The Beary (also known as Byari) is a community concentrated along the southwest
coast of India, mostly in the
Mangalore district
Dakshina Kannada district is a district of Karnataka state in India, with its headquarters in the coastal city of Mangalore. It is part of the larger Tulu Nadu region. The district covers an area nestled in between the Western Ghats to its east ...
of the
south India
South India, also known as Dakshina Bharata or Peninsular India, consists of the peninsular southern part of India. It encompasses the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, as well as the union territ ...
n state of
Karnataka
Karnataka (; ISO: , , also known as Karunāḍu) is a state in the southwestern region of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, with the passage of the States Reorganisation Act. Originally known as Mysore State , it was renamed ''Karnat ...
. They are an
ethnic group of
Indian Muslims
Islam is India's second-largest religion, with 14.2% of the country's population, approximately 172.2 million people identifying as adherents of Islam in 2011 Census. India is also the country with the second or third largest number of Muslim ...
with their own distinct culture and identity along with other Muslims of the coastal India, like ''
Nawayath
The Nawayath (also spelled as Navayath and Nawayat and also called Nait, Naiti , Naithee and Naita) are an Indian community and a subgroup of Konkani Muslims. They speak the Nawayathi dialect of Konkani.
The term, as described by Qanoon-e-Is ...
s'' of the
North Canara
Uttara Kannada is a district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Uttara Kannada District is a major coastal district of Karnataka, and currently holding the title of the largest district in Karnataka. It is bordered by the state of Goa and Bela ...
,
Moplah
Mappila Muslim, often shortened to Mappila, formerly anglicized as Moplah/Mopla and historically known as Jonaka/Chonaka Mappila or Moors Mopulars/Mouros da Terra and Mouros Malabares, in general, is a member of the Muslim community of same ...
s of the
Malabar region
The Malabar Coast is the southwestern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Geographically, it comprises the wettest regions of southern India, as the Western Ghats intercept the moisture-laden monsoon rains, especially on their westward-facing m ...
& the
Labbay
Labbay (Labbai, Labba, Labbabeen, Lebbay, Lebbai), is a Muslim trading community in southern India found throughout the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.
Etymology
''Labbay'' means "Here I am", and is used as a title ...
of the
Coromandel
Coromandel may refer to:
Places India
*Coromandel Coast, India
**Presidency of Coromandel and Bengal Settlements
** Dutch Coromandel
*Coromandel, KGF, Karnataka, India
New Zealand
*Coromandel, New Zealand, a town on the Coromandel Peninsula
*Coro ...
.
Bearys incorporate the local
Tulu culture of
Magalore and diverse traditions of the Moplahs of the
Malabar coast
The Malabar Coast is the southwestern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Geographically, it comprises the wettest regions of southern India, as the Western Ghats intercept the moisture-laden monsoon rains, especially on their westward-facing m ...
.
The Beary community of
Maikala
Mangalore (), officially known as Mangaluru, is a major port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats about west of Bangalore, the state capital, 20 km north of Karnataka–Ker ...
is one among the earliest
Muslim inhabitants
Domicile is relevant to an individual's "personal law," which includes the law that governs a person's status and their property. It is independent of a person's nationality. Although a domicile may change from time to time, a person has only one ...
of
India
India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the so ...
, with a clear history of more than 950 years. One mosque,
Masjid Zeenath Baksh was built in the Bunder area of
Mangalore
Mangalore (), officially known as Mangaluru, is a major port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats about west of Bangalore, the state capital, 20 km north of Karnataka–Ke ...
by
Malik Deenar
Malik Dinar ( ar-at, مالك دينار, Mālik b. Dīnār, Malayalam: മാലിക് ദീനാര്) (died 748 CE)Al-Hujwiri, "Kashf al-Mahjoob", 89 was a Muslim scholar and traveller. He was one of the first known Muslims to have co ...
, an Arab Da'ee, in 644
[Ahmed Noori, Maikala, II edition, p.11 (1997)]
Etymology
The word 'Beary' is said to be derived from the
Tulu word 'Byara', which means trade or business. Since the major portion of the community was involved in business activities, particularly trading, the local Tulu speaking majority called them as Beary or Byari.
According to the census of 1891,
Dakshina Kannada had 92,449 businessmen consisting of 90,345 Bearys, 2,104
Nawayath
The Nawayath (also spelled as Navayath and Nawayat and also called Nait, Naiti , Naithee and Naita) are an Indian community and a subgroup of Konkani Muslims. They speak the Nawayathi dialect of Konkani.
The term, as described by Qanoon-e-Is ...
s and 2,551 non-Muslims. This means that the district had 95,000 Individuals involved in business activities. Records prove that, towards the end of the 19th century, the percentage of Muslim traders in the district was as high as 97.3%, and hence the local
Tuluva
The Tulu people or Tuluvas are an ethno-linguistic group from Southern India. They are native speakers of the Tulu language and the region they traditionally inhabit is known as Tulu Nadu. This region comprises the districts of Dakshina Kannada ...
s rightly named this community as Bearys.
Another popular theory is that the word "Beary" comes from
Arabic
Arabic (, ' ; , ' or ) is a Semitic language spoken primarily across the Arab world.Semitic languages: an international handbook / edited by Stefan Weninger; in collaboration with Geoffrey Khan, Michael P. Streck, Janet C. E.Watson; Walter ...
word "Bahar" (Arabic: بحر). "Bahar" means "ocean" and "Bahri" (Arabic: بحري) means "sailor or navigator". It is said that the Beary community had trade relations with
Arab
The Arabs (singular: Arab; singular ar, عَرَبِيٌّ, DIN 31635: , , plural ar, عَرَب, DIN 31635: , Arabic pronunciation: ), also known as the Arab people, are an ethnic group mainly inhabiting the Arab world in Western Asia, ...
businessmen travelling to Coastal
South India
South India, also known as Dakshina Bharata or Peninsular India, consists of the peninsular southern part of India. It encompasses the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, as well as the union territ ...
