CFAR’s intervention empowers Kole Basava Community, preserve tradition

In the heart of the bustling Bangalore city, nestled amidst heavy traffic and throngs of people, the sight of members of Kole Basava community roaming with their decorated Basava(bull) is not rare. They are a familiar sight on Bengaluru streets, seeking alms as they lead their beautifully adorned bulls and cows while playing the Nadaswara, a traditional woodwind instrument. In their quest for a living, they travel in different directions each day with their bulls to entertain people with music and earn money.

However, today their traditional lifestyle is no longer sustainable, as their music often goes unnoticed. Struggling to make a living through their art, they are compelled to explore alternative opportunities while fiercely holding on to their cherished cattle. The community recall a time when they were respected and received gifts of money, clothes, and food. Devout townsfolk would seek counsel from their sacred Basava bulls, interpreting their head nods as answers. However, the tradition of folklore plays and acrobatics with the animals has deteriorated significantly.

The Kole Basava community holds a deep reverence for their cattle, considering them as family members. According to community members, they hail from Darmavara, Andhra Pradesh, and their primary occupation involves decorating cows, going door-to-door to entertain people, and sharpening knives to earn extra income.

Talking about life in the city, Basavaraju, a 55-year-old community member, said, “We earn Rs. 150–200 per day, and it is very difficult to sustain at present. However, women also go with decorated bulls and earn their livelihood. We are not getting any benefits as we do not have a local address because we often return to our native place once a year for the festival.”

Today, as the remaining Kole Basava strive to preserve their tradition, their dignity has eroded, reducing many to begging. Once well-fed, their sacred bulls now suffer from starvation as their owners struggle to afford hay and cattle feed. Despite the common belief that artistic traditions are blessings, some Kole Basava members view them as curses due to financial struggles, lack of land, and limited educational opportunities.

The Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR), as part of initiatives to empower the marginalized community, has identified approximately 65 blue-tented houses in RR Nagar, Bengaluru, home to Kole Basava families. These settlements house over 250 individuals. In convergence with the local administration, CFAR is facilitating pension and other social welfare entitlements to the community. Out of 40 children in the community, only 20 are attending school, a number that has increased due to CFAR’s intervention.

“We face many challenges because of the government requirement for a local address to access schemes. Therefore, we are focusing on health initiatives like the Thai Card, regular immunization, enrolling children in Anganwadis, and providing take-home rations. In education, we identify school dropouts and re-enroll them, and we also facilitate national schemes like the National Pension Scheme and PMMVY,” says Sri Latha, a community associate from CFAR.

CFAR is also supporting the community to preserve their traditional practice. It enabled the community to make a case before the Karnataka Janapada Academy for opportunities to present their traditional woodwind instrument at government programs, which the academy agreed. “CFAR has come forward to support the Kole Basava community in preserving their traditional practice. We will create a platform and provide opportunities for them,” said Gollahalli Shivaprasad, the president of the Academy.

CFAR’s efforts have empowered community leaders who are now actively asserting their rights. By focusing on health, education, and social entitlements, these leaders are helping the community to improve their socio-economic conditions, and paving the way for a dignified future for the Kole Basava community and their sacred cattle.

“We are now becoming aware of the services provided by the government. Going forward, we will definitely approach the departments to claim our rights, which will also help us preserve our traditions,” asserts Nagaraju, a 42-years-old leader from the Kole Basava community.