Bunts
ಬಂಟರ
ബന്ടര്
ಬಂತವರು

Krishnadevaraya•Aishwarya Rai•Anushka Shetty•Shilpa Shetty•Ajit Shetty
Total population
(approx) 1.5 million[1]
Regions with significant populations
Tulu Nadu, Bangalore, Mumbai
Languages
Tulu, Kundagannada
Religion
Hinduism.
Related ethnic groups
Tulu Jains, Nairs, Samanta Kshatriya

The Bunts (Tulu:ಬಂಟರ, Kannada:ಬಂತವರು, Malayalam:ബന്ടര്) are a largely Tulu speaking Matrilineal Hindu Community inhabiting and hailing from Udupi,Mangalore Districts as well as Kasaragod Taluka in the Indian States of Karnataka and Kerala respectively.This region is also known as Tulu Nadu . Bunts were traditionally feudal lords ^[2] who attained their greatest glory during the rule of the Tuluva Dynasty Emperors of Vijayanagara.The Tuluva Dynasty was founded by a chieftain Bunt called Tuluva Narasa Nayaka.After the fall of the empire the bunts took to large scale agriculture in Tulu Nadu region where they still controlled vast area of land and also served as warriors in the minor Hindu kingdoms that controlled the region from time to time.Since the beginning of the 20 th century bunts slowly gave up on agriculture and today are rarely into it.Most of them taking to Hospitality industry,Banking and other entrepreneurial activities.

Contents 1 Etymology 2 Languages 3 Connection with Nairs of Kerala 4 Traditions 5 Religion 6 Cuisine and culinary habits 7 Traditional pastimes 8 Traditional Homes 9 Matrilineal inheritance - Aliya Santana Kattu 10 Bari, Guttu and Kattales 11 Marriage rituals 12 Notable Bunts 13 See also 14 References

[edit] Etymology

The word Bunt is derived from the Sanskrit word Bhata meaning powerful man or a warrior, The Tulu equivalent is Bunte or Bunter (plural) which means Protector. Bunts are also referred to as Nayaka,Shetray and Nādava which means Leader,Nobility and Landlord respectively in Tulu.The word Shetray anglicised as Shetty is the most common of all bunt surnames followed by Rai.In fact in certain parts where the community has migrated like mumbai,the community is simply referred to as the Shettys.

[edit] Languages

Bunts are highly multilingual and are generally well versed in languages other than their mother tongue of Tulu and Kundagannada (a dialect of Kannada or Kanarese highly influenced by Tulu).Tulu is the mother tongue of Majority of bunts who originally inhabit or hail from Kasaragod uptil Brahmavara(North of Udupi City).Bunts in Kundapura taluk (north of brahmavara) speak kundagannada as their mother tongue.Tulu speaking Bunts are called Tuluva Bunts and Kundagannada speaking ones are called Nādava or Nada Bunts.Tuluva bunts generally call Nada Bunts as Badakaydagul which translates into our people in the north.There is also term called Thenkaydagul which refers to Bunts who live south of Payaswini river in Kerala.Is it a reference to the Samanta Kshatriyas or Nairs is unknown since there is traditionally no Bunt presence south of Payaswani.

[edit] Connection with Nairs of Kerala

The 17th century Brahmin-inspired Keralolpathi of malayali brahmins and Grama Padhati of Tulu brahmins describes the Nairs of Kerala and the similarly matrilineal Bunts of Tulu Nadu as descendants of the Kshatriyas who accompanied the Brahmins to Kerala and Tulu Nadu respectively from Ahichatra/Ahikshetra in southern Panchala. ^[3]

The Manual of Madras Administration Vol II (printed in 1885) notes that the Nadavas are the same people as the Nairs of Malabar and the Bunts of southern Tulu Nadu:

“

They appear to have entered Malabar from the North rather than the South and to have peopled first the Tulu, and then the Malayalam country. They were probably the off-shoot of some colony in the Konkan or the Deccan. In Malabar and south of Kanara as far as Kasargod, they are called Nayars and their language is Malayalam. From Kasargod to Brahmavar, they are termed as Bunts and speak Tulu. To the north of Brahmavar, they are called Nadavars, and they speak Kanarese.