, especially the coastline of
Tulunadu
Tulunad or Tulu Nadu, also called Bermere sristi or Parashurama Srishti, is a region and a proposed state on the southwestern coast of India. The Tulu people, known as 'Tuluva' (plural 'Tuluver'), speakers of Tulu, a Dravidian language, ar ...
Malabar. Inscriptions have been found in
Barkur
Barkur (also spelt Barcoor) is an area in the Brahmavara taluk, Udupi district of Karnataka state in India, comprising three villages, Hosala, Hanehalli, and Kachoor. The area is located on the bank of River Seetha. It is also referred to ...
that proves the Arab trade links with
Tulunadu
Tulunad or Tulu Nadu, also called Bermere sristi or Parashurama Srishti, is a region and a proposed state on the southwestern coast of India. The Tulu people, known as 'Tuluva' (plural 'Tuluver'), speakers of Tulu, a Dravidian language, ar ...
.
A third theory says that the word "Beary" is derived from the root word "Malabar". The great
Islamic
Da'ee
A da'i ( ar, داعي, dāʿī, inviter, caller, ) is generally someone who engages in Dawah, the act of inviting people to Islam.
See also
* Dawah
* Da'i al-Mutlaq, "the absolute (unrestricted) missionary" (Arabic: الداعي المطلق)
* ...
,
Malik bin Deenar
Malik Dinar ( ar-at, مالك دينار, Mālik b. Dīnār, Malayalam: മാലിക് ദീനാര്) (died 748 CE)Al-Hujwiri, "Kashf al-Mahjoob", 89 was a Muslim scholar and traveller. He was one of the first known Muslims to have co ...
had arrived on the coast of Malabar during the 7th century with a group of Da'ees, or Islamic propagators. A member from his group, Habeeb bin Malik travelled through Tulunadu and preached
Islam. He had also built Mosques in
Kasaragod,
Mangalore
Mangalore (), officially known as Mangaluru, is a major port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats about west of Bangalore, the state capital, 20 km north of Karnataka–Ke ...
and
Barkur
Barkur (also spelt Barcoor) is an area in the Brahmavara taluk, Udupi district of Karnataka state in India, comprising three villages, Hosala, Hanehalli, and Kachoor. The area is located on the bank of River Seetha. It is also referred to ...
.
Geographic distribution
The Bearys make up around 80% of the
Dakshina Kannada Muslims, with others scattered in the neighbouring Districts of
Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur, known officially as Chikkamagaluru, is a city and the headquarters of Chikmagalur district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Located on the foothills of the Mullayanagiri peak of the Western Ghats, the city attracts tourists fro ...
,
Shimoga
Shimoga, officially known as Shivamogga, is a city and the district headquarters of Shimoga district in the central part of the state of Karnataka, India. The city lies on the banks of the Tunga River. Being the gateway for the hilly region of ...
,
Kodagu
Kodagu (also known by its former name Coorg) is an administrative district in the Karnataka state of India. Before 1956, it was an administratively separate Coorg State, at which point it was merged into an enlarged Mysore State.
It occupies ...
,
Hassan Hassan, Hasan, Hassane, Haasana, Hassaan, Asan, Hassun, Hasun, Hassen, Hasson or Hasani may refer to:
People
*Hassan (given name), Arabic given name and a list of people with that given name
*Hassan (surname), Arabic, Jewish, Irish, and Scottis ...
and
Uttara Kannada
Uttara Kannada is a district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Uttara Kannada District is a major coastal district of Karnataka, and currently holding the title of the largest district in Karnataka. It is bordered by the state of Goa and Bel ...
.
Mumbai
Mumbai (, ; also known as Bombay — List of renamed Indian cities and states#Maharashtra, the official name until 1995) is the capital city of the Indian States and union territories of India, state of Maharashtra and the ''de facto'' fin ...
and
Goa
Goa () is a state on the southwestern coast of India within the Konkan region, geographically separated from the Deccan highlands by the Western Ghats. It is located between the Indian states of Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the ...
also have a considerable Beary population. Also, a good number of Bearys are in the
Persian Gulf States
The Arab states of the Persian Gulf refers to a group of Arab states which border the Persian Gulf. There are seven member states of the Arab League in the region: Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. ...
of the Middle East doing a variety of Jobs. The total Beary population numbers about 1.5 million.
[The Hindu, Saturday, 13 Oct 2007](_blank)
Other sources
There are several documents available which prove that at least 90 Years prior to the invasion of
Muhammad bin Qasim in
North India
North India is a loosely defined region consisting of the northern part of India. The dominant geographical features of North India are the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the Himalayas, which demarcate the region from the Tibetan Plateau and Central ...
,
Arab
The Arabs (singular: Arab; singular ar, عَرَبِيٌّ, DIN 31635: , , plural ar, عَرَب, DIN 31635: , Arabic pronunciation: ), also known as the Arab people, are an ethnic group mainly inhabiting the Arab world in Western Asia, ...
