Suvarna Bari in Billava caste
Suvarna Bari is one of the Baris (lineages/clans) among the Billava community of Tulu Nadu.
In the Billava clan system, each Bari functions like a gotra.
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It is maternally inherited (since the Tuluva communities traditionally followed Aliya Santana – matrilineal lineage).
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People belonging to the same Bari, including Suvarna Bari, are considered as brother–sister relations and cannot marry each other.
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The name "Suvarna" literally means gold in Sanskrit/Kannada/Tulu, and like other Bari names, it likely has symbolic or totemic significance.
Example:
If someone is from Suvarna Bari, their children will also inherit the Suvarna Bari from the mother. For marriage, they must choose a partner from another Bari, like Bangera Bari, Kotyan Bari, Salyan Bari, Karkera Bari Nandara Bari, Kanchila Bari, etc.
Do you want me to share a complete list of Baris in the Billava community (including Suvarna Bari), so you can see where it fits among the others?
Historical and Cultural Background
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Origin: The Billavas are believed to have originated as a community of warriors or hunters, and over time, they transitioned into various other roles, including those in agriculture and trade.
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Religion: Traditionally, the Billavas follow Hinduism, with a strong devotion to the local deities and village gods, such as Muthappan, Brahmashri, and Sri Krishna.
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Social System: The Billavas, like many other communities in India, have historically been organized in a hierarchical manner, although in modern times the clan system is less rigid. They have been classified as part of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) in many regions of India, a classification that helps in their access to certain government benefits.
