Left Photo Right Photo
🔴 Akhanda Karnataka Party President

Shri. Basavaraj Hugar
Leading the Voice of Karnataka

A visionary leader...

Join the Movement
1 / 2
History & Community Background

Origin, Heritage & Social Background of the Hugar Community

A traditional community with a long-standing cultural, religious and occupational heritage in Karnataka.

Hugar Community
A Traditional Community of Karnataka

Community Tradition
Tradition, Service & Community Identity

The Hugar Community — A Traditional Community with a Distinct Identity

The Hugar community is known by several traditional names including Hugar, Poojari, Jeer, Pulari, Gurava, Pushpadatta, Odeyar, Hoovadiga, Mali and Malagar. According to the community representation, these different names refer to sections of the same community who are known by different names in different places.

The community has a long-standing traditional connection with religious and cultural services. Community members traditionally perform flower-related services, including supplying flowers from house to house in villages and participating in religious and ceremonial activities. Flower garlands and related traditional services form an important part of the community's occupational heritage.

The community representation also refers to its historical connection with Sri Hoogar Madayya, described as a contemporary of Sri Basaveshwara in the 12th century and associated with the Anubhava Mantapa tradition. This historical association forms an important part of the community's cultural identity.

Community Names
Hugar, Poojari, Jeer, Pulari, Gurava, Pushpadatta, Odeyar, Hoovadiga, Mali, Malagar and other related names
Traditional Occupation
Flower-related services, flower garlands, religious services, traditional music and ceremonial activities
Social & Economic Condition
The community representation describes its people as economically, educationally and socially backward and as a small community in Karnataka.
Caste Certificate Issue
School records may contain names such as Lingayat, Lingavanta or Veerashaiva, creating difficulties in obtaining caste certificates under the community's traditional names.
Community Representation
The community has represented that the different names listed above belong to the same community and has requested the Government of Karnataka to recommend and obtain approval from the Government of India for including the community in the Scheduled Caste category.
Impact

Our Reach & Impact

8,00,000+
Community Members
120+
Registered Institutions
₹2 Cr+
Welfare Fund Disbursed
31
Districts Covered
Leadership

Leader of the Samaj

Guided by vision, rooted in community — a leader of the people.

PRESIDENT & HEAD OF SAMAJ
Basavaraj Hugar — Officially Recognised Leader

The Voice of Karnataka’s Hoogar Community

Shri Basavaraj Hugar has dedicated decades to the upliftment of the Hugar community. As the duly elected President of Akhanda Karnataka Hugara Mahasabha Sangha.R, Bengaluru, he has spearheaded numerous welfare schemes, forged collaborations with government ministries, and ensured that every Hugar family across Karnataka has access to justice, education, and economic opportunity.

  • A Representative of the Government-Recognized Community Across Karnataka
  • Played a crucial role in securing OBC reservation for the Hugar community and its various recognized nomenclatures
  • Successfully led efforts for the sanction and implementation of community-related government benefits across Karnataka
  • Maintains strong relationships and regular coordination with district administrations, Tahsildars, and elected representatives
  • Considering the social, economic, and educational backwardness of the Hoogar community and its various names, including Hoogar, Jeera, Guravara, Poojara, Hoovadiga, Pulari, Phul Mali, Odeyar, Mali, Malagara, Pushpadatta, Phule, Tamboli, Gurav, and other related communities, they have successfully drawn attention through several democratic movements seeking appropriate recognition, benefits, reservation, and Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
  • Played a key role in securing welfare benefits for the community through the Devaraj Urs Development Corporation
  • Actively represented and advocated for the Hugar community in the caste census
  • Played a significant role on behalf of the Hugar community in the establishment of the Mali, Malagar, and Hugar Development Corporation in Karnataka
  • Played a key role in organizing talent recognition programs at district and taluk levels and in honoring and recognizing community members who have achieved excellence at the state level
  • Known for standing firmly in support of community members whenever they face injustice anywhere in the state
Leader's Message
Programmes

Key Welfare Initiatives

Structured programmes modelled on state and central government welfare schemes.

Education Support

Scholarships, free coaching for competitive exams, school supply kits, and college fee assistance for meritorious students.

Health Camps

Free medical checkup camps, referral assistance, blood donation drives, and health insurance guidance for community members.

Agriculture Aid

Guidance on government farm loans, crop insurance, modern weaving and agri-tool support for Hugar farming families.

Women Empowerment

SHG formation, skill training, microfinance linkage, and legal awareness programs exclusively for Hugar women.

Legal Aid

Free legal consultation for land rights, caste certificate issues, and reservation entitlements through empanelled advocates.

Housing Assistance

Facilitating applications under Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme and state housing board programmes for eligible families.