Living Cultural Landscape

The area around the river Tungabhadra, especially near the historic settlement of Kanakagiri, was inhabited by many tribes that lived off the pasture lands with their cattle, long before the Vijayanagara Empire was established. The local chieftains of the tribes were the first rulers of the land. This shows how the fertility of the land was a resource and hence a reason for self-sufficiency. These tribes continue to live in the region and although they may no longer only rear cattle or practise their traditional pursuit, they are seen in their traditional attire during specific seasons.

Some of the ancient tribes, now somewhat fading communities are as mentioned here: Myasabeda- notified tribe, Kadugollas-pastural tribes and shepherds, Alemari Kurubas- nomadic tribes, Hakki-Pikki- hunter gatherer tribe, Pancis- bird hunters, Paradi- bird hunters, Harani Shikaris- deer hunters, Monda Community- Hattavadis, Hellavas- community that documents family trees, Kavalethu (Yetina Basava)- Have cow and ox, storytellers reciting Sita- Rama Kalyana, Durga Murugi, Sudugadu Siddas- Black magicians, Dakkalas- mythological storytellers, Kondamamas- future tellers, Bengali Tribe- Fishers (de-notified tribe), Lambani- Rajput clan.