranas. The Sculptors have expressed their art and devotion to God through their work which were made visible through metals, stone, wood or stucco. The Kadri Sri Manjunatheswara temple, one of the oldest temples is known for the bronze statues of different sizes.

Courtesy: TRADITIONAL SCULPTURE By M. Mukunda Prabhu

Culture finds equation between Tulu and Malayalam

       Culture breaks boundaries and fences to make itself felt among people. Tulu culture is so ancient in nature that it has overcome all the geographical and political restrictions because though Tulu and Malayalam lands are politically separate yet culturally they cannot be set apart. External factors may be obvious but there is something beyond one must see about the similarities between these two cultures. Both are consumers especially they are lovers of coconut oil. They share a common ground in worshiping Daiva or spirits. Regarding the authorities of the families Tulu and Malayalam have adopted the ALIYA SANTHANA rule. In other words the son-in-law of the house becomes the person who has an authority in a family.

      The Spirit worship or Daivaradhane can be thrown more light because it is an important aspect in the lives of the two cultures wherein the 'search for truth is the object of Dharma.' Vishnumurthi which is ‘sun’ in boothakola, Paksasa, Padaveeran, Chooliyaar, Bhahavathi, Moovaalankuyi Chamundi are some of the Daivas that are fondly worshiped by the people. The forgotten names of Tulunadu always create nostalgic memories. The Southern West Coast was once upon a time known as ‘The Malabar Coast.’  

    A number of ancient mosques that are built around the West Coast have become a unquestionable proof of the history of the area that unites the people of Mangalore and Tulunadu. Malayalam names like Ballal Krishnan Nayar leaves a hint that ‘Ballal’ is Tulu in origin whereas ‘Nayar’ is Malayalam in origin. Malayalam and Tulu language has a lot of common features because they are ‘Dravidian Language’ by root. The poems and literature in both the languages are few other means of knowing the similarities.

Digital world cannot dominate Dramas anymore in Mangalore

                                                           

           When our global village is moving towards digital world, only some people are able to keep up the traditional value system in the forms of folk art. A brief sketch about the drams in Tulunadu can give us the current status of the traditional media. In 1892 Shri Narayana Bhatta along with his friends started two Marathi Dramas called Dattajanma and Santha thukarama in front of Shri Dattathreya Temple in Mangalore. Between 1900 to 1910 in North part of Dakshina Kannada a group of ten or twelve from Basruru or Barkur, wearing Petari (a cap made out Aracanut ) went around putting up Dramas.

       According to the written sources, around 1902, Appu Indra started Appu Indra the first Drama Company. Later, Karnataka Mirtra Mandali for the first time went outside the district to present ‘Dramas.’ Bala sangeetha Drama Mandali was started in 1905and it lasted till 1912. In karkalla Lokapriya Mitra Mandali was started in 1907 and it lasted till 1910. In Mulki there were Drama shows in the house of a rich man called Narayana Kamath and later it was shifted to Manorama hall built by him thereafter.

          Later Shabu Saheb gave a moral strength to Drama shows. He had started Alexandra thiyetrikals Company in 1910.He started Bharatha Sangeetha Drama Mandali. This Drama company made an impact on the audience through its performance through creativity such as songs.There was a discipline in the actors like physical exercise early morning, Bath, Ganji food, Milk and Curd in the Afternoon etc. All the actors wore khadi dress. Between 1921 to 1930: Shivarama Karanth along with his friends played Nisha mahime, which was translation of Ekachpyala in Marathi. It focused on the bad effects of Alchohlism.

In 1929 Shri Ramananda Churya started ‘Churya and Parti Comedy Drama Company. It started ‘Karnataka Lalithakalaa madhuvana Organisation’ in Bangalore and played Dramas in Kerala, Mumbai etc. 1930-1939: Shri Manjunatha Shalivahana started shivakalaa Nataka Sabhaa in 1930. It brought trained many youth. 

