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]
Kannada Brahmins fall under the Pancha Dravida Brahmin classification of the Brahmin community in India.[5] These Brahmins generally are further sub-divided into a number of gotras and the Veda Shakha, which professes to subscribe to the performance of the yajna and other rites. Another sub-division divides them those who follow the Apastamba Dharmasutra and Asvalayana Sutra. Adherents of the latter preponderate in the state.[6][7][6]
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.