”

The Nairs have disappeared as an entity from Tulu Nadu but the inscriptions found in Barkur from the medieval period as well as the Grama Padathi, which gives the history of Brahmin families in Tulu Nadu, have made several references to the Nairs. They seemed to have intimate connections with the Brahmins and acted as their protectors, perhaps brought to Tulu Nadu by the Kadamba kings in the 8th century. Kadamba king Mayuravarma, who is credited with bringing Brahmins from Ahichatra (from the north), also settled Nairs in Tulu Nadu. Yet, there is no written proof for this occurrence and the only mention of the Nairs in the inscriptions comes after the Alupa period (early part of 14th century).Like some of the kings of Malabar some South Kanara princes also have Nair ancestry. For example the last ruler of Kanajar in Karkala Taluk was a Nayar Hegde.The royal house in Kowdoor (adjacent to Kanajar) is known as “Naayara bettu” which still exists. Also "Nayara" is one of the Bunts surname. It is postulated that the Nairs in Tulunadu were later absorbed into the social stratum of the Bunt/Nadava community. It is also postulated that the Nayars of Malabar originally migrated from the Tulu nadu^[2]

It is to be noted that the traditions and cultures of Nairs and Bunts are same to a large extent.

Currently the Nairs who can trace their descent back to Tulunadu are concentrated in the Malabar region. ^[4]

[edit] Traditions

[edit] Religion

Bunts are orthodox Hindus who primarily worship Adi Shakti and can be termed as Shaktas .But Bunts are not exclusive Adi Shakti worshippers,they worship all gods of the Hindu pantheon including shiva and vishnu as aspects of the divine mother Adi Shakti .The Bunts also have great faith in other Hindu gods like ganesh, subrahmanya, krishna and Mariamma.The Bunts believe that all gods of the Hindu pantheon are nothing but various aspects of Adi Shakti.In her spiritual form Adi Shakti is attributeless and is sometimes referred to as Ullaya or Ullaldi in Tulu and Parambrahma in Sanskritised Tulu which means impersonal god ,The bunts therefore are monotheistic but at the same time worship all gods of the Hindu pantheon without any difference.The Bunts believe that the way to moksha or liberation is through bhakti of any aspect of the divine mother.The Bunts are therefore followers of Vedanta philosophy.Therefore through out Tulu nadu there are numerous temples dedicated to various Hindu gods patronised by Bunts.The Bunts also believe that the first temple to be build in tulu nadu was that of Adi Shakti in kunjarugiri near udupi by lord parshurama the sixth incarnation of vishnu and a great shiva devotee.parshurama is also credited to have created tulu nadu which is part of Parashurama Kshetra or Kerala mentioned in the Puranas by reclaiming land from the sea god Varuna by throwing his divine axe or parashu. hence Tulu Nadu is also referred to in the Puranas as Parashurama Shrishti (The world created by parashuram).

[edit] Cuisine and culinary habits

Bunts form one of the major tulu speaking communities of Coastal Karnataka. Their cuisine draws inspiration from the local produce and fruits found in this region .Rice is used imaginatively to create a vast rage of delicacies. The all time Bunt favorite is the chicken curry called kori gasee. Jackfruit, Banana, Mango etc., are used in various forms to prepare a wide variety of detectable dishes ranging from Kundapur to Kasargod, the bunt cuisine contains many variations in use of ingredients and methods of preparation. This has only enhanced the distinctive flavors of each region and lent freshness to the culinary marvels of the community

The cuisine of Bunts is famous all over India especially in and around Mumbai where the community owns a number of famous hotels and restaurants . Bunts specialise both in vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Among non-vegetarian dishes, Kori Rotti ,Neer dosa,and Kane Gasee are well known. Vegetarian dishes include Gullāa Chutney and Pāthrode.

[edit] Traditional pastimes

Bunts have always had a penchant for rural sports especially Kambala- water buffalo racing.In ancient times bunt kings used to organise Arasa kambala where people would compete for a huge price money in offer.Nowadays kambala are organised by associations run by Bunts.

Another passion of bunts is Yakshagana,a form of theatrical opera similar to Kathakali of Kerala.Stories from the Hindu mythology are usually depicted in them.A favourite yakshagana play of the bunts is based on the Devi Mahatmyam.

