Thigala

The Vahnikula Kshatriya (Vanniyar) or Palligaru are a social group found in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, India, particularly the city of Bengaluru and in Southern Karnataka. The caste is traditionally occupied as growers of flowers and vegetables.[1]

They are generally Hindus.[1] Their main deities are Draupadi and Dharmaraya Swamy. There is a Dharmaraya temple in Thigalarapete which was built in the 11th century AD. Kempegowda, the founder of Bangalore, built four gopuras with this temple as the centre of the city.[2] The Karaga festival celebrated in Narasapura, Kolar, Bangalore, Hosakote, Anekal, Malur, Jakkasandra, Immadahalli , Mayasandra, Huskur, Ramagondanahalli, Bethamangala, Varthur, Doopanahalli, Chunchagatta, Vokkaleri, Vijayapura, Lakkur, Thornahalli, Bellandur and in other towns where Vahnikula Kshatriyas are highly located.[3] The Vahnikula Kshatriyas speak both Tamil and Kannada[4] A Karnataka state government designated the Vahnikula Kshatriyas under category 2A reservation,there as members of the Backward Classes.