What is "thigala"

The Thigala or Tigala are a social group found in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states of India, and particularly the city of Bangalore; the caste is originated from Iyengar-Tenkalai sect and are traditionally occupied with livelihood on gardeners of flowers and vegetables. They are likely a sub-caste of the numerous VahniKulaKshatriyar caste.

They are generally Hindus. It is claimed that King Hyder Ali encouraged them to settle down in Bangalore to help in the laying out of Lal Bagh. Their main deity is Draupadi, the dharmaraya swamy temple near corporation was built in 11th century AD. Kempegowda the founder of Bangalore built four gopuras with this temple as the centre of the city. and the Karaga festival celebrated in Kolar, Bangalore, Hosakote, Anekal, Kanakapura, Jakkasandra and other towns highly significant to the community. The Thigala in Karnataka speak a mixture of Kannada and Tamil.

A Karnataka state government order of 1994 designated the Thigala there as members of the Backward Classes.