Gowda, also spelled as Gauda (Kannada: ಗೌಡ) is a titular surname widely used in the state of Karnataka in India. The word Gowda which traces its origin with Kannada, one of the Dravidian languages, refers to the administrative head of a typical Karnataka village. In practice, the title might annex through the generations as the hereditary Surname of the headman's family.
Population
In Tamil Nadu Vokkaligas live in Coimbatore, Erode, Nilgiris, Dharmapuri, Dindugul and Cumbam Districts. In Coimbatore and Erode districts Gangatkar, Gudi Vokkaligar, and Keeraikkara Vokkaligar are living in large numbers. Some of them were elected as MLAs of Mettuppalayam, Thodamuththur, Sathyamangalam constituencies of Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Coimbatore total population 4,271,856 as of 2011 census of India. They had settled down more than 200 villages in Coimbatore district. 10-15% Kannada speaking gowdas living in Coimbatore district. Thondamuthur, Koundampalayam, Mettuppalayam, Bhavanisagar constituency vote share 10-30%