Kannada Brahmins are Kannada-speaking Brahmins, primarily living in Karnataka, and also present in the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.[1][2] They belong to one of three traditions: Smartism, Sadh Vaishnavism (Madhva Sampradaya), and Sri Vaishnavism, and are followers of Adi Shankara, Madhvacharya, and Ramanuja respectively.[3][4]
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh | |
| Languages | |
| Kannada, Sanskrit | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Pancha-Dravida Brahmins, Kannada people |
The Kannada speaking Brahmins ( Madhva Brahmins as they are known in Tamilnad ) are found in the bilingual border areas between the Mysore territory and Tamilnad;
The Canarese or the Karnataka Brahmins The Canarese speaking or Karnataka brahmins are divided into two major sub-divisions, the Smarta and Madhwa with several sub- divisions under each.
All the Brahmins belong to one of the three sects, i.e., the Smarthas, the Madhwa and the Srivaishnava, followers of Shankaracharya, Madhwacharya and Ramanujacharya.