"A Century of Collective Vision: Devanga Sangha at 100."

The Indian caste system has historically been one of the principal dimensions through which society in India has been socially differentiated alongside class, religion, region, tribe, gender, and language.

While such forms of differentiation exist in all human societies, they become problematic when one or more of these dimensions overlap and turn into the sole basis for systematic ranking and unequal access to valued resources such as wealth, income, power, and prestige.

The Indian caste system is considered a closed system of social stratification, meaning that an individual’s social status is determined by the caste into which they are born. Social mobility is traditionally restricted, and there are prescribed limits on interaction and behavior between individuals of different social statuses.

The caste system classifies people into four hierarchically ranked groups known as varnas. Anthropologists have further observed that Hindu society has been divided along caste lines in various aspects of life, including food habits, deities worshipped, concepts of time, association with animals, and even seasonal rituals.

Our community derives its spiritual and cultural lineage from Sri Devala Maharishi, regarded as an avatar of Lord Shiva, and the creator of the sacred art of weaving.

According to tradition, Sri Devala Maharishi not only introduced weaving as a livelihood but also symbolically covered the modesty of gods and humans, giving weaving a divine and moral foundation.

During the Vijayanagara Empire, an important religious institution the Sri Gayatri Peeta was established, along with the revered office of the Devanga Jagadguru. Successive Vijayanagara emperors patronized the Sri Gayatri Peeta at Hampi, Karnataka, making it a significant centre of spiritual authority and learning for the Devanga community.

Lineage of Devanga Jagadguru Gurus:

Sri Sri Sri Muddusanga Mahaswamiji (1371–1464)

Sri Sri Sri Muddusanga Mahaswamiji (1464–1550)

Sri Sri Sri Muddusanga Mahaswamiji (1550–1646)

Sri Sri Sri Durvasamuni Mahaswamiji (1646–1694)

Sri Sri Sri Muddusanga Mahaswamiji (1694–1779)

Sri Sri Sri Dayananda Puri Mahaswamiji (1990)

These spiritual leaders provided guidance, continuity, and moral leadership to the community, and the Sri Gayatri Peeta functioned as a centre of learning, religious instruction, and cultural preservation.

However, during the 17th and 18th centuries in Bengaluru, it is believed that the Devanga community lacked a centralized institutional structure to manage its collective affairs. Instead, this responsibility rested with individuals known as Yajamans.

The Yajamans, usually hereditary, played a unique and important role, whose responsibility was to communicate information regarding marriages, deaths, and invitations fo religious functions and festivals such as Sri Varalakshmi Pooja to devanga families within a particular locality.

In 1920, inspired partly by the establishment of the Vokkaligara Sangha, Yajamans in Bengaluru came together to deliberate on the formation of a formal organization for the Devanga community. This marked a turning point in community mobilization.

In 1921, Rai Saheb M. Hampaiah conveyed  that the establishment of a Devanga Sangha, with a strong emphasis on education, would provide the community with a valuable opportunity for advancement. 

To build consensus within the community, a Devanga Sangha was proposed, and a sum of Rs. 1,500 was collected from the community; however, the proposal did not materialize at that time.

In 1922, Sri M. Hampaiah once again strongly advocated the formation of the Devanga Sangha and  was duly registered, and the draft regulations were signed by the following members:

Maradi Subbaiah, 

Hosamane Kenchappa, 

K. V. Veerabhadraiah, 

D. Adeppa, 

D. Taragiriyappa, 

C. Chikka Venkatappa, 

C. K. Huchappa, 

N. P. Gurappa, 

D. C. Subbarayappa, 

D. Kaletappa, 

Y. Taladamane 

Shankarappa, 

K. N. Ramachandraiah, 

K. V. Nanjappa, 

Sappe Y. Narasimhanna, 

P. Subramanya Shastri, 

Gante Doddanna, 

K. R. Choudappa, 

M. Hampaiah.

The foundation capital of the association, amounting to approximately Rs. 1,502, was collected from the community two years prior to the registration of the Sangha.

First Governing Body of the Devanga Sangha

President:

Saheb Sri M. Hampaiah

Vice-Presidents:

Maradi Subbaiah.

Hosamane Banappa

D. Adappa

Secretary:

D. A. Adinarayana

Joint Secretary:

B. R. Ramalingaiah,

Treasurer:

Chikka Venkatappa

Accountant:

Y. Sappe Narasimhanna

December 23, 1923, stands as a memorable day in the history of the Devanga community in the State of Mysore. On that day, senior members of the Devanga community in Bengaluru met under the chairmanship of D. C. Subbarayappa and resolved to establish the Devanga Sangha with the objective of improving the social, educational, and economic conditions of the community.

A sub-committee comprising K. V. Nanjappa, K. N. Ramachandraiah, D. A. Adinarayana, and K. N. Veerabhadraiah was constituted to draft the objectives and regulations of the association. 

Based on the draft regulations prepared by this sub-committee, the Devanga Sangha was formally registered on 12-02-1924, in accordance with the Mysore Registration Act (Act III of 1904).

With the advent of the 20th century, the Devanga community began organizing itself more systematically. Within a span of a decade, three major institutions Devanga Sangha, Devanga Bank and Bengalore City Weavers co-operative Society were established, reflecting a growing awareness of collective identity, social reform, and economic advancement.

In the present day, this historical journey assumes renewed relevance as the Devanga community continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing social and economic environments.

The transition from hereditary leadership and informal networks to structured institutions laid the foundation for collective progress, even as early efforts revealed the need for professional governance, education, and adaptability.

Today, the legacy of Sri Devala Maharishi, the spiritual guidance of the Devanga Jagadgurus, and the institutional vision of the early 21st century serve as enduring reminders that cultural identity and modern advancement need not be in conflict. 

By drawing lessons from its past embracing education, institutional accountability, and unity the community can strengthen its role in contemporary society while preserving its rich spiritual, cultural, and artisanal heritage for future generations.

"Communities survive not by strength alone, but by the wisdom of those who came before.”

#828