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Suvarna Bari in Billava caste

Suvarna Bari in Billava caste

The Billava (also spelled Bilava or Billav) clan is a prominent community found primarily in the coastal regions of Karnataka, India, and parts of Kerala. The Billavas are traditionally known for their involvement in various occupations, including farming, fishing, and craftsmanship, and they have a rich cultural and social structure. Here's an overview of the Billava clan system

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.

  • It is maternally inherited (since the Tuluva communities traditionally followed Aliya Santana – matrilineal lineage).

  • People belonging to the same Bari, including Suvarna Bari, are considered as brother–sister relations and cannot marry each other.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Religion: Traditionally, the Billavas follow Hinduism, with a strong devotion to the local deities and village gods, such as Muthappan, Brahmashri, and Sri Krishna.

  • 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.

Suvarna Bari in Billava caste


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