Mogaveeras

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Mogaveeras(also written as Mogavira) are the major fishing community in coastal Karnataka, India. They form one of the major communities of the Tulu ethnic group.The word 'Mogaveera' is a modernised version of the old word 'Mogeyar'. They dominate the fishing and marine business in coastal Karnataka. They are distributed all over South Canara and Udupi Districts. Many have migrated out of their native villages and settled down in Mumbai, Bangalore etc. Mogaveeras were the first people from South Canara/Udupi to visit Bombay and the coasts of Gujarat & Saurastra in the north and Colombo in the South. The Mogaveera youth are tradionally known for bravery.The naval force of the famed Queen Abbakka of Ullal consisted of brave Mogaveera youth.With the support of the strong navy she could mount an valiant attack against invading Portuguese during the eighteenth century.

1 Culture
2 Sub-communities
3 Trivia
4 Prominent individuals from the commuinity
5 Prominent Mogaveera surnames
6 References

[edit] Culture

They are known for the community living, where disputes are settled with in the community by a group of elders. The group leader is known as 'gurikara'.As all other Tuluvas, Mogaveeras also follow Aliya Kattu, where inheritance of from Uncle to Nephew. Mogaveeras live in community fishing settlements, called "Pattanas". The village Bhajana Mandali forms the centre of their social life. Bobbariya is one of the popular spirits traditionally worshipped by the Mogaveeras.

[edit] Sub-communities

Some members of the Mogaveera community have adopted to other occupations during the evolutionary history and these have been reognized as sub-communities of the Mogaveera group. Sapaligaor Sapalya sub-community represents those adopted to musical professions. Ganiga sub-community represents those resorted to the profession of extracting (coconut)oil. Bovi represents those who adopted to the menial profession of carrying palanquins in the historical period.

[edit] Trivia

The word Tuluva is derived from the Tulu word "Tulav" meaning to row, indicating that all Tuluvas were connected with fishing or related activities in earlier times.