This article possibly contains original research. (May 2010) |
Regions with significant populations | |
---|---|
Uttara Kannada, Udupi | |
Languages | |
Kannada | |
Religion | |
Hinduism |
Namadhari Naik, also known as Hale paika, Namadhari Naik, Namadhari Gowda, is a Hindu warrior community predominantly found in Uttara Kannada of Karnataka State in India, and forms the numerical majority in the region. Traditionally, members of the Namadhari Naik community have been engaged in agriculture, military service, and priesthood, though toddy tapping once formed an important source of income. The surnames Nayak (ನಾಯಕ) and Naik (ನಾಯ್ಕ), along with (surname)], are commonly used among community members, signifying their status and lineage.