       In 1933, Shri Krishna Maruthi Drama Sabhaa was started by Shri Puttu Tanthri in Udupi. 1950-1970: During this Decade Yakshagana and Dramas were merged and played. In the past in Dakshina Kannada Dramas played in Kannada and Tulu. This also gave rise to other language drams. At present we can find Christian Konkani and Hindu Konkani Dramas.

      Om Shakthi Drama Sabha Mangalore plays Tulu Dramas. Dramas have played a major role in conscientising people on Social Issues. Therefore Mangalore has grown so much and by maintaining this spirit it gets nurtured by itself.

Tulu Sahitya Academy became a beacon light of Tulunadu

          It is the result of those few passionate men who had a vision for Tulunadu. To make a significant contribution to the growth of the world of Tulunadu, a better way could be to establish a system which could preserve and enhance the culture, language, literature and all form of arts of the people. In view of that great vision some handful of men came up a concrete plan.     

          Indeed, it was an auspicious moment of “Tulukut, the first ever Tulu world convention in 1994 at Mulki”, when those visionaries urged the government of Karnataka with a resolution to establish an academy. As a result of their effort the ‘Tulu Sahitya Academy’ was established in the year 1994. The first President post was honored to Prof. B. A. Viveka Raj who was the head of the Kannada Department of Mangalore University. Since then the academy is at the forefront of developing and spreading the rich culture of Tulunadu.

          The most promising mission of Tulu Sahitya Academy which comes under Kannada and Culture, Department of Karnataka is to educate and enlighten the Tuluvas as well as those people who love and wish to contribute to the language. Number of systematic workshops and seminars are conducted regularly in order to create a platform for the participants to explore Tulu literature, poems, dramas and fork arts. The significant aspect of their programs is to teach the participants how to write the script of Tulu language. ‘Mathippu,’ a periodical which is published once in three months is one of the means to tell the people in and around Mangalore about what is happening in the Academy and the importance of Tulu culture and language.  Tulu Sahitya Academy also reaches out people across the states like Mumbai and Delhi through their Associations. It also organizes programs and events for everyone in order to proclaim the rich heritage of Tulunadu.

            Shrimathi. Janaki M Brahmavara is the present president of KTSA and Mr. Chandrahasa Rai B is the Registrar of KTSA and Assistant Director of Kannada and Culture, Dakshina Kannada.

Nagara Panchami is a blessing, joy and hope to you

The worship of the God Nag is not merely a popular celebration but a belief that brings blessing, joy and hope to one’s life. In Hindu calendar, the most auspicious day that all our Hindu brethren celebrate falls on the fifth day of the moonlit fortnight in the month of Shravan. It is true to the ‘Degree’ of one of the religious congregations called the Society of Jesus which says, “Faith that does justice.” If you have a deep faith in God Nag then it does justice by bringing a great blessing and fortune in your life.

      As the Hindu mythology goes the Chief God, Sheshnag of Lord Vishnu who is believed to have taken the form of Snake comes in everyone’s life to assure mercy and protection. Therefore if anyone has ‘Naga Sarppa’ he should remain in his house clean. The decease comes in the shape of snake on the person’s body. When the decease or the curse leaves the person he should go to Subramaniya temple and offer kanika so that the person will have fortune in his life.

        The ancient worship of Nag carried forth generation after generation all over India. It unites every Indian in the name of Snake worship and share the good vibration with one another. Therefore the event is commemorated every year meaningfully by bathing the statue of Snake God with milk and honey. And people perform Naga Dharshana in front of the God of Nag. On this day people along with their family members and relatives, near and dear ones join together and have vegetarian meal. The joy of coming together was valued much in this celebration. 

National Community Radio Award brings honor to the city of Mangalore

        Radio Sarang program on Tulu culture enhances the life of the people of Mangalore. When the media such as T.V., internet and mobile began to give a different orientation among young people, it is not that easy to divert their attention. In spite of knowing the fact Radio Sarang explores a new possibility to help the young people realize the uniqueness of their culture. Radio Sarang 107.8 FM broadcasts everyday various Tulu language programs. Of all ‘Dudinalike’ has grabbed the attention of everyone including the Government of India.

