Lingayatism is a Hindu denomination based on Shaivism. Initially known as Veerashaivas, since the 12th-century adherents of this faith are known as Lingayats.
Soliga, also spelled Solega, Sholaga and Shōlaga, is an ethnic group of India. Its members inhabit the mountain ranges mostly in the Chamarajanagar district of southern Karnataka and Erode district of Tamil Nadu. Many are concentrated in the Biligiriranga Hills and associated ranges, mainly in the talukas Yelandur, Kollegal and Chamarajanagar of Karnataka. The Soliga speak Sholaga, which belongs to the Dravidian family. Under Indian law, they are recognized as a scheduled tribe, they have a population of around 40,000.
Sanskritisation is a term in sociology which refers to the process by which castes or tribes placed lower in the caste hierarchy seek 'upward' mobility by emulating the rituals and practices of the dominant castes or upper castes. It is a process similar to "passing" in sociological terms. This term was made popular by Indian sociologist M. N. Srinivas in the 1950s. Sanskritisation has in particular been observed among mid-ranked members of caste-based social hierarchies.
Devanga is a Hindu caste from South India that traditionally followed the occupation of textile merchandise, weaving and farming mostly found in the Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha.
Vokkaliga is a community of closely related castes, from the Indian states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
The Jangam or Jangamaru are a Shaiva order of religious monks. They are the priests (Gurus) of the Hindu Shaiva sect, Gurus of Veerashaiva sect and are disciples of Shiva as mentioned in Basava Puranas. The meaning of word Jangam is 'moving linga'. Jangama is one who is endowed with true spirit of Agamic knowledge, and has sacrificed his life for giving Samskara (good) character building practices in all sections of the Hindu society.
Shivakumara Swami was an Indian humanitarian, spiritual leader, educator and supercentenarian. He was a Lingayatism religious figure. Swami joined the Siddaganga Matha in 1930 Karnataka and became head seer in 1941. He also founded the Sri Siddaganga Education Society. Described as the most esteemed adherent of Lingayatism (Veerashaivism), he was referred to as Nadedaaduva Devaru in the state. In 2015, Swami was awarded by the Government of India the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award.
A kumbha is a type of pottery in India. Traditionally, it is made by Kumbhars, also known as Prajapatis.
Shilpa Shastras literally means the Science of Shilpa. It is an ancient umbrella term for numerous Hindu texts that describe arts, crafts, and their design rules, principles and standards. In the context of Hindu temple architecture and sculpture, Shilpa Shastras were manuals for sculpture and Hindu iconography, prescribing among other things, the proportions of a sculptured figure, composition, principles, meaning, as well as rules of architecture.
Sunar is a Hindu vishwakarma caste in India referring to the community of people who work as goldsmiths. The community is primarily Hindu, and found all over India. Indian and Nepali sunar use soni as their surname.
Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Brihanmath is an organization in Sirigere, India. Sadar Lingayats, a dominant sub sect of Lingayat community, owe their allegiance to this math. It is well known in Karnataka for its yeoman service in the field of rural education. Under the auspices of this organization are running more than 172 institutions right from nursery to the Engineering College all over the State of Karnataka. Nearly 32 thousand students are studying in various schools and colleges of this organization which is one of the biggest private Educational Organization in Karnataka. More than 6,000 students are provided with free boarding and lodging.
The Lonia or Nonia are Hindu other backward caste, found in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar adjoining areas, who were traditionally involved in salt-digging and salt-making activities. The Lonia or Nonia are listed as extremely backward caste along with Mallah, Bind and Beldar communities, by state governments. The community leaders have been seeking Scheduled Tribe status for the socially deprived community.
The Kandera, Kadera, Golandāz, Bāndar, Hawāidar is a Hindu community found mainly in the northern and central regions of India. They belong to the Kshatriya varna. In earlier times, they were archers and arrow-makers. Later, they also became involved in roles such as cannon operators, firework crafters, and the production of gunpowder and iron missiles. The term "Kandera" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Kandir", which means "an archer".
The Basor or Bansor are Hindus found in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in India. They have a scheduled caste status.
Gavli, Gawli or Gavali is a Hindu caste found in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Madhya pradesh. They a part of the Yadav community.
The Mang, or Matang, community is an Indian caste mainly residing in the state of Maharashtra. Matang are known as Madiga "kommati" in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
The Koraga are a tribal community or indigenous community found mainly in the Dakshina Kannada, Udupi districts of Karnataka and the Kasaragod district of Kerala, south India. These areas in Karnataka, are altogether often referred to as Tulunaad, which roughly corresponds to the boundaries of the erstwhile South Canara district. They are also found in small numbers in adjoining districts of Uttara Kannada, Shimoga and Kodagu. The Koraga are classified by the Government of India as a particularly vulnerable tribal group.
Hinduism is the most followed Religion in India and nearly 84% of the total population of Karnataka follows Hinduism, as per 2011 Census of India. Several great empires and dynasties have ruled over Karnataka and many of them have contributed richly to the growth of Hinduism, its temple culture and social development. These developments have reinforced the "Householder tradition", which is of disciplined domesticity, though the saints who propagated Hinduism in the state and in the country were themselves ascetics. The Bhakti movement, of Hindu origin, is devoted to the worship of Shiva and Vishnu; it had a telling impact on the sociocultural ethos of Karnataka from the 12th century onwards.
The Gurav are an occupational community comprising several castes. They are among the traditional service providers found in villages, for whom they act in a priest role, and are found in several states of India.
Gopal or Gauda is an Indian caste, from Odisha State in East India. Their traditional occupations include dairy farming, cattle herding, cultivation and carrying palanquins of deities. They also worked as Paikas (soldiers) under the kings. Gopal is the name of the milkmen or herdsmen caste in Odisha, which is known by other names in various parts of India.