Muslim businessmen were thriving in the
south. This proves Islam was prevalent in South India much before
Muslim conquerors came to North India. These facts are available in a research document ''Mykal'', written by
Ahmed Noori
Ahmed Noori, aka Abu Raihan Ahmed Noori, was a prominent writer and journalist who belonged to the Beary community of Mangalore in Dakshina Kannada in South India.
He was born on 10 June 1920 and grew up in Mangalore but later on lived in Bang ...
, who conducted a research on the Beary community in 1960.
Noori
Noori ( ) is a Pakistani rock band from Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, formed in 1996. The group was formed by songwriter, lead vocalist, and guitarist, Ali Noor, along with his younger brother Ali Hamza, who were soon joined by bassist Muhammad A ...
disputes the claim that the first Muslims came to India along with
Alauddin Khalji
Alaud-Dīn Khaljī, also called Alauddin Khilji or Alauddin Ghilji (), born Ali Gurshasp, was an emperor of the Khalji dynasty that ruled the Delhi Sultanate in the Indian subcontinent. Alauddin instituted a number of significant administrativ ...
between 1296 and 1316 AD and points out that according to renowned historian,
Henry Miers Elliot
Sir Henry Miers Elliot (1 March 1808 – 20 December 1853) was an English civil servant and historian who worked with the East India Company in India for 26 years. He is most known for ''The History of India, as Told by Its Own Historians'' based ...
, (''
The History of India as told by its own Historians'', Part I) the first ship bearing
Muslim travellers was seen on the Indian coast as early as 630 AD. H.G.(Hugh George) Rawlinson, in his book: ''Ancient and Medieval History of India'', claims the first
Arab Muslims settled on the Indian coast in the last part of the 7th century AD. Bartholomew also has similar things to say about the early
Muslim settlers in
India
India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the so ...
J. Sturrock in his ''Madras Districts Manuals: South Kanara'' says that
Parsi
Parsis () or Parsees are an ethnoreligious group of the Indian subcontinent adhering to Zoroastrianism. They are descended from Persians who migrated to Medieval India during and after the Arab conquest of Iran (part of the early Muslim conq ...
and
Arab
The Arabs (singular: Arab; singular ar, عَرَبِيٌّ, DIN 31635: , , plural ar, عَرَب, DIN 31635: , Arabic pronunciation: ), also known as the Arab people, are an ethnic group mainly inhabiting the Arab world in Western Asia, ...
businessmen settled in different places of the
Malabar coast
The Malabar Coast is the southwestern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Geographically, it comprises the wettest regions of southern India, as the Western Ghats intercept the moisture-laden monsoon rains, especially on their westward-facing m ...
during the 7th century.
Ahmed Noori
Ahmed Noori, aka Abu Raihan Ahmed Noori, was a prominent writer and journalist who belonged to the Beary community of Mangalore in Dakshina Kannada in South India.
He was born on 10 June 1920 and grew up in Mangalore but later on lived in Bang ...
has quoted these and other sources to validate his
argument that the
Arab
The Arabs (singular: Arab; singular ar, عَرَبِيٌّ, DIN 31635: , , plural ar, عَرَب, DIN 31635: , Arabic pronunciation: ), also known as the Arab people, are an ethnic group mainly inhabiting the Arab world in Western Asia, ...
and other
Settler
A settler is a person who has migrated to an area and established a permanent residence there, often to colonize the area.
A settler who migrates to an area previously uninhabited or sparsely inhabited may be described as a pioneer.
Settl ...
s came to
India
India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the so ...
much before the
Arab
The Arabs (singular: Arab; singular ar, عَرَبِيٌّ, DIN 31635: , , plural ar, عَرَب, DIN 31635: , Arabic pronunciation: ), also known as the Arab people, are an ethnic group mainly inhabiting the Arab world in Western Asia, ...
, Turk and
Afghan
Afghan may refer to:
*Something of or related to Afghanistan, a country in Southern-Central Asia
*Afghans, people or citizens of Afghanistan, typically of any ethnicity
** Afghan (ethnonym), the historic term applied strictly to people of the Pas ...
conquerors came to
North India
North India is a loosely defined region consisting of the northern part of India. The dominant geographical features of North India are the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the Himalayas, which demarcate the region from the Tibetan Plateau and Central ...
.
Dr. Susheela P. Upadhyaya, a research scholar in
Beary bashe
Beary or Byari (ಬ್ಯಾರಿ ಬಾಸೆ ''Byāri Bāse'') is a Dravidian language spoken by the Muslim communities mainly of Karnataka ( Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts) and extreme northern end of Kerala like Manjeshwaram, Ku ...
and Beary folklore was of the opinion that the Indian west coast came under
Islamic influence long before any other part of
India
India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the so ...
was influenced by
Islam or
Muslims
Muslims ( ar, المسلمون, , ) are people who adhere to Islam, a monotheistic religion belonging to the Abrahamic tradition. They consider the Quran, the foundational religious text of Islam, to be the verbatim word of the God of Abrah ...
. Historical research also reveals that during the rule of Banga and
Chowta dynasty in the 16th century, Beary men had served as seamen in the
naval force
A navy, naval force, or maritime force is the branch of a nation's armed forces principally designated for naval warfare, naval and amphibious warfare; namely, lake-borne, riverine, littoral zone, littoral, or ocean-borne combat operations and ...
. The Chowta dynasty queen, Rani
Abbakka had personally supervised the construction of dam at
Malali
Malali is a village in Bagalkot district, Karnataka, India.Village code= 142500 Demographics
As of the 2011 Census of India there were 345 households in Malali and a total population of 1,781 consisting of 912 males and 869 females. There wer ...
