The Kudumbi, also referred to as the Kunubis, the Kurumbi, or the Kunbi (), are traditionally a Konkani-speaking farming community residing in Kerala, India.
History
Goan legacy According to Goan historian Anant Ramakrishna Dhume, the Kunbi caste are modern descendants of ancient Mundari tribes. He refers to several words of Mundari origin in the Konkani language and also elaborates on the deities worshipped by the ancient tribe, their customs, methods of farming, etc.Dhume, Anant Ramkrishna (1986). The cultural history of Goa from 10000 B.C.-1352 A.D.(see pages 53, 94, 83, 95) G. S. Ghurye says that "Kurmi, Kanbi and Kunbi perhaps signify the occupation of the group, viz., that of cultivation, though it is not improbable that the name may of tribal origin."
The Kudumbi were forced to migrate from Goa following religious persecution by the Portuguese during the Goa Inquisition, which sought to suppress Hinduism. The Kudumbis, along with Gouda Saraswat Brahmins, Daivajnas and Vaishya Vanis who wanted to preserve their religious and cultural identity, migrated from Goa along the west coast of India, primarily through sea voyages.
Some of the groups that fled Goa landed in coastal districts of state of Karnataka, that is, the Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, and some groups voyaged further to Kerala.
The sociologist Y. R. Rao (2003) conducted fieldwork among the Kudubis from Goa who were living in a region of Karnataka. He studied a wide range of behaviours including those related to their food habits, taboos, language, economy, political organisation, kinship and marriage. He identifies Hinduisation, Sanskritisation and Modernisation as three factors that might influence behavioural changes.Arora, Meghna (2004) Tribal tradition and change: A study of Kudubis of south India by Y. Ravindranath Rao - Book Review, Sociological Bulletin, Vol. 53, No. 2 (May-August), pp. 305-306
Current status K. R. Gowri Amma, a prominent figure in the communist movement in Kerala and former Minister, in her autobiography narrates the backwardness of Kudumbi Community as:
V. K. Valath says that the main agricultural labourers in the islands around Kochi have been from the Pulaya and Kudumbi castes. He adds that, whilst many people of the Pulaya and Mukkuvar castes converted to Christianity during the Portuguese period, the Kudumbis retained their traditional religious beliefs.V. V. K. Valath (1991). Keralathile Stala Charitrangal, Eranakulam Jilla. Second Edition, 2006, published by Kerala Sahitya Academy.
The community is officially classified as being within the Socially and Economically Backward Communities (SEBC).SEBC list of Kerala State Govt
Kudumbi temples Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated in many Devi temples by the KudumbiThe rituals of the Kudumbi community in Kerala are deeply rooted in their history as migrants from Goa and are most prominently displayed during the Kodungallur Bharani and Holi (Ukuli) festivals. Their traditions often blend ancestor worship, agrarian practices, and intense devotion to Goddess Bhadrakali. Major Festivals and Rituals Kodungallur Bharani (Meenam): Thalappoli: This is a major gathering for the Kudumbi community, held in January at the Kodungallur Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple. Thousands of community members participate in this ritual, which is central to their identity. Kaavu Theendal: While involving many communities, the Kudumbis participate in this "polluting the temple" ritual. It commemorates the victory over the demon Daruka, where devotees (including oracles) run around the temple brandishing sticks and swords, shouting bawdy abuse at the goddess—a practice she is said to accept. Kozhikkallu Moodal: This involves the symbolic or actual sacrifice of roosters to appease the goddess and her fierce attendants. Ukuli (Holi): Manjal Kuli: Celebrated over four days in various Kudumbi temples (like those in Kochi and Thrissur), this "turmeric bath" involves spraying water mixed with turmeric and other natural colours. It is the community's unique version of Holi, brought from Goa. Symbolic Tree Ritual: In some Ernakulam temples, an areca nut tree is felled and carried to the shrine to symbolize Durga’s victory over demons. Crocodile Worship: In parts of Thrissur, a crocodile figure is modelled from mud. This honours a legend that the goddess, as a crocodile, helped the community during their migration to Kerala. Community Rituals: Fugudo Dance: A traditional folk dance form specific to the Kudumbi community, often performed during temple festivities and cultural gatherings. Ancestor & Local Deities: Kudumbis often worship local deities like Neechan, Arukula, and Karimkutty. Primitive rituals and animal sacrifices (now mostly restricted to roosters) continue at smaller, older shrines. .
See also Gauda and Kunbi Devendrakula Velalar
References
Sources The Kurmis-Kunbis of India by Pratap Singh Velip Kankar. Published by Pritam Publishers PajiFord, Margoa, Goa Year −2006. 1956 An Introduction to the Study of Indian History (Popular Book Depot, Bombay) – D.D. Kosambi. Kudumbikalude Charithravum-Samskaravum – written by Dr. Vini. A. Published by Sahithya Pravarthaka Cooperative Society, Kottayam, Kerala