The Unknown Tribe of North Karnataka

While returning from Goa, we were driving through some unknown villages of North Karnataka. We have this habit of skipping highways and taking some adventurous roads which passes through villages or forests. For sure we had many new experiences and surprises. It was not a different story this time too. I remember a quote; "If you are a tourist, you see only the places but if you are traveller, you see the people too" which is absolutely true!

Between Yellapur and Mundgod there is this small village surrounded by forest area. We saw these unique people while passing by. They looked like Africans but they were dressed like any other local villagers you see in South India. College going girls, kids, aunties adorning flowers on hair, uncles who go to market, we saw all kind. We were perplexed and curious to know more about them. I began to Google and found out some amazing facts about these tribe and thought of sharing with you all. 

This ethnic group residing in Karnataka are known as Siddis or Siddhis. The Portuguese and Arab traders brought them as slaves during 15th and 16th centuries. The main descendants are Bantu people from Southeast Africa. 

They have been adapted and blended so well with the local culture that, except their racial characteristics there is little else can set them apart from the natives. Most of them speak Konkani( native language of Goa), some speak Kannada and Marathi. They have been following different religions such as Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. Inspite of these religious differences they intermarry across religions. Though they follow different religions they are still celebrating some of their common traditions from their own old culture together, such as Hiriyaru or ancestor worship. This is being performed twice a year by the head of the family and it is mandatory for all the family members to attend this ceremony. The assimilation with the local culture has been so strong that even the unique Hiriyaru custom has adopted symbols from Hinduism.

Though this community has been inhabited in India's different parts like Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh for centuries, not many people know of them. They still lack proper access to healthcare, educational institutions and financial institutions.

The latest update was that Government has started off with a tourism project where people can come and stay with Siddi families where you get to know more about their culture and food. We are waiting for the opportunity. I will definitely try this one and write about the experience. 

Journeys are important source of knowledge. Wherever you travel try to take away something from it so that it stays within you forever.