Ballal

Ballal also Ballala derived from Sanskrit word Bal (power) and meaning all powerful in the Tulu language is a title used as a surname in modern times mostly by the Bunt people of Karnataka and Kerala states, India. Ballal was generally a title assumed by local Bunt kings or chieftains in Tulu Nadu region. Ruling Bunt clans irrespective of whether they use the title Ballal or not are colloquially and collectively referred to as Ballal Bunt. The origin of the title Ballal is explained by a proverb which goes when a Bunt becomes powerful he becomes a Ballal. Some Bunts who use the surname Ballal also trace direct maternal descent from the Bunt princess Krishnayitayi and her husband the Hoysala Emperor, Veera Ballala III. In modern times apart from the Bunts some Tulu speaking Shivalli Brahmin families of high socio-religious position and some Deshastha Brahmin families also use the surname Ballal.

It is used as an honorary suffix by the Marathi nobles such as Bajirao Ballal Peshwa, who served as a premier and military general of the 18th century Maratha India. Today it is used as a last name by some Marathis/Konkanis.

Notable Bunt Ballal

• Ashish Kumar Ballal Former Indian National Hockey Team Captain
• H. S. Ballal Pro Chancellor, Manipal University

See also

• Peshwa Dynasty

References

• Stuart H.A. Manual of South Canara District