The Helavaru Community: The Living Database of North Karnataka

India is home to numerous tribes and communities, each known for their unique traditions and values. One such community, the Helavaru Community, an 800-year-old group in North Karnataka, is renowned for its exceptional retention skills and famous genealogies.

Genealogies | Source: The Logical Indian

In Kannada, the term "Helavaru" means 'narrate,' and the term "Helava" has been derived from the word "Heluvava," which means, 'he who speaks.' True to their name's meaning, the Helavaru community is renowned for their genealogies — records of family history — which they meticulously maintain and safeguard as both a livelihood and a centuries-old tradition.

The Helavaru community and its work can be traced back to the days of Basavanna, a twelfth-century social reformer. This nomadic tribe resides in the northern regions of Karnataka covering districts like Uttara Kannada, Belgaum, Dharwad, Bijapur, Bellary, Bagalkot, Haveri, Gadag, Chitradurga, and Davangere. Locally referred to as 'human computers,' they serve as the living database for three to four generations of natives in these districts.

A Member of the Helavaru Community | Source: Scroll

Dressed in white attire with a pink shawl and turban, these individuals visit households during the winter months, singing the genealogies in lyrical form to family members. The records, originally written on copper plates or palm leaves, are now documented using images of family members for better retention. Recognised as highly accurate and precise, these records are even considered valid by the law and government, settling various legal matters.

Family members contribute information about births, marriages, or deaths to update the records. In return for their work, families offer various items, a tradition that has evolved from brass vessels, old jewellery, and food grains, to today's monetary exchanges.

Family Records of the Helavaru Community | Source: Scroll

One intriguing aspect of the Helavaru community is their mode of transport. Initially travelling on oxen with their record books encased in pink shawls, they now use bullock carts, signifying continuity in their way of life. Their tents are set up near the districts they cover, and the necessities for their journey are provided by local families.

The Helavaru community has distinct sub-sects, including Goobe Helava, Adavi Helava, Ettina Helava, Mandala Helava, and Kappe Helava. Ettina Helava is the only sub-sect that used to write their records, while others memorised them.

However, there is another side to the story. With modernisation, the community is gradually losing its essence and engagement in genealogy management. Reasons for this shift include the availability of more sophisticated methods for record-keeping, the impact of frequent travel on the education of their children, and the challenges of protecting records from climatic influences.

Moreover, the diminishing importance of traditions and values in current generations has contributed to the decline in this practice. The future will reveal whether the Helavaru community and their unique skills become a fascinating tale among the locals or if they will ensure, standing tall amidst changing societal scenarios.