(ಹೆಳವರು/Narrators)

HeLavaru (ಹೆಳವರು/Narrators)
A nomadic tribe that records ancestry, ethnicity, genealogy of people from North Karnataka.

A tradition from 1126AD (~900 years) in north Karnataka from the time of JagadGuru Basaveshwara there are nomads called heLavaru (ಹೆಳವರು/Narrators) who collect data of families spanning across north Karnataka, South Maharashtra.
These heLavaru have records of family lineages, clans, family tree in utmost authentic ways. Their records were even considered as witnesses in court trials on various aspects to prove ancestry like in issues of property disputes.

The heLavarus (Narrators / Tellers) go door to door, house to house and collect details of family member & record it in their style in Kannada and maintain family tree of each client.

While narrating the record, they sing the greatness of ancestors through songs to add glory of their ancestors.
The heLavaru records births, deaths, marriages and important events of the family members and their achievements.
These records also help to find out where else relatives have spread across.

This is one the most unique and intelligent tradition of Karnataka that is nurtured by nomads.

Government of Karnataka, Kannada Vishwa Vidhyalaya and other Kannada organizations should make efforts to digitize and study these records.

People should volunteer and provide Offices to these heLavaru and facilitate further growth of this great unique tradition from Karnataka.

youtube.com/watch?v=zglSiT…