Caste census finds 21 communities with fewer than 100 members in Karnataka

Bengaluru: A closer look at the data from the social and educational survey, popularly known as caste census, reveals that at least 21 sub-communities among the six OBC categories in the state have fewer than 100 members, raising questions about the reasons for their falling numbers and what the future holds for them.

With fewer members, many of these communities, and by extension their traditional professions, could be on the verge of extinction.

As per portions of the report which DH has accessed, the strength of as many as eight of these communities are in single digits. These are: Lingadar (3), Osta (4), Pattunulkar (4), Shilpi (4), Maruthvar (5), Nambishan (6), Kottiya (7) and Veerashaiva Mallavar (9).

While category 1A (147 communities and sub-communities) has no community with such a low population figure, category 1B (386) has 3 and Category 2A (363) has 11 such communities. 

In category 3A, which has 85 communities and sub-communities, one community with fewer than 100 members was found. Category 3B, comprising 109 communities, had six such communities — all sub-castes of the Lingayat community. 

These are Jangama (47), Kamsala Lingayat (96), Lingadar (3), Lingayat Gowda/ Gowda Lingayat (22), Veerashaiva Jangama (11), Veerashaiva Mallavar (9).

There are around 45 communities with a population of fewer than 200 members.

These figures have rekindled the debate whether marginalisation of certain traditional professions and a lack of recognition for them are eventually leading to their decline.

Some experts feel that migration to cities for jobs may have led to a gradual disappearance of certain professions, naturally leading to diminishing numbers during surveys and census. 

Sociologist Chandan Gowda felt there was a need to be mindful of the historical roots and sophisticated knowledges behind traditional professions, especially those vulnerable in modern society.

Highlighting the importance of systemic measures to help these communities sustain their traditional professions with dignity and economic security, he said, “Providing formal education and jobs to marginalised communities is one thing but we need to think deeper about sustaining and nourishing these professions as well as understanding their rich creative achievements. This applies to tribal communities too.”