; she had appointed Bearys for boulder work.
An ancient historical work – ''
Keralolpathi
The Keralolpathi ( ml, കേരളോല്പത്തി; IAST:''kēraḷōlpatti''; ) is a Malayalam Brahmanical literary work that deals with the origin and legends of the land of Kerala. P. Shungunny Menon ascribes the authorship of this wor ...
'' – reveals that a king of Malabar, ''
Cheraman Perumal'', embraced
Islam during the very beginning days of the advent of
Islam in the
Arab land. Thus the
Arabs
The Arabs (singular: Arab; singular ar, عَرَبِيٌّ, DIN 31635: , , plural ar, عَرَب, DIN 31635: , Arabic pronunciation: ), also known as the Arab people, are an ethnic group mainly inhabiting the Arab world in Western Asia, ...
had
royal patronage
Patronage is the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows on another. In the history of art, arts patronage refers to the support that kings, popes, and the wealthy have provided to artists su ...
to practice and propagate
Islam in the
Malabar area. They were also given the permission of sea trading with a
royal patronage
Patronage is the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows on another. In the history of art, arts patronage refers to the support that kings, popes, and the wealthy have provided to artists su ...
. Because of the
Da'wah
Dawah ( ar, دعوة, lit=invitation, ) is the act of inviting or calling people to embrace Islam. The plural is ''da‘wāt'' (دَعْوات) or ''da‘awāt'' (دَعَوات).
Etymology
The English term ''Dawah'' derives from the Arabic ...
activities of Arab traders, many people embraced
Islam and assumed better social status as
Muslims
Muslims ( ar, المسلمون, , ) are people who adhere to Islam, a monotheistic religion belonging to the Abrahamic tradition. They consider the Quran, the foundational religious text of Islam, to be the verbatim word of the God of Abrah ...
.
The
Portuguese
Portuguese may refer to:
* anything of, from, or related to the country and nation of Portugal
** Portuguese cuisine, traditional foods
** Portuguese language, a Romance language
*** Portuguese dialects, variants of the Portuguese language
** Portu ...
lost their dominance during the rule of
Hyder Ali
Hyder Ali ( حیدر علی, ''Haidarālī''; 1720 – 7 December 1782) was the Sultan and ''de facto'' ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in southern India. Born as Hyder Ali, he distinguished himself as a soldier, eventually drawing the at ...
and
Tippu Sultan
Tipu Sultan (born Sultan Fateh Ali Sahab Tipu, 1 December 1751 – 4 May 1799), also known as the Tiger of Mysore, was the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore based in South India. He was a pioneer of rocket artillery.Dalrymple, p. 243 He i ...
in
Mysore
Mysore (), officially Mysuru (), is a city in the southern part of the state of Karnataka, India. Mysore city is geographically located between 12° 18′ 26″ north latitude and 76° 38′ 59″ east longitude. It is located at an altitude of ...
. During this period the Beary
Muslims
Muslims ( ar, المسلمون, , ) are people who adhere to Islam, a monotheistic religion belonging to the Abrahamic tradition. They consider the Quran, the foundational religious text of Islam, to be the verbatim word of the God of Abrah ...
again received
royal patronage
Patronage is the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows on another. In the history of art, arts patronage refers to the support that kings, popes, and the wealthy have provided to artists su ...
and intensified their sea trade activities.
Participation in the freedom struggle
The Bearys of the coast participated in the Indian freedom struggle against Portugal and British colonialism. There were a number of Beary men who served in the naval force, and also as soldiers and military commanders in the army of brave queen of
Chowta dynasty, Rani
Abbakka ( kn, ರಾಣಿ ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕ) who ruled in the
Ullal
Ullal or ''Uḷḷāla'' is a City Municipality at Mangalore, educational, commercial & industrial hub in Dakshina Kannada district. It is located
10 km from the Mangalore City centre. Ullal City Municipality along with the Mangalore ...
region. The Bearys had also joined the army of Nawab
Hyder Ali
Hyder Ali ( حیدر علی, ''Haidarālī''; 1720 – 7 December 1782) was the Sultan and ''de facto'' ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in southern India. Born as Hyder Ali, he distinguished himself as a soldier, eventually drawing the at ...
and
Tipu Sultan
Tipu Sultan (born Sultan Fateh Ali Sahab Tipu, 1 December 1751 – 4 May 1799), also known as the Tiger of Mysore, was the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore based in South India. He was a pioneer of rocket artillery.Dalrymple, p. 243 He i ...
of
Mysore
Mysore (), officially Mysuru (), is a city in the southern part of the state of Karnataka, India. Mysore city is geographically located between 12° 18′ 26″ north latitude and 76° 38′ 59″ east longitude. It is located at an altitude of ...
. Historians and researchers have enlisted famous Beary personalities who participated in the freedom struggle of India. Many such freedom fighters were imprisoned by British, and a few died during imprisonment.
A sixteenth-century Arabic work of Malabar, ''Tuhfah al Mujahideen'' or ''
Tuhafat Ul Mujahideen'' compiled by
Shaikh Zainuddin Makhdoom II (grand son of Shaikh
Zainuddin Makhdoom I
Sheikh Zainuddin Makhdoom bin Sheikh Al Qazi Ali (Arabic: شيخ زين الدين المخدوم بن الشيخ عبد العزيز المليباري; Zayn al-Dīn ibn ʻAbd al-ʻAzīz Malībārī), grandfather of Zainuddin Makhdoom II, the ...
