LOCATING THE CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY OF BOVIS IN KASARAGOD: A STUDY

The life and culture of Bovis in Kasaragod, in north Malabar is historicaly evolved through ceturies. Like all other dravidian castes of this region the Bovis also maintained a close affinity to their traditional profession which influenced their socio-cultural identity. As a traditional fishing community locating in the coastal area of northern part of Kasaragod, the Bovis consisting a small caste groups. The social and cultural life of Bovi community is entirely  ifferent from other fishing castes. They have a close proximity to their Kannada counterpart Moguveera. Their economic condition improved throughout the period and thus the younger generation not attracted to their traditional occupation. The Bovis followed Hindu religious practices and ceremonies in their life. They worshipped the goddesses Bhagavathi. The social  orms, cultural and economic life of these folk became a part and parcel of the social fabric of Kasaragod.

Key words: Culture, Bovis, fishing, marine ecology, transformation