Kori - katta a form of Cock fighting which is banned by the government of India due to pressure of animal activists was something which bunts loved to organise.

[edit] Traditional Homes

Traditionally bunts lived in a joint family system wherein generation of maternally related relatives lived in a large single bungalow .This system called Manetana is similar to the Tharavadu system of the nairs.These Bunt Bungalows Are locally known as Guthu da ill or Beedu Mane which translates into house of prestige.Royal Palaces among the bunts were called ArasaMane .Since Bunts were landlords or small feudatories,the location of the house was generally at the centre of the Landholdings each bunt family collectively held.The head of each household was the eldest male member known as Yejamanaye.Situated amid picturesque surroundings of paddy fields,coconut and areca gardens,Bunt homes generally followed a distinct pattern of architecture taking into account the guidelines of the Vastushilpa-The traditional Hindu system of architecture.These houses have an entrance through a large door called the Hebba Bakil .The Hebbakil generally made of teak wood had intricate carvings on them.The hebbakil gives way to an open yard called the Angala.Angala is walled on all the four sides and the walls are generally carved.Following the angala is the Chawadi or the Main courtyard where the Landlord met his tenants or solved matters pertaining to village disputes etc.The chawadi is decorated with wodden pillars called Khamb which are carved which images from Hindu mythology etc.Chawadi had to be elaborately decorated,the more the decoration of a chawadi,that much affluent a particular household was considered.Inside the Chawadi is the Nadu mane or the middle portion of the house,which was used only by the members of the house and entry to it was restricted to non bunts.Some houses have a small well created in the nadu mane for use of family members.Besides the Nadu mane a separate room is reserved for Daily worship called Devarakonaye.Apart from this there is another room Called gundakonaye where paraphernalia related to rituals of nagaradhane or bhuta kola was kept.Sometimes even the jewels belonging to the main Hindu temple of the village were kept here.These jewels belonging to the village deities were displayed only once in year during the annual temple festival called Ayana.Besides these there are several other rooms used for storing agriculture produce as well as bedrooms etc.Kitchen called adpil was located in the south east.A little distance from the house is the sacred grove called Naga Bana which are basically serpent shrines.The serpent shrines generally consisted of many stones on which Serpent images were carved.special Pujas as held at these shrines every month on sankranti.Other rituals of Nagaradhane are also performed but they do not follow a distinct time pattern.Further away from the nagabana is the Daivasaana (temple of the spirit deities).Annual ritual dances of the Bhuta Kola are held at these shrines.Such traditional bunt houses can still be seen across the Tulu region.One of the well preserved Houses called Kodial Guthu stands majestically at the centre of Mangalore city.^[5]Some other well preserved of these houses that display traditional architecture can be seen at Kolnadguthu near Mulki.Nayarabettu near kowdoor.Royal houses of the bunts called Arasamane can be seen at Kutyar and Mulki. '

[edit] Matrilineal inheritance - Aliya Santana Kattu

Most communities in the Tulu nadu follow a system of matrilineal inheritance to family property, in which succession is followed along the female line i.e. succession does not take place from father to son but from uncle to nephew (one's sister's son). Called aliya santana, it is similar to marumakkatayam that is followed in certain class of people in Kerala namely the nairs. It is a law that has been followed by predominantly the Bunt community and the Tulu Jains. It is well established that the rulers of the feudatory states (like the Chautas, Bangas, Savantas, Ajilas, and Tolahas), followed the aliya santana system of inheritance. There is also evidence that the Alupas, before the rise of the Vijayanagara Empire, followed the system of matrilineality.

The law was recognized by the modern courts as far back as the British India in 1843. The rules of aliya santana were first published as the English translation in 1864, by the German Press Mission in Mangalore (printed in Madras Journal of Literature and Science).