) had motivated Malabar Muslims which had influence on Bearys of the Tulunadu as well to fight the foreign invaders. Thus the Bearys had actively participated in the freedom struggle against Portugal and British rule.
B. M. Idinabba was a prominent Beary freedom fighter from
Karnataka
Karnataka (; ISO: , , also known as Karunāḍu) is a state in the southwestern region of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, with the passage of the States Reorganisation Act. Originally known as Mysore State , it was renamed ''Karnat ...
. He was a member of
Congress party and was elected as an MLA for three times in the Karnataka state assembly from
Ullal
Ullal or ''Uḷḷāla'' is a City Municipality at Mangalore, educational, commercial & industrial hub in Dakshina Kannada district. It is located
10 km from the Mangalore City centre. Ullal City Municipality along with the Mangalore ...
constituency. He was one of the activists who fought for the unification of the
Kasaragod district of
Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
into the
Karnataka
Karnataka (; ISO: , , also known as Karunāḍu) is a state in the southwestern region of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, with the passage of the States Reorganisation Act. Originally known as Mysore State , it was renamed ''Karnat ...
state. He has got the credit of being the first
president
President most commonly refers to:
*President (corporate title)
* President (education), a leader of a college or university
* President (government title)
President may also refer to:
Automobiles
* Nissan President, a 1966–2010 Japanese ...
of the Beary Sahithya Sammelana (Beary Literature Summit). He has received many prestigious awards including
Rajyotsava Prashasti
The Rajyotsava Prashasti or Rajyotsava Awards, the second highest civilian honor of the Karnataka state of India are conferred annually by the Karnataka Government on the occasion of the establishment of the state on 1 November celebrated as t ...
.
Language
The dialect spoken by Beary (Byaris), is known as
Beary Bashe
Beary or Byari (ಬ್ಯಾರಿ ಬಾಸೆ ''Byāri Bāse'') is a Dravidian language spoken by the Muslim communities mainly of Karnataka ( Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts) and extreme northern end of Kerala like Manjeshwaram, Ku ...
.
[Upadhyaya, U. Padmanabha. Coastal Karnataka: Studies in Folkloristic and Linguistic Traditions of Dakshina Kannada Region of the Western Coast of India. Udupi: Rashtrakavi Govind Pai Samshodhana Kendra, 1996.P- ix . .
First All India Conference of Dravidian Linguistics, Thiruvananthapuram, 1973]
While Muslims of Uttara Kannada, called
Nawayath
The Nawayath (also spelled as Navayath and Nawayat and also called Nait, Naiti , Naithee and Naita) are an Indian community and a subgroup of Konkani Muslims. They speak the Nawayathi dialect of Konkani.
The term, as described by Qanoon-e-Is ...
s, speak a dialect of
Konkani, and the
Mappila
Mappila Muslim, often shortened to Mappila, formerly anglicized as Moplah/Mopla and historically known as Jonaka/Chonaka Mappila or Moors Mopulars/Mouros da Terra and Mouros Malabares, in general, is a member of the Muslim community of same n ...
s of Kerala speak
Malayalam
Malayalam (; , ) is a Dravidian languages, Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry (union territory), Puducherry (Mahé district) by the Malayali people. It is one of 2 ...
(
Mappila Malayalam), the Bearys spoke a language made of Malayalam idioms with
Tulu phonology and grammar.
This dialect was traditionally known as Mappila Malayalam because of Bearys close contact with Mappilas.
Due to vast influence of
Tulu for centuries, it is today considered as a language, close to Malayalam and Tulu.
Beary bashe is largely influenced by the Arabic language. Most of the Bearys especially in coastal area still use a lot of Bearified Arabic words during their daily transactions. ''Saan, Pinhana, Gubboosu, Dabboosu, Pattir, Rakkasi, Seintaan, Kayeen,'' are the few words used in
Beary bashe
Beary or Byari (ಬ್ಯಾರಿ ಬಾಸೆ ''Byāri Bāse'') is a Dravidian language spoken by the Muslim communities mainly of Karnataka ( Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts) and extreme northern end of Kerala like Manjeshwaram, Ku ...
that have their roots in Arabic language. Beary Bashe also has words related to
Tamil
Tamil may refer to:
* Tamils, an ethnic group native to India and some other parts of Asia
**Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamil people native to Sri Lanka also called ilankai tamils
**Tamil Malaysians, Tamil people native to Malaysia
* Tamil language, nativ ...
and
Malayalam
Malayalam (; , ) is a Dravidian languages, Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry (union territory), Puducherry (Mahé district) by the Malayali people. It is one of 2 ...
. Tamil and Malayalam speakers can understand Beary by about 75%.
''Paunaraga'' of Maikala
The ''Paunar Aga'' or ''Paunaraga'' – which literally means sixteen houses – of high status.
Before the advent of the Portuguese,
Maikala
Mangalore (), officially known as Mangaluru, is a major port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats about west of Bangalore, the state capital, 20 km north of Karnataka–Ker ...
or
Mangalore
Mangalore (), officially known as Mangaluru, is a major port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats about west of Bangalore, the state capital, 20 km north of Karnataka–Ke ...
was one of the main centres of
Jains
Jainism ( ), also known as Jain Dharma, is an Indian religion. Jainism traces its spiritual ideas and history through the succession of twenty-four tirthankaras (supreme preachers of ''Dharma''), with the first in the current time cycle being ...
with many Jain ''Muts'', ''Basadis'' and also palaces. Especially the Bunder area in Maikala was dominated by rich Jain houses. The Jains who enjoyed economical and social status maintained a system known as ''Jaina Beedu'', which literally means Jain House.
