Lokayukta releases book on Bunts history, culture

He was speaking after releasing the book ‘Bunts in History and Culture’ edited by Prof B Surendra Rao at a function organised jointly by the Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai Samshodhana Kendra, Udupi, and World Bunts’ Foundation Trust at the T V Ramana Pai Convention Centre here on Sunday. Hegde said that the book edited by Rao is a must read for all historians and those who are enthusiastic to know the life and culture of Bunts. The book throws light on the history of the region with special reference to the Bunt community and its culture, he said adding, “many dynasties and kings ruled the region and the book presents the significance of Bunt community during their rule.”

Mangalore University Registrar Dr K Chinnappa Gowda said that the book, which has 370 pages with 10 chapters, is a balanced documentary written without bias. The author has portrayed the life and culture of Bunts in the history only after carrying thorough research, he added.

The Project Director of the World Bunts’ Foundation Dr K R Shetty introducing the project said that it was an attempt to reconstruct the history of Bunts of Dakshina Kannada from the early times to the present.

“It is based on available historical sources and transparent interferences drawn from them. The book not only deals with the historical roots of Bunts, but also explores their trajectories of change and transformation in the 20th century,” he added.

“The book is a product of a research project launched under the academic umbrella of Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai Samshodhana Kendra and sponsored by the Trust. A hectic programme of survey was undertaken by a team of research scholars, who visited more than 200 Bunt houses and interviewed many more people from Byndoor to Kasargod,” Shetty explained.

The book discusses various speculated theories regarding the origin of Bunts, including the recent genetic evidence. It also examines the Kshatriya claim of the community and its connections with the Jain tradition in the district, he added.

Archaeological Survey of India former Joint Director General Dr K V Ramesh, Author Rao, Litterateur Aerya Laxminarayana Alva, eminent Orthopedician Dr M Shantharam Shetty and others were present.