      Dudi Nalike is a dance and music form which used to unite the people especially of Puttur, Sullia and Belthangadi in celebration. At the time of wedding or any other celebration the men and women folk of Mugera community form groups and dance. What surprised Mr. Thimappa, the producer of Tulu language program is that the original form of dance and music with Dudinalike is slowly dying. But what we know from the fact is that there were occasions when the people of Tulunadu used ‘Dudi’ or the drum made up of Jack wood tree and monkey skin on both the sides for playing music. He had observed that the impact of modern technology has overshadowed the original music that was created out of Dudi Nalike. When the elders of the community were interviewed they said that they only remind the younger generation of the rich culture.

       The older generation is at the verge of crossing their last phase of life. They only can speak of what happened but they cannot show how it happened? Radio Sarang takes interest in reviving those cultures which are dying so that the younger generation realizes the significance of them and preserve them.  To support and encourage this major movement of Radio Sarang the Government of India has recognized its service and awarded with the ‘Prestigious National Community Radio Award 2014’

Industries that placed Mangalore in the international trade map

           Tulunadu has left a legacy behind what is called Mangalore today. The beautiful landscape is the result of the culmination of many phases of Tulunadu. The religious spirit, cultural pride, business and manufacturing skill have together discovered Mangalore as a business and industrial place of Karnataka. The uniqueness of coastal Karnataka stands out in the history of the region for its laborious spirit and creative approach to life. The various industries that were developed by the people over the years made Mangalore an important place. Therefore the aim of our study is to highlight some of the major industries of Mangalore in perspective of its prosperity and change over the decades.

      Cashew nut: The west cost of India is known for its cashew nut crops. Though the Portuguese showed the way to cashew industry yet the local people were not ready to risk cashew cultivation. It was Messrs Peirce Leslie Ltd who had ventured cashew industry in 1925. Since it was flourishing the post World War I most people were convinced to start factories. Jeppoo and Kulshekar were the two places known for their cashew production. Now the sizable number of cashew industries in Mangalore is able to export to foreign countries in large quantities. The cashew nut oil which is used for industrial purpose especially in plastic industry is bought by countries like U.K. and Jepan.

         Areca nut: Areca nut cultivation in South Kanara is an age old concept. It has created a good opportunities for people in terms of occupation. Since it is tropical crop of Karnataka it is cultivated by majority of people especially in Coondapoor, Karkal and of course in Mangalore. The state itself has allotted around 2.15 lakh hectares only for betel nut cultivation. Therefore it is a major source of income for the people of Tulunadu. In South Kanara, the Putur taluka takes the place of growing in a large scale.

         Tile: Tile industry is well known in Mangalore because the business thrived in its native place itself. After the arrival of Portuguese they introduced tiles in this region. A better trade and demand took the industry to a height where it supplied even to the farthest places.  Besel Missionaries undertook the industry in order to create employment for the local people. In1867, some Catholics by name Alex Pai and Peter Lobo started tile factories which also invited other business men to explore.  As a result a number of industries like ‘The Mangalore Tile Company’, ‘Highland Factory’, ‘The Western India Tile manufacturers’ Association’, ‘Mangalore Roofing Tiles’, etc. emerged later. Tile industry has its past which has left a mark in the history of Mangalore.

           Stone Cutting: Mangalore is known for its seven hills because it stands on them.  People quarried stones including granite stones which are used by the people of Mangalore for building houses. Besides that the religious worship places like churches, temple and mosques were built by the native stones. By the emergence of stone-quarrying it gave infinite opportunities for builders like Cyprian D’Souza and Paul F. Alvares who were the big contractors of the times.

         The Coffee: The coffee cultivation and coffee curing was supported by the British. It is said that in seventeenth century someone called Baba Budan who believed to have brought seed from Mecca at his arrival and planted in garden near Chikmagalur. In the year 1837, Basel mission took up the industry but did not succeed. On the other people especially who were working for Europeans on their business learnt the art of coffee plantation. As a result some Catholics started coffee estates with the help of Europeans.  Estates such as Balahole, Kattalkhan and other estates were started in Chikmagalur in 1870. On the other hand in coffee cultivation, heavy rain fall does not allow coffee to sustain. Therefore both the Europeans as well the local people in Mysore did not succeed in coffee cultivation whereas the industry encouraged capitalists and investors to flourish in the land of Tulunadu.

