Kodava people

The Kodava are a people of southern India. The Kodavas live primarily in Kodagu District (formerly known as Coorg) of Karnataka state, and were also known historically as Coorgs. The primary language of the Kodava is Kodava Thakk, although Kannada is also widely spoken.

External links

• www.kodava.org, "Official Website of Kodava Community"
• Kodava bibliography (www.kodava.org)

Kodagu (anglicized as Coorg), a fertile mountainous region of Karnataka blessed with natural beauty, is the birthplace of Kaveri River. Nestled in the Sahyadri Mountains of the Western Ghats, this rugged and hilly region is inhabited by a unique group of people with martial traditions. They are a relatively a small community called Kodavas (Coorgs or Coorgis). The Kodavas have fiercely guarded their tradition and customs as well as their uniqueness. Kodavas are the dominant class living in Kodagu though they only form about 15 to 20 percent of the population. They co-exist with people of other castes and tribes peacefully that include the Yeravas, Kurubas, the aborigines called Kudiyas, the lower caste called Poleyas. The region was later settled by Vokkaligas from Hassan and Chikmagalur, Shettys from Dakshina Kannada, who were businessmen and Mapilles (Moplahs), who are the Islamic converts left over from Hyder Ali and Tippu’s era.

The Kodavas are reputed to be handsome and hospitable, and are hunters and harvesters. In their customs and worship they distinguish themselves as quite different as compared to Hindus, with whom they now identify. They have carved out their own unique society. Kodavas are people who are fond of song, dance and merriment. They have a rich collection of folk songs fit for every occasion, like birth, marriage and festivals.

Site:www.kodava.org

Posted By, Kandera K Nanaiah( Gautham) k_k_nanaiah@yahoo.com