Kuruba

Kuruba
Religions Hinduism
Languages Kannada, Telugu, Marathi
Populated states Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
Region South India

Kuruba (also known as Kuruba Gowda[1], Kuruba, Kuruma and Kurumbar) is a Hindu caste native to the Indian state of Karnataka, where it is the third largest caste group.[2][3] Like Yadava and Dhangar, the community's traditional occupation was shepherding.[4] Some sources suggest that Kuruba is a Dravidian name for Ahir.[5]

Etymology

The term kuruba, meaning shepherd, is derived from kuri, meaning sheep.[4]

History

The Kurubas are said to have been connected to the Yadu or Yadava lineage mentioned in Puranas. Traditional sources claim that the Kurubas founded the Sangama dynasty and the Vijayanagara Empire.[6]

According to Ramchandra Chintaman Dhere, a scholar of the religious traditions of Maharashtra,

The history of South India shows clearly that all the southern royal dynasties who arose from pastoralist, cowherd groups gained Kshatriya status by claiming to be Moon lineage Kshatriya, by taking Yadu as their ancestor and by continually keeping alive their pride in being "Yadava". Many dynasties in South India from the Pallavas to Yadurayas were originally members of pastoralist, cowherd groups and belonged to Kuruba lineages.[6]

Notable people

  • Sangolli Rayanna, 18th century freedom fighter and a warrior who fought the British East India Company in South India[7]
  • Kaka Nayaka, a legendary leader after whom the Kakanakote forest is named[8]
  • Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka State(2013 to 2018)
  • Y. Nagappa, Ex-Social Welfare Minister of Karnataka State[9]

References

  1. ↑ "In Karnataka Assembly Elections 2018, Congress Pitches Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Against BJP's BS Yeddyurappa". NDTV. 2017-06-01. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
  2. ↑ Kuruba community sets a new trend at math
  3. ↑ "Vokkaliga, Lingayat leaders oppose state's caste census". Bangalore Mirror. 2014-10-25. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
  4. 1 2 Ramchandra Chintaman Dhere, Translated by Anne Feldhaus (2011). Rise of a Folk God: Vitthal of Pandharpur, South Asia Research. Oxford University Press,. pp. 240–241. ISBN 9780199777648.
  5. ↑ John G. R. Forlong (2008). Encyclopedia of Religions. Cosimo, Inc.,. p. 50. ISBN 9781605204840.
  6. 1 2 Dhere, Ramchandra Chintaman (2011). Rise of a Folk God: Vitthal of Pandharpur, South Asia Research. Feldhaus, Anne (trans.). Oxford University Press,. p. 243. ISBN 978-0-19977-764-8.
  7. ↑ Sangolli Rayanna and the rise of caste heroes
  8. ↑ 'Kakana Kote' as a tribute to Lokesh
  9. ↑ 'Gopura' issue has united Kuruba community: Nagappa
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