         Tea, handloom, paper and wood mills, etc. were few other industries that were successfully growing in the region. Therefore South Kanara always thrived on businesses and industries. The people of South Kanara made fortunes out of most of the business. The impact of industries on Mangalore is tremendous because it is able to transform Mangalore as a great educational hub and fill with number of hospitals and media centers as well. 

Courtesy: The Christian Impact of South Kanara by Kranti Farias

They have made all the difference

      The casts in Tulunadu have a role to play.  Each cast people have made a significant contribution in the making of a prosperous Tulunadu. Philosophers would say that a country has a hierarchy like Priests, Kings, Soldiers, Peasants and people. When there is hierarchy everyone has a responsibility to fulfill. As everybody has to work for the development of their region and country various community people had emerged at different times. In view of addressing each cast and highlighting its contribution to the society we shall study the different cast system.

        There are Brahmins, Bunts, Billawas, Gowdas, Potters, Mogaveeras and Schedule casts. The Brahmins are the people who take care of temples and help out in the spiritual growth of people. They are the ones who translated Sanskrit texts, manuscripts and other old documents. As a result they learnt all mantras and dedicated themselves for serving the spiritual wellbeing of the people. In the Brahmanincal society some intellectuals who availed themselves in the promotion of Tulu culture, language and literature. The People belonging to Bunts community emerged from South West of India which includes Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Kasaragod of Kerala. They are considered to be educationists, soldiers or warriors, agriculturists, industrialist who left behind an unforgettable past. Besides agriculturists farming the lands there were also people who took up jobs like running industries, institutions and restaurants. Then there is ‘Billawa’ community which contributed its men for serving the welfare of the society as soldiers. This community emerged from Kasaragod, a part of Kerala. They were recognized as soldier at the time of the local rulers. They are also known as agriculturists who prospered in the farming land. These Billawas are also known for tapping the natural drink from coconut, palm and date trees.

       There are communities like Gowdas, Mahars, Nalke, Moilley and other Schedule cast people took care of small businesses. Their involvement in contributing to the growth of the region is tremendous. Jobs like lighting lamps, drum beaters, washing cloths, running saloon, etc. helped them to be at the service of people. 

"The Mangalore tiles" has a significant past

        The hard work and creative bent of mind of our ancestors has left a mark in the history of South Kanara. The agrarian society of 19^th century walked an extra mile and witnessed the changes of the time. The People of Tulunadu in the country side were making handicrafts which supported their livelihood. The need for cottage industries such as goldsmith, blacksmith, carpentry, pottery making and stone cutting stones always helped them to depend on hard work and self-reliance. This great virtue of the people took them ahead in their life. The pottery makers kept flourishing in their pace.          Over the years men from Dakshina Kannada learnt the art of tiles making and started specializing in it.

The arrival of Basel Mission was a blessing to the people of South Kanara. By reading the science of the time they established some tiles manufacturing factories.  The art of tiles making could already predict its future. Peter Wilson Prabhakar talks about tiles in his articles on ‘Tile Industry.’ He said, “Tile is thin flat slab, usually of burnt clay, glazed or unglazed, used either structurally or decoratively in building. The usage of the word “tile” varies widely in connection with roofing.”

          ‘Nada Hanchu’ (made in traditional wheel and frames) is a sort of tile that is used for roofing. This tile is what called ‘The Mangalore Tiles.’ Since the Basel Mission explored and succeeded in manufacturing tiles using new model the credit goes to them. They also established tile’s factory in Kudroli and Malpe which is the Northern part of South Kanara as a branch of Jeppu Tile Factory. To our great surprise, the stunning stats that the book ‘Poli’ gives as the annual tile production rose up to 60 crores. This is to say that it provided employment for nearly 25,000 people. These interesting stats helps to perceive the way the tile industry grew in South Kanara of Tulunadu. By making revolution in making variety of tiles Mangalore has earned the name, “Mangalore Tiles.”

