‘AINMANE, DOCUMENTING the ANCESTRAL HOMES of KODAGU’, is the title of a beautifully produced book published by NITTE Institute of Architecture, Mangalore, Karnataka. The documentation project was conducted in 2024 by the students and Faculty of NITTE Institute of Architecture, who travelled to Kodagu and worked on site at select Ainmanes, to produce this award-winning work.
In the words of Professor Vinod Arhana, Professor & Director, NITTE Institute of Architecture, Mangalore, “This book is a rich display of detailed description and graphic presentation. Our students of architecture have taken on the role of both historians, and story tellers— documenting, engaging with elders and partaking in their rich legacy”.
Kaveri Ponnapa, who was closely associated with the project, and accompanied the students and Faculty into the field, says she was struck by their meticulous attention to detail, dedication, and the high quality of the work produced.
Coffeeland News readers would remember the reproduction in CLN of Mrs. Kaveri Ponnapa’s outstanding Keynote address at the Kodava Sahitya Academy on Ainmanes. Her work is always very meticulous and painstakingly well researched; quoting and interpreting source material as is relevant for the past, present and future.
The current publication is a collaborative effort of documentation of a select number of historic Ainmane’s with a detailed description and graphic presentation by Nitte Institute of Architecture. The next logical step would be to extend this study and also come up with a template for renovation – as some of the Ainemane’s have done so without retaining the aesthetics; worse – many have fallen due to paucity of funds. These are remarkable old jewels constructed by our ancestors and forms the fulcrum for family get togethers for festivals and other important occasions.
Perhaps this is an opportune moment for the community at large and the District Administration to consider supporting the maintenance of these structures. Hope the politicians and other leaders in Kodagu read this. After all the much talked about success of our Kodavamme Balo Nadp, it makes sense to restore the historic Ainemanes’ for posterity – a good theme for keeping ourselves relevant from the Past, in the Present and for the Future!!
Spectacular architectural sketches! If this endeavour has Kaveri involved with it, it is bound to be an outstanding project.
NITTE has a great reputation and is an outstanding Academic Institution. Likewise, Kaveri Ponnapa is a gifted writer and her previous books are exceptional. The Vanishing Kodavas in particular was a marvellous original treatise on the historical and cultural study on Kodagu and the Kodavas. When both combine for this research project, it is likely to be outstanding.