Devadiga
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Devadiga are a Tulu speaking Hindu community from the region of Tulu Nadu in the south west of India, which comprises the districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada in the Indian state of Karnataka.
The name "Devadiga" is derived from archaic Kannada term "Deva Adiga". Devadigas are also called by the names Sherigar, Moily, Shriyan, Bhandary(in north Canara), Rao and many more with respect to the area they live and language they speak.
Tulu is the main language spoken by Devadigas. In some places of Karnataka, Devadigas also speak Kannada and identify themselves as Kannada Devadigas. Devadigas live in temple surroundings.
Tulu regions have Bhoota kola and Nema, a kind of spirit worship. Devadigas were an important part of this native worship. Dhoomavathi, Panjurli, Kalkudi, Varthe, Marl jumadi, Kodimanithaya, Maisandaya and Jarandaya are some of the most common Bhutas worshiped by the community.
Aliya kattu or Aliya santana, was a matrilineal system of property inheritance practiced by some communities in coastal Karnataka. In Aliya kattu system, the mother's family takes control of the family and property matters. The family functions such as Bhootha Kola will be performed initiated from mother's family. But Devadigas are excempt from such aliya kattu which is in practice by majority of other tulu speaking communities of Coastal karnataka. Devadigas are strictly following patrilineal system of inheritance to son and grandson in the same manner as practiced by Brahmin communities of coastal karnataka.
Yakshagana is a Tulu and Kannada classical folk art form in India mostly popular in Tulu Nadu areas of South India. Devadigas contributed to the development of this folk dance, which was taught in Yakshagana mandalis.
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