Why Many Iyengars in Bangalore Do Not Speak Tamil
Many Iyengars residing in Bangalore might not speak Tamil due to a combination of cultural, educational, professional, and social factors. This article delves into the reasons behind this phenomenon and highlights the historical and contemporary context of Iyengars in Karnataka.
Cultural Background
The Iyengars are primarily a sect of the Vaishnavite community from Tamil Nadu. However, over generations, many have migrated to Karnataka where the local language is Kannada. This migration has led to the integration of Iyengars into the local Kannada-speaking community. As a result, many Iyengars in Bangalore have adopted Kannada as their primary language to better integrate into their environment.
Educational and Professional Environment
In urban areas like Bangalore, the medium of instruction in schools and the primary language of business and administration is often Kannada or English. This preference for Kannada or English over Tamil, especially in education, can lead to a gradual shift in linguistic preferences among Iyengars.
Generational Shift
Younger generations of Iyengars may prioritize learning languages that are more relevant to their immediate social and professional environments. This often means learning Kannada or English, two languages widely used in daily life and professional settings in Bangalore, rather than Tamil.
Community Dynamics
Some Iyengar families might be more closely connected to the Kannada-speaking population. This network effect can contribute to a less frequent use or requirement of Tamil in everyday life, especially if their social circles predominantly speak Kannada.
Migration Patterns
Many Iyengars who have settled in Bangalore may have come from regions where Kannada was the primary language, further influencing the language use within families. This migration pattern has played a significant role in shaping the language habits of Iyengars in present-day Bangalore.
Historical Perspective: Origin of Hebbar Srivaishnavas
Contrary to popular belief that all Iyengars are Tamil speakers, the truth is more nuanced. The origin of Hebbar Srivaishnavas is rooted in a historical event where a group of elderly Kannada-speaking Brahmins approached Ramanuja, the founder of the Vaishnavite Sampradaya, in the 12th century. Ramanuja was deeply impressed by the teachings of Vishistadvaita and affectionately referred to the group as 'Hebbar' (elderly). Thus, the Hebbar Srivaishnavas are originally Kannada Brahmins who converted to Vaishnavism, not backward castes.
These Brahmins were settled in different regions of the Hoysala Kingdom, predominantly in the southern districts of Karnataka, including Bangalore, Mysore, Mandya, Tumkur, Hassan, and Kolar. They continue to have significant ties to their Kannada heritage and have gradually integrated with the local linguistic and cultural landscape.
Language Affection and Learning
While the primary language of the Hebbar Srivaishnavas remains Kannada, they have also adapted to learn Tamil for religious purposes. The Divya Prabhandams, the Tamil devotional hymns of the Alvars, were essential to their worship. However, many Hebbar Srivaishnavas still do not read or write Tamil, as they rely on Kannada or English translations of these religious texts.
Other Subsects and Their Linguistic Practices
It's essential to differentiate between different subsects of Iyengars. For instance, the Melnatu Iyengars are a group that primarily reside in the high plateaus of Karnataka, while the Keelnatu Iyengars are those who migrated from Tamil Nadu. Chelluru Iyengars are a Telugu-speaking subgroup, settled predominantly in Madurai, Sivagangai, and Ramanathapuram districts of Tamil Nadu, following the teachings of Ramanujacharya and Manavala Mamunigal.
While the Iyer sect is predominantly Tamil Brahmins and follows the Shaivism tradition, they should not be confused with Iyengars, who follow the Vaishnavism tradition under Ramanujacharya.
Overall, while Iyengars have a rich cultural heritage that includes Tamil, practical considerations in a multilingual urban environment can lead to varying degrees of fluency in Tamil among community members in Bangalore. Understanding the historical and contemporary context is crucial in comprehending the linguistic landscape of Iyengars in contemporary India.