Aliya Kattu
(Tulu: ಅಳಿಯ ಕಟ್ಟು) (Nephew lineage) in Tulu or Marumakkatayam in Malayalam was, a matrilineal system of property inheritance practiced by many communities in coastal Karnataka and Kerala.
Some anthropologists believe matrilineal societies were common among early primitive human societies(See Marija Gimbutas). In India, South Indians were believed to be the last communities to become patriarchal. However, mostly Malabar region of Kerala and Karnataka remained matrilineal even today. But there were people in this region who were patriarchal.
Tuluvas believe Aliya Kattu was adopted at the behest of a king called Bhootala Pandya. The story goes like this. A demon wanted the king to sacrifice his son. However, none of his queens and sons were ready to be sacrificed. Seeing the difficult situation, king's sister offers her son. However, the demon shows mercy and lets him off. On his part, the king declares his nephew as his true inheritor
There are two type of the systems followed 1)ALIYA KATTU: In ALIYA KATTU system the mother's family takes control of the family and property matters. The family functions such as Bhootha Kola will be performed initiated from mother's family. The ALIYAKATTU system is followed by castes like DEVADIGAS,BILLAVAS,KOTTARI,SHETTY,KULAL,GATTI,SHETTIGAR.
2)MAKKALA KATTU: In MAKKALA KATTU father's family controls the family and property matters. After marriage the bride joins husband's family and all the traditions from husband's family takes precedence especially Bhootha Kola. The MAKKALA KATTU system is followed by castes like Brahmins,KONKANI BRAHMINS,VISHWAKARMA ACHARYA,KOTA KSHATRIYA etc.
Read more about this topic: Devadiga, Traditions of Devadigas