Later when these Jaina Beedu were bought by Muslim merchants who used to regularly travel from Middle East for trade, they still maintained this Beedu system as status symbol. Beedu can be translated in Beary bashe as ''Aga'' which means House. The 'Paunaraga' are listed in the table below.
supreme social status amongst Bearys throughout the 19th century and treated other Bearys as second-class citizens. The people belonging to these houses were identified as ''Agakkar'' which means the People of the House. The history of these houses has a short-lived glory that these houses enjoyed socially and economically. Many of the social customs that the people of ''Paunaraga'' observed were special to them.
The lifestyle of ''Agakkar'' of the Beary community was largely influenced by Jains. Most of the ornaments used by Agakkar was of Jain pattern and had Jain names. ''Kharjana'' is the jewel box used by both Jains and Bearys. Today some of the houses still remain in Bunder area, their surnames tell the glory they once enjoyed.
World Beary Convention
In April 2006, The World Beary Convention was held in Dubai under the banner ''World Beary Sammelana & Chammana 2006''.
The word ''Chammana'' stands for felicitation. Since the organizers felicitated a few Beary dignitaries during this world convention held in Dubai, UAE, the convention is called World Beary Sammelana & Chammana 2006. The convention was also attended by several dignitaries which included Dr. B.K.Yusuf, President/Patron of Karnataka Sangha, Dubai, M.B. Abdul Rahiman, Renowned Lawyer and Notary, B.M. Farooque, managing director, Fiza Group, Shiraj Haji. Director Universal Export Tradeways. S.M. Syed Khalil, Galadai Group, Dubai, M.B. Noor Mohamed, MD. Fakruddin, managing director, Ajmal Group, Mel, Abdul Jaleel,
Abdussalam Puthige
Abdussalam Puthige is the Editor-in-Chief of ''Varthabharathi'', a Kannada daily Newspaper, published from Mangalore the coastal city of Karnataka and Bangalore, the state capital. The first issue of ''Vartha Bharathi'' hit the stands on 29 Aug ...
, Editor in Chief,
Varthabharathi Kannada Daily, Haju Jamalluddin, chairman, Crescent School, Shamshudeen, P.T. Abdul Rahiman, General Secretary of Indian Islamic Centre, T.S. Shettigar, Jamalludin, Apsara Group, Dr. Viquar Azeem, Dr. Azad Moopen, Ganesh Rai, M.K. Madhavan, Kumar, Indian Association Dubai, Kanukaran Shetty, President Hotel, Prabhakar, KOD, K.P. Ahmed, Yaseen Malpe etc. Some Beary dignitaries have been facilitated during the convention.
World Beary Convention & Chammana
In April 2010, Beary hosts a 2-day event, the World Beary Convention & Mega Cultural Event – Chammana 2010, held during 2 and 3 April at Zabil Ball Room, Radisson Blu Hotel, Creek Side, Dubai. During this convention Beary Personality of the year 2010 award was given to Mr. Mumtaz Ali, and Star of Bearys award for the year 2010 was conferred on Zakariya Bajpe.
Beary Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Bearys chamber of commerce & industry is a non-profit organization set up to create a network between businessmen across communities and countries. It is a union of all businessmen in order to promote and assist innovative businesses for the welfare of the community in the field of commerce and trade.
In what could be termed as a milestone in the history of Bearys, philanthropists and social workers of the community came together on October 27, 2016, to form a Bearys Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) choosing Haji S M Rasheed as the founding president of BCCI and Imthiyaz as general secretary. Having set up BCCI chapters in various parts of the Karnataka, it has moved to overseas in the year 2018 by opening BCCI chapter in Dubai UAE and Jubail chapter in the year 2019.
Media of the Year award was jointly awarded to
Varthabharathi a renowned Kannada daily (published from Mangalore and Bangalore) and Daijiworld.com, a web based newsportal, for their contribution towards media.
Abdussalam Puthige
Abdussalam Puthige is the Editor-in-Chief of ''Varthabharathi'', a Kannada daily Newspaper, published from Mangalore the coastal city of Karnataka and Bangalore, the state capital. The first issue of ''Vartha Bharathi'' hit the stands on 29 Aug ...
, on behalf of Varta Bharti, and representatives of Daijiworld received the award from Mr.
C. M. Ibrahim, Former Union Minister.
List of periodicals brought out by Bearys
Some of these periodicals are still being published and reaching to the hands of a sizeable population of Tulunadu and other adjacent districts and to the Persian Gulf States.
Some peculiar names of Bearys
Typically, Muslim community people name their children for Arabic roots. But olden day Bearys had some strange names which are not seen anywhere else in the Muslim world. Although those peculiar names are now vanishing, here are some such examples:
''Kayiri, Sayiri, Sayirabba, Cheyya, Cheyyabba, Saunhi, Kayinhi, Sekunhi, Baduva, Mayabba, Puthabba, Hammabba, Cheyyabba, Ijjabba, Kunha, Kunhi, Bava, Bavunhi, Kunhibavu, Puttubavu, Unha, Unhi, Unhimon, Iddinabba, Podiya, Podimonu, Pallikunhi, Kunhipalli, Kidavaka, Abbu, Abbonu, Chakaka, Addiyaka (Addi), Pudiyampule''.
List of the Books related to Beary culture
*These books are available at the largest library in the world, the
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress (LOC) is the research library that officially serves the United States Congress and is the ''de facto'' national library of the United States. It is the oldest federal cultural institution in the country. The library ...
in Washington, D.C., US.
