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.