The Codava National Council (CNC) on last Thursday observed the 240th anniversary of the Devaat Parambh incident by offering floral tributes and prayers at the Devaat Parambh memorial in Kodagu district.
The observance, held at 8.30 am, was led by CNC president N.U. Nachappa Codava. CNC described the December 12, 1785 incident as a major historical tragedy for the indigenous Codava community and said it formed part of a prolonged period of political repression and violence during the Keladi and Mysore regimes.
According to CNC, the indigenous Codava community faced population decline, loss of ancestral land, and cultural marginalisation over several decades. Nachappa said the community’s role in the Anglo-Mysore Wars, including participation alongside the British East India Company against Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, had not received adequate recognition.
CNC stated that Codava warriors were known for guerrilla warfare, intelligence gathering, and resistance while retaining their distinct cultural identity. The organisation also expressed concern over what it termed misrepresentation of Codava history in certain academic narratives.
Reiterating its long-standing demands, CNC called for recognition of historical injustices, protection of Codava land and cultural practices, Scheduled Tribe status for the community, and geo-political autonomy for Codavaland.
It also sought the establishment of memorials and international acknowledgment of the Devaattparamb incident and related political assassinations.
Several CNC members and supporters attended the programme.