Ornaments
The beary women have excessive love for ornaments and uses it on every possible occasion such as ''Mangila'', ''Sunnat Mangila'', ''Appate Mangila'', ''Birnd'', ''Moilanji'' and other social gatherings. There were different types of ornaments used by beary community in past which is at the verge of vanishing today due to the cultural invasion and urbanisation. These ornaments are made out of mainly gold and silver and used for the ornamentation of head, ears, neck, waist, wrist, fingers and feet. Beary research scholars are of the opinion that Beary ornaments were largely influenced by Jain ornament patterns. The ornament storage box used by Bearys was made out of brass and other metals was also used by Jain community and was called ''Kharjana'' by both Bearys and Jains.
Cuisine
![Chekkero-Appa Prepared in Thondhur](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ce/Chekkero-Appa_Prepared_in_Thondhur..jpg)
Beary cuisine is highly influenced by the South Indian Cuisine. Just like Mangalorean cuisine it uses a lot of
coconut,
curry leaves
A curry is a dish with a sauce seasoned with spices, mainly associated with South Asian cuisine. In southern India, leaves from the curry tree may be included.
There are many varieties of curry. The choice of spices for each dish in tradit ...
, ginger, chilli and spices like pepper and cardamom. Beary cuisine boasts of a special kind of
biryani
Biryani () is a mixed rice dish originating among the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. It is made with Indian spices, rice, and usually some type of meat ( chicken, beef, goat, lamb, prawn, fish) or in some cases without any meat, ...
, which is very different from the other types made elsewhere. Rice preparations, both fresh and dry fish, meat and eggs enjoy top place in Beary daily menu.
A few traditional dishes very popular amongst all the Tulu communities have unique names in Beary dialect. (a distorted version of Arabic ), are to name a few.
Beary Literature
Beary Sahitya Academy is a union of
Beary
The Beary (also known as Byari) is a community concentrated along the southwest coast of India, mostly in the Mangalore district of the south Indian state of Karnataka. They are an ethnic group of Indian Muslims with their own distinct cu ...
speaking people located mainly Tulu Nadu, which includes coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada & Udupi in Karnataka State and Kasaragod in Kerala state. The academy aims to give proper guidelines for empowerment of language to central government and state government and central academy. To encourage Beary language the academy established libraries and research centers for its developments.
Beary organisations
Today the Beary community of coastal
Karnataka
Karnataka (; ISO: , , also known as Karunāḍu) is a state in the southwestern region of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, with the passage of the States Reorganisation Act. Originally known as Mysore State , it was renamed ''Karnat ...
is surging ahead in diverse fields like international business, education, medicine and technology. Bearys have also formed various social and cultural organisations of diversified interests.
Bearys Welfare Association
Bearys Welfare Association is based in
Bengaluru, the capital of
Karnataka
Karnataka (; ISO: , , also known as Karunāḍu) is a state in the southwestern region of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, with the passage of the States Reorganisation Act. Originally known as Mysore State , it was renamed ''Karnat ...
state. The association came into being on 21 March 1988 with a motive to provide a means of communication and integration, and also to provide a platform to work towards the betterment of the Beary community in all aspects of life.
Bearys Welfare Association has organised a number of cultural programs every year right from its very inception. Beary Prakashana is its sister concern and involved in print and publication activities. It has published a number of titles on Beary culture,
Beary bashe
Beary or Byari (ಬ್ಯಾರಿ ಬಾಸೆ ''Byāri Bāse'') is a Dravidian language spoken by the Muslim communities mainly of Karnataka ( Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts) and extreme northern end of Kerala like Manjeshwaram, Ku ...
, Beary history, and also on research studies on Bearys.
In July 2010, Bearys Welfare Association distributed 80 scholarships for the needy.
Bearys Welfare Forum
Bearys Welfare Forum of
Abu Dhabi, popularly known as BWF is an association of Beary
expatriate
An expatriate (often shortened to expat) is a person who resides outside their native country. In common usage, the term often refers to educated professionals, skilled workers, or artists taking positions outside their home country, either ...
s in
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It does community activities and mainly community welfare activities.
BWF was established in the year 2004 with an intention of working for all sections of the society. It has helped the victims of
Communal riots in
Mangalore
Mangalore (), officially known as Mangaluru, is a major port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats about west of Bangalore, the state capital, 20 km north of Karnataka–Ke ...
by providing medical assistance and other aids. The BWF gained popularity when it held
Mass marriage ceremony of twelve pairs of poor and deserving youth at the Shadi Mahal of
Mangalore
Mangalore (), officially known as Mangaluru, is a major port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats about west of Bangalore, the state capital, 20 km north of Karnataka–Ke ...
city.
In July 2008, BWF felicitated
U. T. Khader for his outstanding social work.
In July 2009, Bearys Welfare Forum,
Abu Dhabi, organised a
mass wedding
A collective wedding or mass wedding is a marriage ceremony in which several couples are married at the same time.
History
In 324 BC Alexander the Great married Stateira II, the eldest daughter of Darius, the king of Persia. In the same cerem ...
ceremony at
Milagres Auditorium. Sixteen couples were
solemnised in marriage by Kazi Al Haj Abdulla Musliar
Chembarika.
In October 2014, Bearys Welfare Forum Abu Dhabi organized 5th
mass marriage ceremony at
Milagres Auditorium in
Hampankatta
Hampankatta (pronounced as 'Hampanakatte' in Tulu and Kannada) is the centre of Mangalore City, Karnataka. Hampankatta also called as Happananakatte/Hampankatte/Hampananakatte/Hampanakatte. Most of the public utilities are located here and the ...