The aliya santana commandments were decreed by a legendary figure of unknown antiquity, Bhutala Pandya (77 A.D.?). His uncle named Deva Pandya was the ruler, when certain important cargo with a newly built naval fleet was set out to sea. King of the demons, Kundodara, demanded sacrifice of the king’s son if he wanted any protection of the valuable cargo that was sea bound. The king’s wife refused to part with any of her seven sons, and Deva Pandya was distraught. The king’s sister Satyavati, finding her brother lonely and dejected, offered her own son Jaya Pandya for the sacrifice. The demon Kundodara was impressed with this sacrifice. He not only spared the young boy’s life but also bestowed upon him the kingdom of Jaya Pandya’s father Veerapandya in the city called Jayantika. The demon also gave the name Bhutala Pandya on the brave young man and sat him on a throne.

Later another similar demand was made by the demon, when Deva Pandya’s ships had run aground in Kalyanapura. In order to slake the demon’s thirst for human sacrifice, the king made another request from his wife to spare one of their sons. But his wife refused to comply again and publicly renounced all inheritance of the kingdom for her own sons and left the kingdom to live with her parents. Bhutala Pandya was summoned by the people, who wisely propitiated the demon Kundodara as Mahishasura, and built him a permanent abode in Someshwara. Kundodara then demanded of Deva Pandya that he should disinherit all his sons and name his nephew Bhutala Pandya as the successor.

Bhutala Pandya ruled for a period of seventy-five years in peace and his subjects were prosperous. He had twelve wives with whom he had many children, both boys and girls. He commanded all his subjects to follow his uncle’s example of the matrilineal system of aliya santana, and the laws of inheritance were written, as dictated by the demon Kundodara. Subsequently, his nephew Vidyadyumna Pandya came to power and the aliya santana system is said to have been followed ever since. Bhutala Pandya’s progeny through aliya santana ruled for seven generations for a total of 259 years.

Of course, there are no historical records of the authenticity of the story of Bhutala Pandya. The first epigraph referring to the system of aliya santana is from the 10th century, suggesting that the system was followed at that time, when a passing reference was made in one of the inscriptions. Following this, several epigraphic inscriptions of later centuries refer to the system routinely and the practice was undoubtedly very prevalent. There is ample evidence to suggest that aliya santana was followed by large segments of the population between the 12th and 16th centuries in Tulu nadu.

[edit] Bari, Guttu and Kattales

Bari represents the matrilineal lineage of communities in Tulu nadu. Bari is the Tuluva counterpart of the Gotra followed by the Brahmins, influenced by the Brahmin tradition. Every family is identified by its Bari. The name of the Bari may denote a particular personality, symbol, place or name of a well known divinity. It is thought that the Baris in Tulu nadu were organized by chiefs, who were called Ballalas. Ballalas were said to have gained importance in Tulu nadu after the marriage between Hoysala king, Vira Ballala and the Alupa queen Chikkayi Tayi. Bari sets the rules for marriage alliances as well as adoption procedures. There cannot be marriage alliances between the same Baris. There are more than one hundred thirty named Baris established but eighteen of them are recognized from the days of King Bhutala Pandya. They are called aliya santana Baris. A Bunt is identified with his Bari from his mother’s lineage rather than the father’s, as Bunts are matrilineal

There are fourteen Guttus and sixteen Kattales which lay down the rules of aliya santana. These are commandments of the marriage customs, social positions of each of the Baris, management of family property and the ceremonies to be observed on occasions of births and deaths. They also enumerate laws of the land. Rules regarding social behavior and morality are found in the kattales, especially related to female behaviour. Women are given great importance among bunts. Punishments and acceptance of women who go astray are laid down in elaborate manner. Rules of widow marriage and marriage of women who have been abandoned or abused by their husbands are detailed in sixteen different commandments pertaining to different ethnic groups of Tulu nadu. The laws according to Guttu and kattale are said to have been enjoined by Bhutala Pandya, as dictated by the benevolent demon Kundodara.

[edit] Marriage rituals

Marriage ceremonies traditionally took place within temple complexes.

• Nischitartham or nikshaya: The Engagement ceremony

The men folk from the bride's family proceed to the groom's house carrying a silver platter laden with betel leaves, betel nuts and flowers. An elder from the family is assigned the task of introducing the two families to each other. This visit is a mere formality to confirm the date and time of the forthcoming wedding. The exchange of betel leaves and nuts is a confirmation of the alliance and the elders are a witness to it. These days the 'nischitartham' might even be a more elaborate occasion, where the bride and groom exchange diamond engagement rings and the family follows this up by hosting a lavish party for close friends and relatives.

