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Ballari jilleyallidda Kashmiri brahmanaru-Kashmiri Bhramans of Bellary District

Author:  Dr. K. Vasanthalakshmi

Place: 

Harapanahalli, Ragimusalavadi, Mutthagi, Baagali, Bennehalli, Neelagunda, Duggavati, Hadagali, Kuruvatthi, Hire Hadagali, Maagala, Huvina Hadagali, Gogi, Bennekallu, Hampanadevanahalli, Oruvaayi, Kudithini, Narihalla (Tara nagara), Kotturu, Bailuru, Morigeri, Uchhangi Durga

 Dr. Vasanthalakshmi has given a detailed history of Kashmiri Brahmans in Bellary district based on many inscriptions found in the district. In Karnataka, mention of Kashmiri Brahmans can be seen in the inscriptions of the period starting from 9th century. In Hassan and Bijapur districts, inscriptions are available which mention Kashmiri Kalamukha sect and many Kashmiri Brahmans. It is a well known fact that the famous court poet Bilhana  of King Vikramadithya of Kalyana Chalukhya dynasty was from Kashmir.

As seen in inscriptions, the Kashmiris have called themselves, ‘Sharada Devi Vara Prasada’. They occupied important positions in the administration and in the society. Pattavardhana, Kramita, Bhatta, Dwivedi, Chaturvedi, Shanangi, Gaisasa are some of the Kashmiri family names seen in inscriptions. They were also called ‘Savaasi’ – ‘Sahavaasi’ .

Author has given, in detail, text of all inscriptions in the district which mention Kashmiri Brahmans. She has also furnished the names of Kashmiris as found in the inscriptions. Author concludes that the Kashmiri Brahmans belonging to different Gothras had settled in Bellary region as early as 11th century.