Kunchitiga
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| (3 to 4 million) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, India | |
| Languages | |
| Kannada | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism, Jainism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Dravidian · Kannadiga |
'Kunchitiga is a community of people from Karnataka, India. They are concentrated mostly in Tumkur and the cities of Bangalore and Mysore. They are also found in Chitradurga district. Dasanakoppa of Sirsi Taluk, Karwar Dt and Hangal taluka of Haveri district. In that region, they are called as "kamati" (the word kamata means agriculture). They have their distinct traditions. Kunchitigas are predominantly agriculturists and some are traders and merchants.
While the exact origins of the community is disputed till date, there seems a consistent legend describing the migration of the community from the north to the south of India.
Legend has it that Kunchitigas were originally from northern parts of India and were forced to migrate south due to various circumstances prevailing in that region. In most legends concerning this migration a Muslim ruler is involved, who is said to have coveted the daughter of the community's chief. Their leader/progenitor was one Undetharaya who whilst fleeing the said Muslim ruler, was unable to cross an overflowing river( Some legends claim the river to be Godavari and some as Ganges) and was helped by a Kuruba called "Jaladhi Bapparaya" on the promise that the community would be named after him. He is said to have offered himself as sacrifice to the river goddess at which an easy passage was created for the fleeing people. Jaladhi Bapparaya was holding a Kuncha(cluster) used to weave woolen blankets in his hands, a symbol of his profession. Undetharaya is said to have named his community as Kunchitiga in his honour. Undetharaya is also said to have given his daughter in marriage to the corpse of the Kuruba Gowda, who was then revived by divine grace. Their union thus heralded the start of a new community.
Jaladhi Bopparaya is a Kuruba leader and great divine Shiva worshiper, Kurubas being good from heart wanted to help people who wanted to cross Godavari river. Kuruba is the only single community in India who ruled almost India .Jaladhi Bopparaya was ruling the region around Godavari river and he was very famous. With his great sacrifice and devotion he saved many people and from then new caste was formed called as "Kunchitiga". Kunchitiga still work ship the great Kuruba Jaladhi Bopparaya for his great work and sacrifice.
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