Cañari

The Cañari were an indigenous people of the south-central Ecuadorian Andes. Their ancestral territory encompassed much of what is today the provinces of Azuay and Cañar, centered around the city of Tumebamba (present-day Cuenca). They were a complex, organized society with their own language, religion, and political structures.

The Cañari are notable for their resistance to the Inca Empire. While initially maintaining a fragile alliance with the Inca, tensions grew, eventually leading to open conflict. The Inca, under the leadership of Tupac Yupanqui, eventually conquered the Cañari after a long and bloody campaign.

Following their conquest, the Cañari were integrated into the Inca Empire, though they retained elements of their cultural identity. The Inca established a significant presence in Tumebamba, building a major administrative center. The Inca occupation heavily influenced the Cañari, introducing new agricultural techniques, architectural styles, and religious practices.

During the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, the Cañari initially allied with the Spanish, hoping to liberate themselves from Inca rule. This alliance proved pivotal in the Spanish victory, particularly in battles fought in the Cañari region.

Today, descendants of the Cañari continue to live in the region, maintaining some of their traditions and cultural heritage. The Cañari language is largely extinct, replaced by Spanish and Kichwa (Quechua), but efforts are underway to revive and preserve their cultural identity. The history of the Cañari provides insight into the complex dynamics of pre-Columbian societies and the impact of both the Inca and Spanish conquests on the region.