Aruvu : An Ancient Language on the Brink of Survival
Aruvu (also known as Arava) is an ancient spoken language primarily used by Dalit communities in South Bengaluru, particularly in Anekal Taluk of Karnataka. Despite its rich linguistic heritage and centuries-old existence, the language remains largely undocumented, with no established script and very little recognition in academic, political, or media circles.
Aruvu survives exclusively as an oral language, passed down through generations. Linguistically, it displays remarkable similarities with Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu, reflecting the historical and cultural interactions of communities living along the Karnataka–Tamil Nadu–Andhra Pradesh border regions. Scholars and community elders believe that the language may have evolved through a blending of archaic forms of these Dravidian languages.
Although often overlooked, Aruvu is spoken by a significant population. It is estimated that nearly 40% of the Dalit population in Anekal Taluk uses the language in daily life. More broadly, between 6 and 8 lakh people are believed to speak Aruvu across various clusters in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
The language is deeply rooted in the history and identity of marginalized communities. Some local traditions trace its origins back nearly 3,000 years. Yet, despite its cultural significance, Aruvu remains absent from most published linguistic records and has received little institutional support. Without systematic documentation, preservation, and promotion, the language faces the risk of gradual decline.
Major Aruvu-Speaking Regions
1. Anekal Cluster (Bengaluru Urban District, Karnataka)
Anekal Taluk remains one of the strongest centres of the language, where Aruvu continues to be actively spoken in homes and communities.
Town: Anekal
Villages and Surrounding Areas:
* Kittiganahalli
* Thirupalya
* Marsur
* Mayasandra
* Sarjapura
* Mugalur
* Dommasandra
* Numerous surrounding hamlets
2. Kolar and Bangarapet Clusters (Kolar District, Karnataka)
Due to the district's proximity to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Aruvu has remained an important medium of communication among cross-border communities.
Towns:
*Bangarapet
* Malur
* Mulbagal
* Robertsonpet (KGF region)
Villages and Rural Areas:
* Hulkur
* Kamasamudra
* Budikote
* Yeldur
* Rural settlements along the Malur–Hoskote belt
3. Bengaluru Rural and Ramanagara Border Region
The language is also found in villages and farming communities along the rural borders of Bengaluru and Ramanagara districts.
Areas and Villages:
* Hoskote peripheral villages
* Kanva region
* Kanakapura rural stretches
* Sulibele
* Hindiganal
* Forest-border hamlets around Magadi
4. Inter-State Border Regions (Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh)
Aruvu extends beyond Karnataka into neighbouring states, particularly in areas historically connected through trade, migration, and shared cultural traditions.
Tamil Nadu (Krishnagiri and Tirupattur Districts):
* Hosur peripheral villages
* Thally region
* Berigai
* Bagalur
* Rural parts of Vaniyambadi
Andhra Pradesh (Chittoor District):
* Villages around Kuppam
* Vasanadu region
* Border settlements connected to Kolar and Krishnagiri
Preserving a Living Heritage
Aruvu is more than a language—it is a repository of collective memory, cultural identity, oral traditions, folklore, and lived experiences of communities that have historically remained on the margins. Documenting its vocabulary, grammar, oral literature, songs, and histories is essential not only for linguistic preservation but also for safeguarding an important part of South India's cultural diversity.
The survival of Aruvu depends on sustained efforts by researchers, community members, educational institutions, and policymakers. Without timely intervention, this unique linguistic heritage may gradually disappear from future generations.
