Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Gowda (surname)" in English language version.
...Gowda (also spoken as Gonda colloquially)...
Gowdas, literary means a village headman usually from Vokkaliga community in Southern district of Karnataka and Lingayat in Northern part
According to Mr. Stuart, "each community of Kurubas, residing in a group of villages, has a headman or Gaudu. He acts the part of pūjāri or priest in all their ceremonies, presides over their tribal meetings, and settles disputes.