. The forum had arranged weddings for 65 couples, economically backward members of the
Muslim community in the previous editions.
In March 2019, Bearys Welfare Forum accorded warm farewell to Y Sudhir Kumar Shetty, who successfully served as president of
UAE Exchange
UAE Exchange ( ar, مركز الإمارات العربية المتحدة للصرافة ''Markaz Al'Imarat Alearabiat Almutahidat Lilsarafa'') is a United Arab Emirates based company dealing primarily in remittance, foreign exchange and bill ...
.
Bearys Cultural Forum
Bearys Cultural Forum, in the United Arab Emirates, was constituted to provide education to the people of the coastal parts of the State of Karnataka. BCF's main objective is to promote, educate and create social, cultural and educational awareness amongst the Bearys and the population of the coastal Karnataka State and the UAE. The BCF regularly conducts cultural, sports, talent search, educational activities, Career Guidance Seminars, Iftar Party, etc. every year. BCF also provides educational scholarships to students for pursuing their higher studies in the field of Medicines, Engineering, Pharmacy, Business, Nursing, Journalism, Dentistry, etc. BCF is now committed to conduct "World Beary Convention & Chammana" in Dubai, U.A.E.
In April 2012, 'Chammana 2012' hosted by Bearys Cultural Forum,
Dubai
Dubai (, ; ar, دبي, translit=Dubayy, , ) is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, the most populated of the 7 emirates of the United Arab Emirates.The Government and Politics of ...
, at the Radisson Blue Hotel, Dubai, attracted more than 1,200 people to its programme.
In August 2018, BCF distributed scholarship to the downtrodden community.
B. M. Farooq MLC inaugurated the ceremony. Dr B K Yusuf, president of BCF presided over the function. T R Suresh, police commissioner of Mangaluru, extended his wishes. Khazi Al Haj E K Ibrahim of Krishnapura Juma Masjid offered the prayers.
Nearly 500 merit students of
Udupi
Udupi (alternate spelling Udipi; also known as Odipu) is a city in the Indian state of Karnataka. Udupi is situated about north of the educational, commercial and industrial hub of Mangalore and about west of state capital Bangalore by road.
...
and
Dakshina Kannada district
Dakshina Kannada district is a district of Karnataka state in India, with its headquarters in the coastal city of Mangalore. It is part of the larger Tulu Nadu region. The district covers an area nestled in between the Western Ghats to its east ...
received the scholarship. 55 women were given the sewing machines. Students were given the merit award and also felicitated on the occasion.
MLCs
Ivan D'Souza and K Harish Kumar, former MLA
Mohiuddin Bava
Mohiuddin Bava is an Indian politician from the state of Karnataka. He represented the Mangalore City North seat as a member of the Indian National Congress party in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from 2013 to 2018.
Political career
Bava w ...
, former MLC Captain Ganesh Karnik, registrar of Mangaluru university Dr M M Khan, managing director of Vishwas Bawa builders Abdul Rauf Puttige, president of Beary Academy Hajee Mohammed Karambar, former president B A Mohammed Hanif, working president of DKSC Hatim Kunhi, former senate member P V Mohan, JD (S) leaders M B Sadashiv, Vittal Mohammaed Kunhi, president of BCF scholarship committee M E Muloor, vice-presidents Abdul Latif Mulki and Amiruddin S I were present.
Patron of BCF B M Mumtaz Ali welcomed the gathering. Ibrahim Musliyar recited the Kiraath. The programme was compered by chief secretaries of BCF Dr Kaup Mohammed and Rafiq Master.
M.G Rahim (Capman Media Makers )
M.G Rahim, has been active in 'Beary Movement' for the last eight years. It has felicitated Beary poets, writers and others who have come up with remarkable achievements in the society. "beary naseehath majlis", "Surmatho Kannu", "Maafi Mushkil", "Pernal nilaavu", "Moilanjipoo", "Maikalthoraja", stage programme "beary oppane kali", "beary kolkali", "pernal nilaavu", Eid special programme on coastal T.V channel yearly and films like "Abba" are some of the productions of Capman Media Makers.
Capman Media to Present 'Beary Nasihath Majlis'
/ref>
Akshara santha harekala hajabba was awarded Padmashri on 8 November 2021 who is among the notable bearys of Dakshina Kannada.
References
Other sources
*Bearys of the coast, Article in ''Deccan Herald
''Deccan Herald'' is an Indian English language daily newspaper published from the Indian state of Karnataka. It was founded by K. N. Guruswamy, a liquor businessman from Ballari and was launched on 17 June 1948. It is published by The Print ...
'' 12 December 1997 by B.M. Hanif.
*H.G. Rawlinson, Ancient and Medieval History of India.
Sturrock, J., Madras District Manual. South Kanara (2 vols., Madras, 1894–1895).
*Influence of Muslim thought on the east retrieved 21 May 2006.
*Muslims in Dakshina Kannada: a historical study up to 1947 and survey of recent developments, Author Wahab Doddamane, A. Green Words publication. Mangalore, 1993.
Influence Of Islam On Indian Culture
by Dr. Tara Chand.
Dr. Susheela P. Upadhyaya.
Beary Welfare Forum celebrates 10th anniversary.
{{Indian Muslim
Karnataka society
Social groups of India
Muslim communities of Karnataka
Mangalorean society
Social groups of Karnataka