Can traditional food become a delicacy among all other Mangalore cuisines?

         Generally, people are very sensitive to food items. Any delicious food can be reduced to poor taste if they are not prepared in the way they are supposed. It can make people passionate because they are connected to places, people and personal likings. What are known as the Mangalore cuisines of today were the simple and traditional food of our ancestors. One of the many dishes is what called ‘Pathrade.’ It is liked most by the people of Coastal Karnataka. The delicious food item can be described as the monsoon special of Tulunadu.

        ‘Can traditional food become a delicacy among all other Mangalore cuisines?’ Can be answered well by carefully understanding how ‘Pathrade’ is prepared.

       The staple food of Tulunadu is rice because they are cultivated easily and abundantly. On the other hand when the rice is made flour and cooked it is always a new dish. Above all the Tuluvas created a special taste or attraction for ‘Pathrade’ by cooking it in a particular way. When there are multiple ways of cooking rice flour the traditional people of Tuludesa discovered a new taste by adding Pathradyache Kolay or Colocasia leaves in the rice flour. Normally, the Colocasia plants or leaves are available only at the time of monsoon. Pathrade becomes a rare delicacy of Mangalore because it is cooked mostly during monsoon. People across the regions at times crave for such preparation of Mangalore because they have cultivated an independent taste for it.

          ‘Pathrade’ is prepared by steaming the rice flour in teak leaves. At times the teak leaves are replaced by different medicinal leaves so that it adds taste as well as medicinal effect to our health.

Multitudes thronged to make Karavali Utsav a significant move

          The great tradition of Tulunadu is indeed glorified by programs like Karavali Utsav.  It is a unique move of the District administration of Mangalore. It is only two years old but it has created history by brining multitudes of people who thronged to witness the 45 days of “Mega Utsav.” The artistic and traditional entrance of the Utsav-2014 itself is a symbolic invitation to all other ethnic groups to come and display their creativity. The bubbling joy of children, the limitless expression of freedom of youngsters, contented feelings of the elders spread the fragrance of festive mood everywhere. Anyone will agree with me that the long stretch of grand Utsav is one of the spectacular events of Tulunadu that is ever presented by the District Administration of Mangalore.

           The Karavali Utsav was filled with the countless stalls of various kinds, antiques of Tuluvadesa, entertainment and amusement parks consisting of Dragon train, Zigzag, Tora Tora, Shops for dress and electronics gadgets and so on.  Cultural programs staged at entrance everyday were not only a special attraction but also a great visual treat for the eyes of the visitors. By welcoming people from other parts of India to display and to sell their art and cultural stuff, the administration of Mangalore created opportunities for the people of Coastal region to explore something beyond Karnataka.

By holding this sort of festivals, it has instilled in the hearts of people of Tulunadu the unity, creativity, joyous celebration. The popular event has made huge difference among the government officials as well as people of Mangalore. 

          The notable moment of the entire 2014-Karavali Utsav is that it is inaugurated and witnessed by great personalities like B Ramanath Rai, Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology and District-in-charge of Dakshina Kananada, Rev Fr Prashanth Madtha, Scholar and former Principal of St Aloysius College, MLAs J R Lobo, Mohiudeen Bava, Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, the President of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Kannada Sahitya Parishad,  the Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim.

The role of Western Ghats in the prosperity of Tulunadu

We cannot deny the fact that Western Ghats has a great impact on the prosperity of Tulunadu. It is a rich heritage of India because of its faunal and floral wealth.  Though Western Ghats is only 2 per cent of the entire geographical land of India yet it occupies 20 to 25 per cent of the entire biodiversity. It is blessed with the major source of water.        Tulunadu being part of the Western Ghats has prospered in agriculture and coconut cultivation. The people of Karnataka, especially South Canara which was originally known as Tulunadu made fortune out cash crops like aeronaut and cotton.

