January 20th was a much-awaited day as it marked the launch of Vikram Sampath’s book on Tippu Sultan in Gonicoppal. Being my hometown, I was particularly excited to attend this event to finally clear many doubts that had lingered in my mind about this so-called “barbaric ruler,” Tippu Sultan. The name “Tippu” is among the most detested in Kodagu, primarily due to the *horrendous, cruel, brutal, and inhumane atrocities he unleashed on humanity, especially the Kodavas, during the Devaattiparambh massacre in Kodagu.* The mere mention of Tippu causes intense anger and triggers a flood of negative emotions among Kodavas.
What was truly heartening, however, was hearing Vikram Sampath’s explanation that history must be based on facts and documented evidence, not written to appease the rulers of the day. When history is written to flatter those in power, it’s only a matter of time before the truth emerges, as it did with Tippu Sultan. For many years, he was eulogized as a brave and benevolent ruler, but the truth is far different. Vikram Sampath’s work brings that truth to light.
In fact, during my conversation with Vikram, I even told him that Kodavas are fortunate to have a genuine historian and author like him to uncover the real history of Tippu Sultan. Kodavas being ancestor worshippers, I said that, starting today, all my forefathers and ancestors can attain moksha and rest in peace, as the true history about Tippu has now been revealed by Vikram.
Vikram’s book spans around 900 pages, so it will take me days to read it fully. Since the author was present at the event, I seized the opportunity to ask him directly, rather than regretting later for not clarifying my doubts.
My *first question* to Vikram was regarding the *number of Kodavas killed in the Devaattiparambh* massacre near Bhagamandala in 1785. This has been a widely debated topic, with estimates ranging between 60,000 and 80,000 deaths. Vikram explained that, based on documented evidence, the population of Kodavas in Kodagu around two centuries ago was approximately 115,000, based on census figures and population growth rate of 6.5%, the number of Kodavas massacred by Tippu Sultan at Devaattiparambh likely ranged from 60,000 to 75,000 is believable. Hearing this firsthand from the author put all my doubts to rest. I pointed out that this massacre is one of the primary reasons why the Kodava community today is a small minority in our own homeland, with a dwindling population of fewer than 100,000. Thus, it is not wrong to say that Tippu Sultan is largely responsible for the Kodavas’ current minority status.
Let me go one step further, the exact numbers only is of academic interest but the *FACT REMAINS TIPPU WAS A BARBARIAN WHO UNLEASHED THE WORST GENOCIDE ON THE BRAVE KODAVAS WHOM HE COULD NEVER DEFEAT IN 31 WARS* .
My *second question,* which I unfortunately could not ask due to paucity of time, was *whether Tippu Sultan was truly a brave warrior and king?* as many historians and authors have claimed. In my opinion, Tippu was neither brave nor a warrior; rather, *he was a coward and a barbarian.* Let me explain why.
Tippu Sultan was defeated *31 times* by the brave Kodavas, who were *masters of guerrilla warfare.* After these repeated defeats, Tippu realized that he could never defeat the *Kodavas in direct, ethical warfare.* *Kodavas were brave and ethical warriors who fought fair, unlike Tippu, who resorted to deceit.* So, Tippu hatched a cowardly plan to defeat the Brave Kodavas by offering a peace truce and inviting them to Devaattiparambh. The unsuspecting Kodavas fell into his trap went unharmed and Tippu’s army surrounded them and unleashed a horrific genocide, killing nearly 75,000 Kodavas.
And why in Devaattiparambh as the location? Because historically Devaattiparambh or Deva- aat – parambh, was a sacred location for all Kodavas, believing that the Gods and Sages resided there and attached great spiritual and religious importance to that location. In course of time, that location was used by all the chieftains, kodava elders as the neutral place to settle disputes without weapons. (like how people in power use temples and mutts today). It was also used for gatherings of the Kodava community, where each could attend without the fear of enmity and physical harm. It was the only option for Tippu, to get the Kodavas unarmed, ensure the presence of womenfolk to wipe out even the next generation of Kodavas for the sake of his perpetual win to set off his loss of 31 times and those in future.
Even today, Kodavas are known for their *ethical standards in warfare. This is why the British granted a special gun licence exemption to the Kodavas, which is the only community across the world to possess this privilege, knowing that they would use firearms judiciously.* Every Kodava child is trained to handle a gun with discipline and is taught never to point it at anyone unless absolutely necessary. Similarly, traditional weapons like the *oddikathi and peechikathi are never used recklessly.*
This sense of *ethics, discipline, bravery, and courage which are natural traits of KODAVAS is what has made Kodagu one of the highest contributors of human resources to the Indian Armed Forces.* This is also the reason why we produced legendary figures such as *Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, and General K. S. Thimayya, one of the best generals India has ever had.*
Therefore, calling Tippu Sultan a brave king is completely unjustifiable when we consider his cowardly actions. I am grateful to genuine historians like Vikram Sampath, who possess both the intellectual integrity (Grey matter) and courage (Spine) to call a spade a spade, and not to term it a GUN just for eulogizing someone and to appease the powers that be.
Jammada Ganesh Ayanna
Treasurer, Jabhoomi Charitable Trust
Chief Advisor, Mysore Kodava Samaja
21.01.2025
