The Ediga Community: Understanding the Social Fabric and Cultural Practices in Karnataka

Ethnographic studies have enriched our understanding of the Idiga community. The Ediga (Idiga) community is one of the prominent communities in South India and is scattered across the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. This review aims to explore the unique features of the Ediga community's society, way of life, culture, etymology, distribution, traditional occupations, family, social stratification, marriage practices among the community, religious beliefs and practices, life cycle rituals, gender roles, family structure, economic transformation, challenges, community governance, cultural interactions, status, educational and social advancements, dietary practices, and traditional practices, drawing insights from available literature and research. Additionally, the paper examines their unique characteristics, drawing insights from ethnographic records and supplemented by available literature.