Havyaka is the name of a subsect of Brahmins in Karnataka and northern Kerala. Most Havyakas can trace their immediate ancestory to either Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada or Shimoga districts of Karnataka. Like most Brahmins in India, Havyakas are believed to have migrated from somewhere up north in India many, many centuries ago.

There are historical evidences to prove that this community was associated with the Kadamba Empire in the central Karnataka in the 5th century AD. King Mayuravarma is believed to have "imported" these Brahmins to his kingdom from a place called Ahitchatra . They established their base amidst the natural beauty of the Malnad region.

They are followers of either Ramachandrapura Mutt or Swarnavalli Mutt , and are guided by the philosophy of Adishankara .

The Havyakas are united by their unique language. They speak a dialect of Kannada known as Havyaka Kannada . It is similar to mainstream Kannada but draws more words from ancient Kannada. However, most mainstream Kannada speakers find it difficult to understand Havyaka Kannada. The Havyaka dialect is supposed to be quite old. Its origins, like a lot of other things in India, is shrouded in mystery.

Notably certain Havigannada (Hvyaka Kannada) speakers use neutral gender in place of feminine gender while addressing females.

External link

• Some more Havyaka information