Adi Karnataka

Adi Karnataka The Adi Karnataka refers to group of people in Karnataka, India. Historically, they were known as ‘Samantha’ and later ‘moola kannadiga kula’, which translates to ‘original Kannada clan’.

Adi Karnataka is a social group in Karnataka Gazette.

In the mid-1830s, a British traveller named Kristopher Fellowman made considerable research on the community which is also called 'Samantha' and 'moola kannadiga kula'--once belonging to kshatriya Kula which were called has samanta or moolakanadiga kula.

The Samanthas divided their roles and responsibilities into 'Edgai' and 'Balgai' sub-groups, which translated into left and right hands, respectively. While the Balgais comprised monarchs and administrators, the Edgais (<artisan>)were made responsible for work like farming, hunting and state's security.

Present day

The population is around 3 million, major settlement in south karnataka.

Adi Karnataka, Adi Andhra, Adi Dravida are similar terms used for section of people but they refer to distinct, separate communities, often confused as same.

See also

• Caste system in India