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LIST OF BILLAVA BARIS

List of Billava Baris – Ancestral Lineages of the Billava Community

Introduction

The Billava community of coastal Karnataka and parts of Kerala follows a traditional bari (clan or lineage) system, which plays an important role in preserving ancestry, culture, and social structure. Each bari represents a common ancestral origin and helps maintain identity within the Billava caste.

This article provides a list of well-known Billava baris, along with a brief explanation of their cultural significance.

What Is a Bari in the Billava Community?

A bari refers to an ancestral house name or lineage passed down through generations. In traditional Billava society:

  • Members of the same bari are considered to share common ancestry

  • Marriage within the same bari is traditionally avoided

  • Baris are closely linked to rituals, temple service, and community customs

The bari system helps maintain social harmony and cultural continuity.

List of Billava Baris

Below is a commonly recognized list of Billava baris found across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, and Kasaragod regions. Variations in spelling may exist across villages.

Popular Billava Baris

  • The following baris are known to be common in Dakshina Kannada( Mangalore).

    1) Amin 2) Anchan 3) Banan 4) Bangera 5) Gujran 6) Jathanna 7) Mabian 8) Nayak 9) Karkera 10) Kotian 11) Kirodian 12) Kuckiyan 13) Kunder 14) Palan 15) Salian 16) Sanil 17) Suvarna 18) Upiyan.

    Most of the families ignorance about these baries, Now a days billava family is not giving more importance for baris while choosing their life partners

  • Billava Baris may vary across regions, such as:

    1. Dakshina Kannada (Mangalore)
    2. Udupi
    3. Shimoga
    4. Chikmagalur
    5. Kerala (Kasaragod, Kannur)

⚠️ Note: Bari names may differ slightly based on region, dialect, and historical usage.

LIST OF BILLAVA BARIS 

Importance of Baris in Marriage Traditions

In the Billava caste, bari exogamy is traditionally followed:

  • Marriage within the same bari is avoided

  • Bari details are verified during alliance discussions

  • This system ensures lineage clarity and cultural balance

Even in modern times, many families continue to respect this tradition.

Cultural and Ritual Significance

Billava baris are deeply connected to:

  • Bhoota Kola and Nema rituals

  • Temple worship and village deities

  • Ancestral ceremonies

  • Community festivals

Each bari contributes to the cultural richness of the Billava community.

Modern Relevance of Billava Baris

Today, people belonging to various Billava baris are active in:

  • Education and academia

  • Business and entrepreneurship

  • Healthcare and IT sectors

  • Government and social services

While professions have diversified, bari identity remains an important cultural marker.

Conclusion

The list of Billava baris reflects the deep ancestral roots and social organization of the Billava caste. Preserving knowledge about baris helps future generations understand their heritage and strengthens community identity.

Documenting and interlinking individual bari histories also contributes to cultural preservation and awareness.

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