Gowda
Gowda ( Gauda or Gowdru) is usually the name given to the head of the family or family group in the state of Karnataka in India. It is similar to Goundar or Kaoundar of Tamilnadu
It is derived from Archaic Tamil-Kannada term Kavunda denoting a village or family head. People belonging to certain castes and communities in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu use it as a surname. Gowda or Gowdar is commonly used as surnames by people belonging to Kuruba, Lingayat,Vokkaliga, Ediga,Madiga communities. Many more people of different communities use Gowda as surnames. Communities like Vokkaliga, Ediga, Kuruba, Yadava, Golla, Uppaara, Nayaka, Madiga have similar culture and food habits (eg. non-vegetarians by diet, Hindus by religion). However there are certain Gowda’s sect that are strictly vegetarians. For example Namadhary Vokkaliga Gowdas are strict vegetarians. Some sects of lingayats in Karnataka use Gowda as surname and they are also very strict vegetarians.
Vokkaliga Gowda is the second largest community in Karnataka after the Lingayats. Vokkaliga Gowda community has played an important role in the economy of karnataka and India.
Kuruba Gowda Community is the third largest community in Karnataka after Lingayats and Vokkaligas.
Popular Vokkaliga Gowda personalities are; S M Krishna, Kengal hanumantaiah, Kuvempu, H D Devegowda, Venkatachalaiah, Hamsalekha, Actor Jaggesh, H D Kumara swamy, Sri Kempegowda, Actor turned politician Ambareesh, Ex (and late) Chief Justice Hombegowda, Bala Gangadhara Swamiji, G K Veeresh, Purna Chandra Tejaswi etc.
External Links
VPA Vokkaligara Parishat of America
