Tulu: The Administrative Language of the Past, But Unofficially in the Present

 Tulu: The Administrative Language of the Past, But Unofficially in the Present

A Language That Ruled, Now Fighting for Its Identity

Once upon a time, the language of Tulu Nadu wasn’t just spoken—it was written in stone, etched into history, and ruled an entire land. It was the language of kings, village heads, markets, courts, and temples. Tulu was power. Tulu was governance. Tulu was administration.

But today? Tulu has no official recognition. A language that once dictated land records, tax systems, and royal decrees is now struggling to find its place in its own homeland.

Isn’t this painful? A language that guided the destiny of a people for centuries is now left waiting outside the doors of officialdom.

Tulu Inscriptions: Echoes of an Administrative Legacy

1. 7th-Century Tulu Inscription – The First Written Proof

The earliest known Tulu inscription (7th century, Pelattur) is a silent witness to the fact that Tulu was already a language of governance over a thousand years ago. It was used to document village administration, tax records, and local governance—proof that Tulu Nadu had a structured administrative system when many other languages were still evolving.

2. The Ananthapura Tulu Inscription (10th–11th Century)

This inscription from King Bankideva Alupa records a land grant mistake caused by confusion in the village numbering system. The fact that numbers, corrections, and legal transactions were written in Tulu shows how deeply embedded it was in governance.

3. A Well-Organized Administration in Tulu Nadu

Ancient Tulu Nadu had a highly developed administrative structure with clear terms for governance:

Mudhelalankulu (𝙢𝙪𝙙𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙪𝙡𝙪) – Officers

Guttu (𝙜𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙪) – Feudal households managing villages

Gavida (𝙜𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙖) – Treasury

Mañja (𝙢𝙖ñ𝙟𝙖) – Market

Tulu was not just spoken in homes—it was the language of rulers, tax officers, and land records.

Tulu in Commerce & Law: The Language of the Markets & Courts

Did you know that ancient Tulu Nadu had specialized marketplaces for different trades?

Ballamanja (𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙖ñ𝙟𝙖) – Rope Market

Kallamañja (𝙆𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙖ñ𝙟𝙖) – Stone Market

Balḷmanja (𝙗𝙖𝙡ḷ𝙢𝙖ñ𝙟𝙖) – Betel Vine Market

Even today, place names like Manjatturu, Manjanādi, and Kallmanja preserve the forgotten meaning of "mañja" as "market."

But do our people know this? Somewhere along the way, the true history of Tulu words got buried. Even Tulu speakers themselves forgot that Tulu once ran an entire land.

Tulu in Today’s Governance – Unofficially Strong, Yet Unrecognized

Even without official status, Tulu refuses to die. It is still used every single day in governance—just not on paper.

1. Village Panchayats & Local Administration

Panchayat meetings are conducted in Tulu.

Land disputes are settled in Tulu.

Local leaders speak to the people in Tulu.

But when it comes to official documents? They are in Kannada.

2. Police Stations & Legal System

Complaints are discussed in Tulu.

Witnesses give statements in Tulu.

Lawyers argue in Tulu before writing it down in Kannada.

Tulu is the language that solves real problems, but it’s missing where it matters—in official records.

3. Election Campaigns & Politics

Politicians give their biggest speeches in Tulu.

Voters connect to leaders when they speak in Tulu.

Manifestos are translated into Tulu to reach the people.

Yet, the language that wins elections is not considered worthy enough to be official.

Tulu: From Royalty to Rejection – Why This Injustice?

Lack of Political Will – Despite repeated demands, no serious attempt has been made to recognize Tulu.

No Official Script Support – The government hasn’t promoted the Tulu script, though inscriptions prove its existence for over 1,300 years.

Limited Educational Support – Tulu is taught in a few schools, but it’s far from being mainstream.

A Language That Refuses to Die

Tulu was once a language of power. Kings ruled in Tulu. Land was divided in Tulu. Markets ran in Tulu.

And today?

It still rules conversations in government offices.

It still solves disputes in police stations.

It still runs elections in Tulu Nadu.

Tulu may not be officially recognized, but it is UNOFFICIALLY ALIVE in governance, business, and law.

But for how long?

If we don’t act now, will future generations even know that Tulu was once an administrative language?

🔥 It’s time to bring back the glory of Tulu. 🔥

#𝙏𝙪𝙡𝙪𝙏𝙤𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙜𝙚 #𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙏𝙪𝙡𝙪 #𝙎𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙏𝙪𝙡𝙪 #𝙏𝙪𝙡𝙪𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮

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