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Shetty

Indian surname from coastal Karnataka From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Shetty (Tulu: [ʃeʈːi]) is a surname originating from coastal Karnataka state of India. Found amongst the Tulu Bunt community[1][2] The name Belived to derives from the Prakrit Seṭhī, Seṭ, and Seṭī, meaning "chief" or "leader of merchants", which later developed into ''Shetty''.[3][4][5] as per modern historians like Kamath its derived from the Sanskrit word Śreṣṭha.[6] Historically, Shetty's are believed to have been originally Jains before the 16th century and active as Jain Merchants.[7] Later, many families significantly converted to Hinduism, reportedly due to socio-political changes.[8][9]

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Community background

Although Shetty implies mercantile origins, the Bunt community—among whom it's most common—was historically agrarian and land-owning rather than primarily trading.[10] The surname is associated with Jainism before the 16th century in Tulu region, reflecting their historical role as merchant-patrons influencing broader coastal society.[11][12] The Bunts, including Shetty lineages, are believed to descend from the medieval The Alupa dynasty - who were originally Jains, ruled the coastal Karnataka.[13][14]

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Historical Shetty merchants

Epigraphic records from the Hoysala period (11th–14th century) mention several Jain merchants with the title Shetty who sponsored temples, trade guilds, and religious endowments.

•⁠ ⁠Narasimha Shetty – A wealthy Jain merchant from Belur, recorded in a 13th-century inscription as a donor to the Chennakesava temple complex.[15]

•⁠ ⁠Mallinatha Shetty – A pepper and betel nut trader from coastal Karnataka, who endowed land to a Jain basadi in Halebidu during the reign of Veera Ballala II.[16]

•⁠ ⁠Paduvala Shetty – Member of the Ayyavole 500 merchant guild, active in maritime trade with the Arabian coast, and a patron of Jain monks.[17]

These figures highlight the mercantile influence of Shettys during the height of Hoysala power.

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Notable peoples

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References

Bibliography

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