• Madarengee: The Henna Ceremony

This ceremony is held separately in both homes. Traditionally this used to be a very simple ritual where just a dot of 'mehendi' or henna was applied to the bride's palms and finger tips, but has now evolved into a full fledged celebration complete with professional henna artists or 'mehendiwallis' being invited to weave intricate designs on the hands and feet of the bride and her close female friends and relatives. 'Mehendi is applied on the groom as well - but just as a symbolic dot on his palm.

• Mangalasnana: A Ritual bath

The 'mangalasnana' ceremony is held separately in both homes one day before the wedding. The groom's cousins and other close family relatives apply turmeric and coconut milk on his face, body and arms. The barber gives him a haircut and then his sister's husband or maternal cousin leads him for his bath. A similar ceremony is held at the bride's home, where her cousins apply the turmeric and coconut A Ritual Bathing milk on her face and body. Her brother's wife or any other older lady from the family leads her for her bath. After the bath she completes the ritual by wearing a new sari, gold jewellery, and black bangles. The bride and groom then proceed to their 'puja' rooms and after a brief prayer go to the 'tulsi katta' (sacred tulsi plant) to witness the 'tulsi puja' performed by the Brahmin.

• Murthasaese:

The bride and groom are blessed by their families and close friends This ritual is once again conducted separately in both homes and takes place after the 'tulsi puja'. Primarily a ceremony for receiving blessings, it has however turned into an elaborate function where a 'pandol' or canopy is decorated with flowers and banana palms and owing to the number of invitees, it is not possible to host it inside the homes. The bride's maternal uncle and aunt slip silver toe-rings on her feet. The eldest 'sumangali' (married lady) distributes red and green glass bangles to all the women present. The bride has to wear black, red and green bangles. All the elders who shower her with rice then bless her. The groom goes through a similar ritual - where his maternal uncle's wife or his paternal aunt adorns his feet with silver toe-rings. He too is blessed by all with the showering of rice.

• Muhurtham or lagnam : Commencement of the wedding ceremonies

According to tradition the elders in the Bunt community officiated during the marriage ceremony along with the brahmins. These days however,Brahmins alone do the needful. The groom is escorted to the venue of the wedding by his sister's husband or maternal uncle. The bride's brother receives him at the venue and welcomes him by washing his feet. The bride's aunt performs the traditional 'aarti' in his honour and the bride's mother follows it up by performing the 'deepa aarti' (welcome ritual performed with lighted lamps) for him. The bride arrives at the venue of the wedding in all her finery and is received by her brother's wife, a cousin or an aunt, who leads her to the 'mantap' (platform erected for the marriage ceremony). Her brother washes her feet as well and a similar type of welcome ceremony is performed for her. The 'Brahmin' requests the groom's sister and her husband or a cousin to hold the hands of the bride and groom and lead them around the 'deepa' (lamps) and the 'mantapa'. After this the couple enters the 'mantapa' and after a Vedic puja is performed, they exchange garlands.

• Dharemaipuna / dhareyeruna: The wedding ceremony

The bride's parents in the presence of her maternal uncle, his wife and elders of her family perform this ceremony. A silver or gold 'chembu' (vessel with a spout) filled with 'Theertha' or 'ganga jala'(holy water) is held by the bride's parents and taken to all the elders of both the families for their blessings. A gold coin known as 'nanya' is placed on the bride's palm beneath which the groom places his hands and the bride's parents pour the water from the 'chembu' onto the couple's hands. This ritual is called dhare. The 'mangalsutra' (gold chain with black beads), is blessed by 5 'sumangalis' (married women) and the groom ties it around the bride's neck. The bride then slips a plain gold ring on the groom's finger. The bride and groom are made to hold the 'chembu' and sit down and rise three times in quick succession. This is known as the 'dhareyeruna'.

• Homam: Sacred fire sacrifice

The Brahmins lights the sacred fire known as homa or sacrifice is performed amidst Vedic chants. The bride's brother puts fistfuls of puffed rice into the hands of his sister and the groom, which they in turn offer into the sacred fire each time they go around it, namely three times.

