The land of the Bhutas: Ritual and Society in South Kanara

South Kanara’s remarkable cultural diversity developed under Jain kings, who relied on the Bunts, a dominant caste of landholders, to maintain power. The religion of the Tulu speakers differs from mainstream Hindu pantheon; it revolves instead around the bhutas, deities specific to the region. While the cult of the ‘royal’ bhutas reinforced the chiefs, all bhutas manifest themselves through possession of low caste mediums, dispensing justice and truth that transcend society hierarchies. The Billavas, tenants of the Bunts, were once seen as untouchables, but have redefined their identity through the cult of the twin bhutas Koti and Chennaya, thereby challenging the dominance of the Bunts. The Mogavera fishermen have similarly risen from their former status; although their goddess temples are now undergoing Sanskritisation, the cult of their caste bhuta Bobbariya continues to unite them. Despite persistent discrimination, bhutas associated with the lower castes are revered even by the higher castes, revealing a complex interplay of power, devotion, and hierarchy.

• Publication date: 15 November 2025
• Page count: 488
• Dimensions: Height 230 mm; Width 160 mm
• Publisher: Manohar Publishers and Distributors
• Format: Hardback
• ISBN-13: 9789374516799