Kannada Brahmins are Kannada-speaking Brahmins, primarily living in Karnataka, and also present in the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.[1][2] They belong to one of three traditions: Smartism, Sadh Vaishnavism (Madhva Sampradaya), and Sri Vaishnavism, and are followers of Adi Shankara, Madhvacharya, and Ramanuja respectively.[3][4]
Regions with significant populations | |
---|---|
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh | |
Languages | |
Kannada, Sanskrit | |
Religion | |
Hinduism | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Pancha-Dravida Brahmins, Kannada people |
Kannada Brahmins fall under the Pancha Dravida Brahmin classification of the Brahmin community in India.[5] These Brahmins generally are further sub-divided into a number of gotras and the Veda Shakha, which professes to subscribe to the performance of the yajna and other rites. Another sub-division divides them those who follow the Apastamba Dharmasutra and Asvalayana Sutra. Adherents of the latter preponderate in the state.[6][7][6]