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(3) Chowdike And Gondhaligas
 Chowdike
and Gondhaligas are identical tribes belonging to the Yellamma belt. Their
main profession is to sing about the supremacy and religious dictum of
goddess 'Yellamma'. They are also devotees of goddess 'Amba Bhavani'.
'Gondhala'
is an ancient institution with its presence traced back to the11th century.
History reveals that the 'Gondhalis' were recruited for espionage during the
reign of Shivaji, the 'Maratha King'. It is a family custom to invite a 'Gondhali'
minstrel to perform a 'Gondhal' (a religious ceremony) in honour of a deity
whenever there is a wedding, a childbirth or other celebrations in the family.
The ceremony consists of installation of the goddess with pomp and show. After
the ceremonial puja, the music mela consisting of these performers is conducted
in a small stage. 'Gondhaligas' are spread all over North Karnataka, Chitradurga and
Tumkur.
Chowdike
sect is defined as a class of religious beggars or minstrels recruited from
various castes and are as children offered to God in fulfillment of vows. The
young boys in the sect undergo a consecration ceremony and then the boy remain
with the teacher to learn music and playing the chowdike. The sect derives its
name from the instrument used for performance. The 'Chowdike'- a symbol of
goddess 'Shakti' is in the form of a long rectangular measuring jar made out of
either wood or bronze and is covered on one side with animal skin. A small metal
piece is inserted through a central hole. The jar is supported by a 3 feet long
bamboo fitted with a cork at the tip. A string is tied in between the bamboo and
the skin. When the string is played it sends off enthralling ripples of
music.
Another
instrument 'Sambala' (a twin percussion instrument made up of wood, mud or metal,
and bronze cymbals are inserted in between the percussion) along with 'Chowdike'
provides rhythmical support to the main narration. The performance consists of a
song sequence with a simple but effective narration. Only the male artist dances
while singing.
The traditional costume of the 'Chowdike' consists of a red
or white coloured head gear, a white robe and a coat along with ornaments
like 'cowrie chain' (cowrie is a small sea-shell and a chain
of cowrie are hung around the neck) and anklets. They are found in Savadatti
in North Karnataka and Chandragutti in the Shimoga district. The 'Yellamma
fair' at Chandragutti is famous.
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(4) Gorava
'Goravas'
belong to a religious sect and their deity is 'Mylara Linga'- an incarnation of
Lord Shiva. The song mela consists of 5 members. The 'Damaruga', a small drum, a
trident and 'Pillangovi'- a crude replica of the flute are the instruments
which provide rhythm to their music. The performers dance during the narration
interlude, usually staged at night.
 The
Gorava tribes are found both in North as well as South Karnataka. The
artistes of North Karnataka wear a long robe, a white head gear and tie
a treasury bag made of animal skin around their neck. They also wear a
cowrie chain and carry a satchel. On the other hand Goravas of south,
besides wearing the same costumes are also decked in folk ornaments like
anklets, a long and broad cowrie stripe and armlets. Their unique ornaments
is a head-gear made of black bear skin. The cap is attractively designed
and is their mark of identity. They use this cap for blessing, by placing
the cap on the heads of devotees. 'Goravas' are found in pilgrim centres
like Anegondi (Raichur), Karimani (Belgaum), Kubatour (Shimoga), Devara
Gudda, Hadagali Devihosur (Dharwad), Mylapur (Bidar), Mannu Mylara ( Bellary)
and Mangasule (Belgaum). Most famous centres are Mudukthore in the Mysore
district and Mylarapatna in the Mandya district.
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(5) Gane
'Ganes'
belong to a tribe called 'Gollas' or 'Cowherds'. Gollas are divided into 'Kadu
Gollas' and 'Nadu Gollas'. The Ganes belong to Kadu Gollas who are very
primitive and live far away from the areas of modern civilization.
The
name 'Gane' is derived from the musical instrument Gane. The instrument
resembles a flute made of bamboo and is 3 to 4 feet long, 2 inches wide and is
embellished by a tassel, metal cobra hood and a few artistic feathers of peacock.
A tiny bell is tied to its extreme tip.
The 'Gane Mela' normally consists of two or four performers.
One of them plays the Gane instrument while the other sings the stories
of the mythological hero (Lord Jungappa). They wear casual dress and carry
a blanket on their shoulders.
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