Mangaloreans


Mangaloreans are a collection of diverse ethnic groups that hail from the historical locales of South Canara on the south western coast of Karnataka, India, particularly the residents native to Mangaluru.

History

Classical history

According to the works of Sangam literature, Tulu Nadu was one of the 12 socio-geographical regions included in the ancient Tamilakam. Tulu Nadu must certainly at one time have formed part of ancient Kerala, where the western coastal dialect of Old Tamil was spoken. It must have separated from Tamilakam sometime between 300 CE and 500 CE, when the Kadambas invaded the northern portions of Chera kingdom. No definite historical record relating to Tulu Nadu, other than those were found from Sangam literature, have been found of earlier date than 8th or 9th century CE.

Emergence of Tulunaad as a distinct cultural entity

Historically, Tulunaad included the two separate lands of Haiva and Tuluva. The Ballal kings of Sullia had ruled this area around 1100 years back. The Tulu Brahmin migration to Tulunaad might have happened during the lifetime of the Kadamba king Mayuravarma at 345 AD. During the 13th century, the Hindu philosopher Madhvacharya built the Ashta Mathagalu in the present-day Udipi district, that was partitioned from the older South Canara district, other parts being Mangalore district and Kassergode district.
During the rule of Vijayanagara, Tulu Nadu comprised two administrative subdivisions— Mangaluru and Barakuru along with others such as the Hosdurg fort in Kassergode. In Tulunaad lied the home turf of the Tuluva dynasty, the third to take charge of the Vijayanagara dynasty. Tulu Nadu was governed by feudatories of the Vijayanagara Empire until the 17th century. The longest reigning dynasty of Tulu Nadu were the Alupas, feudatories and nobility of the prominent dynasties of Carnatic region. The Kadamba dynasty of Banavasi was the earliest, under which the Alupas flourished. Later the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta, Chalukyas of Badami, Chalukyas of Kalyani, Hoysalas of Durasamudra & Rayas of Vijayanagara were the overlords. The Alupas however, were feudatories, since they ruled as subordinates in the Vijaynagara dominion of Tulunaad from 14th century onwards. The area became prosperous during the Vijayanagara period, with Barcoor and Mangalore gaining importance. After the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, much of Tulu Nadu came under the control of the Keladi Nayakas of Ikkeri.
Jain Bunts were already a prominent group and even today are uniquely preserved in Tulunaad. Though small in number, the Jains left behind indelible reminders of their past with a number Jain sites in Moodabidri; and monoliths of Bahubali and the Gomateshwara in Karkala, Venoor& Dharmasthala. Over the centuries, more ethnic groups migrated to the area. Various Hindu Konkani people namely Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, Daivajnya Brahmins, Karhad Brahmins; also a few Chitpavans, Vaishya Vanis& Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins arrived by sea, during the period of religious oppression by the intolerant Portuguese colonial regime.
Abbakka Chowta killed General Jao Peixoto and Admiral Mascarenhas in battle at Ullal. Shivappa Nayaka defeated Portugal's armada in battle. In the 16th century, the area saw the first arrival of Konkani New Christians who were fleeing the Inquisition in Portuguese Goa and were given refuge by Vijayanagar, the influx of migrants resumed with the violent Mahratta Invasion of Goa and Bombay when they were again welcomed, particularly by Keladi Chennamma. The settlements of these New Christians in the area gave rise to their own unique hybrid culture, they developed into a localised community of Mangalorean Christians, who are distinct from Goan Christians and Bombay East Indian Christians. They built a number of prominent educational institutions and contributed to socio-economic progress in the area. The Muslims of Tulu Nadu are basically descended from Arabian traders who intermarried local women and settled there. Muslims in Mangaluru speak Beary language different from Hindi-Urdu. A few Konkani Muslims and Konkani Jains are also found near the border with Karwar district.

Demographics

Majority of Mangaloreans belong to the Tuluva ethnic group. The Tuluvas have historically been concentrated in the coastal areas. The major Tulu speaking castes are Shettigar, Mundalas, Mogeras, Okkaliga Gowda's, Bairas, Samagaras, Billavas,Kulala's, Sapaliga, Rajaka, Bunts, Mogaveeras, Devadiga's, Tulu Brahmins, Vishwakarmas& Nayak's. Mangalorean Protestants are mostly Tulu speakers. Beary speaking muslims are next largest community. Konkani people, in particular the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, Daivadnya Brahmins, and the Mangalorean Catholics whose ancestors migrated here from the Konkan region, to escape the Portuguese Inquisition in Goa and Bombay-Bassein and the Mahratta Sackings of Goa and Bombay-Bassein. Other groups who historically settled in Tulu Nadu, include the Kundagannadans and Byaris and Dakhini Urdu Speaking Muslims.

Culture

Cuisine

Mangalorean cuisine is largely influenced by the South Indian cuisine, with several cuisines being unique to the diverse communities of the city. Coconut meat and curry leaves are common ingredients in Mangalorean curries, as are ginger, garlic& chilli. The Tulu community's well-known dishes include Kori Rotti, Chicken Ghee Roast, Bangude Pulimunchi, Beeja-Manoli Upkari, Neer dosa, Boothai Gasi, Kadabu, and Patrode. The Kube Sukkhe, a clam dish of Mangalorean Protestants is also very popular. The Konkani community's specialities include Daali thoy, beebe-upkari, val val, avnas ambe sasam, Kadgi chakko,, and chana gashi. Tuluva vegetarian cuisine in Mangalore, also known as Udupi cuisine is known for its signature dishes like the masala dosa. Udupi restaurants are found throughout south India, northwestern India& relished overseas by the Indian diaspora. Since Mangalore is a coastal town, fish dishes are the staple diet of most people. Mangalorean Catholic cuisine includes Sanna-Dukra Maas, Pork Bafat& Sorpotel; and the Mutton Biryani of the local Muslims are well-known delicacies. Pickles such as, and are unique to Mangalore. Sheindi, a country wine prepared by toddy tappers from coconut flowers or tree sap is local speciality.

Traditions

Many classical dance forms and folk art are practised among Mangaloreans. The Yakshagana, a night-long dance and drama performance, is held in Mangalore, while Hulivesha, a folk dance unique to the city, is performed during Dasara and Krishna Janmashtami. Karadi Vesha is another well known dance performed during Dasara. Paddanas are sung by a community of impersonators in Tulu and are usually accompanied by the rhythmic drum beats. The Bearys' unique traditions are reflected in such folk songs as , ,, and . The Evkaristik Purshanv is an annual Catholic religious procession led on the first Sunday of each New Year.

World record

On 26–27 January 2008, a Konkani cultural event, Konkani Nirantari, held in Mangaluru by a Mangalorean organization, Mandd Sobhann, entered the Guinness Book of World Records for non-stop singing of Konkani hymns. Mandd Sobhann members sang for 40 hours, surpassing the old record of 36 hours held by a Brazilian musical troupe.

Notable Mangaloreans