• Saptapadi: The seven steps around the sacred fire

The groom holds the bride's hands and together they take seven steps around the fire. With each step the bride has to tip over small heaps of rice with her right foot and repeat the seven marriage vows along with the groom.

[edit] Notable Bunts

• Tuluva Narasa Nayaka,Emperor of Vijayanagara Empire
• Viranarasimha Raya,Emperor of Vijayanagara Empire
• Krishnadevaraya,Emperor of Vijayanagara Empire
• Achyuta Deva Raya,Emperor of Vijayanagara Empire
• Sadashiva Raya,Emperor of Vijayanagara Empire
• Mulky Sundar Ram Shetty :Noted Banker of Vijaya Bank
• A. B. Shetty:Founder of Vijaya Bank
• Devi Prasad Shetty: Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore
• Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty: New Medical Center, UAE
• R N Shetty: RNS Infrastructure, Trustee Murudeshwara
• Manmohan Shetty:Founder Adlabs
• K.S. Hegde: Former Speaker of Lok Sabha, Supreme court judge
• Nitte Santhosh Hegde:Lokayuktha Chief
• Ajit Shetty: CMD Janssen Pharmaceutica Belgium
• Kayyara Kinyanna Rai: Poet, Freedom fighter
• Aishwarya Rai: Bollywood actress, Former Miss World
• Suniel Shetty: Bollywood actor
• Shilpa Shetty: Bollywood actress
• Shamita Shetty: Bollywood actress
• Prakash Rai: Actor, Director
• Vinay Rai: Kollywood Actor
• Anushka Shetty: Tollywood actress
• Ganesh Hegde: ,Choreographer
• Gurukiran: Singer, Kannada Music composer
• Sandeep Chowta: Bollywood music director
• Prakash Shetty: Cartoonist
• Shweta Shetty: Singer
• Rohit Shetty: Bollywood Director
• Santosh Rai Pathaje: Director
• Ashish Kumar Ballal: former India Field Hockey Captain
• Shubha Poonja: Kannada actress
• Nalin Kumar Kateel : Dakshin Kannada MP
• Chidvilasananda:Present Guru of Siddha Yoga Tradition.
• Swami Nityanand: Indian Guru, Founder Shanti Mandir
• Reshma Shetty:Indian American Actress

=

[edit] See also

• Vijayanagara Empire
• Samanta Kshatriya
• Nair
• Tulu Jains
• Tulu nadu
• Tuluva
• Kshatriya
• nagavanshi
• Bhuta Kola
• nagaradhane
• Yakshagana
• Tuluva Dynasty
• Shaktism
• Bhagawan Nityananda
• Forward Castes

[edit] References

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• 49. http://nzdl.sadl.uleth.ca/cgi-bin/library?e=d-00000-00---off-0edudev--00-0--0-10-0---0---0prompt-10---4-------0-1l--11-en-50---20-about---00-0-1-00-0-0-11-1-0utfZz-8-00&cl=CL3.55&d=HASH01aa95e38a1ea7557754f5ea.13&x=1
• 50. http://rajeev2004.blogspot.com/2005/02/nair-ezhava-unity-in-kerala-idea-whose.html
• 51. http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-48081.html
• 52. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=UpOl35r8UHQC
• 53. http://www.countercurrents.org/eco-thomas180305.htm
• 54. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=yInZdHn-pKoC
• 55. http://books.google.com/books?id=9mR2QXrVEJIC
• 56. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=D497alRZPcoC
• 57. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=pDlh-RIqrfoC
• 58. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=sTS4OO9lcdgC
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• 64. Travancore State Manual 1906 by V Nagam Aiya, Vol II page 352
• 65. A general collection of ... voyages and travels, digested by J. Pinkerton - Page 736
• 66. http://www.kambojsociety.com/Manusmriti.asp
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• 68.bunt cuisine
• 69.bunt pastimes
• 70 William Pais, Land Called South Canara. ISBN 8-175-2514-84
• 71 U.Padmanabha Upadhyaya, Coastal Karnataka: studies in folkloristic and linguistic traditions of Dakshina Kannada region of the western coast of India ISBN 8-186-6680-63
• 72 P.Gururaja Bhatt, Studies in Tuluva history and culture, from the pre-historic times up to the modern ISBN