The floral wealth of Western Ghats has affected the people of this region significantly.            They find themselves closely related to flora because it enhances their life. For instances, a number of plants and leaves is used as medicines.  In the month of ‘Atida Ammavasi’ the people of Trigarta or Tuluva-desa find a baroque of a tree and use in their rituals. The ‘Tulsi’ worship among the Hindus is most apparent one because the people consider ‘Tulsi’ as one of the Goddesses in Hindu mythology. There are also other leaves from plants and trees are used as medicines.  In Tulu culture, there are times when leaves are used to steam food so that the essence of it has medicinal effect on the human bodies. 

          Western Ghats also invites people for doing research which will educate others too. The recent research revels that 35 furn plants have been discovered so far. A lot of research process is being held in the Western Ghats. The People of Tulunadu have not only grown in their lifestyle but also in their thinking and understanding of the mother earth. 

Flight of Konkani Christian was a blessing in disguise

            What we call as Catholic Christians or Konkani Christians have an unforgettable past. The inter-regional and international migration of people to Tulu nadu tells us the state of origin of Konkani Christians in the year 1500 A. D. Besides other factors, the coercive laws, rules and methods of Portuguese and their religious intolerance in Goa made the life of people miserable and unbearable. As a result they fled from Goa to Coastal Karnataka where they could find some freedom and live peacefully.

           The migration of Konkani Christian came as blessing in disguise for the rulers of Vijayanagara and the Shivappa Nayakas of Keladi who encouraged their flight.  The fact of the matter is that the migrated population was skillful in many ways. Under the rule of Portuguese the people of Goa were trained to be great artisans, merchants, cultivators. Though they shared small number of the entire population they did agricultural works, made handicrafts and grew jasmine and fragrant flowers.   By utilizing the skill of these the Konkani Christians who were also called ‘Roman Catholics’ the empires established the economy status of the region. The business skill of the Christians helped them learn Tulu and their culture in order to strike a better relationship with the local people.  This life of comfort and safety lad them to become part of Tulu nadu. 

         The Roman Catholics were also good at spreading their Christian faith to all over. This resulted in the increase of Catholic population who also built a number of churches in and around Coastal Karnataka. The writes and scholars have acknowledged that arrival of other missionaries like Basel mission have developed the educational system in the region.

The wealth of Tulu nadu impacts the ‘Tulu Culture’ in a significant way

         Tulu nadu is one of the unique places in the map of India because of its unlimited wealth and rich heritage.  What we call the wealth of South Kendra today was a synonym for ‘Tulu nadu’ once upon a time. The Tulu culture that stands distinct among all other cultures of Karnataka is strongly backed by the wealth of its soil. Western Ghats, the world acclaimed heritage contributes significantly by placing geographically the name Tulu nadu in the world history. The faunal wealth of the place has flourished by both the 22 Western flowing rivers and the Western Ghats on the eastern side. As a result, the lives of people began to embrace nature as part of their life.

       The living condition of people is fully depended upon the natural wealth of the region. Everybody and everything is affected by the bio-diversity of Tulu nadu. The one aspect of people being nurtured is witnessed by the way they project their culture. Buffalo race, Pili Vesha, cock fight, etc. are some of the concrete examples. While there is other wealth like agriculture, forests, rivers, sea, etc. the faunal wealth has given the people a sense of reverence towards animal. That is why we encounter people who have strong faith in worshiping snake and tiger; they sacrifice hares, pigs, fowl, goats, and sheep. Lot of medicines was discovered by the folk people from turtles, pigs, fowl, lizard and fish.  Western Ghat is also known for its rare reptiles and birds. The book ‘Poli’ adds “Otters (Luta lutra) is one of the fascinating mammals of our rivers but rarely seen. Baleen whales and dolphins are occasionally seen along the seacoast. Nearly 15% of the marine fish fauna are believed to occur in Arabian Sea,” to the account of faunal wealth. The one thing that is predominant among the Tulu speaking community is that they vibrate with the nature which in return gives them life in abundance.