The Bunts are a primarily Tulu speaking Matrilineal Hindu Community hailing from southern coastal Karnataka and also the Kasargod district of Kerala, alternatively known as Tulu Nadu. They belong to the Nagavanshi Kshatriya order of lineage. The word Bunta is derived from the Sanskrit word Bhata meaning powerful man or a warrior, The Tulu equivalent is Bunte or Bunter (plural) which means Protector. Bunts are also referred to as Naadava which means landlord in Tulu.



