On 14th September, Jabhoomi is launching a comprehensive Book on Kodavas and culture – KODAVA : THE SOUL AND SPIRIT OF A WARRIOR RACE authored by ITHICHANDA RAMESH UTHAPPA at Ponnampet Kodava Samaja, in both Kannada and English. Jabhoomi are the publishers and distributors of the book and most Kodavas would have seen widespread social media posts in this regard.
CLN spoke to the founders of Jabhoomi Charitable Trust; they have positioned the book as a powerful message from our elders to our youngsters, a bridge between the wisdom of yesterday and the generations of tomorrow.
They reiterated that this is a comprehensive work that documents the history, traditions, beliefs and identity as a legacy to be understood, protected and carried forward.
We have been reassured that the book in Kannada script has been vetted and cleared by a select group of elders whom they consider as the custodians of Kodava culture. This is very important to sustain their vision that the book is A LEGACY to hand over to the next generation.
At CLN, we support well researched writing on Kodavas and Kodagu where the integrity of the source and interpretation of views recorded is properly credited. There is a lot of writing that appears in the format of “pamphlets” passing off as books. In Jabhoomi’s view, this book conceptually passes muster on all counts. Furthermore, there is a group of academics from Mangalore University who have concertedly attempted to rewrite the Kodava identity by selectively quoting sources in the garb of academic scholarship in a deliberately misleading manner. Prominent amongst them is a Kodava professor who has co-authored a book Coorg Invented that disparagingly – as the title suggests, argues that the identity of the Kodava is an “invented” phenomena, for doing the bidding of the Colonial Masters. These peoples works are widely circulated in academic circles without being countered, cornered and made answerable. They appear at Literature festivals, talks on Kodavaame and on prominent websites created to preserve Kodava culture.
Jabhoomi is firmly against allowing intentional and continuous distortion to become accepted history. Every Kodava should support this initiative by Jabhoomi Charitable Trust.
Too often we also hear of a stigma being attached to books written in English on a Kodava theme. With due respect and humility, Coffeeland News is proud to be the only English newspaper that serves as a platform and voice on matters pertaining to Kodavas and Kodagu. Also, the book becomes accessible to the external world non-Kodava audience and the diaspora, who need to connect with their culture.
A few lines about Jabhoomi Charitable Trust from Jammada Ganesh Aiyanna:
Jabhoomi Charitable Trust was formed by a group of like minded Kodavas in 2018, the primary objective being to unify Kodavas at all villages in Kodagu and provide support to those in dire need.
The first major project undertaken by Jabhoomi was the FREE COVID HOSPITAL at Gonikoppal in association with LOPAMUDRA HOSPITAL where we treated nearly 400 covid patients without a single causality. This was possible due to the concerted efforts of our member Dr Kalyatanda Gautham Subbaiah based in Florida. This hospital was established in just 10 days from scratch during Covid lock down due to the extraordinary efforts of all our members with the exceptional guidance of our Convener Chottekmada Rajiv Bopaiah. Critical medical equipment came free of cost by our large hearted well wisher Vishwaprasad Alva of Skanray Technologies.
We have also helped in the treatment of many cancer patients by providing financial assistance and subsidizing the treatment cost through doctor friends.
In 2022, Jabhoomi organised the first ever YUVA MELA in Madikeri where more than 10,000 Kodava youth congregated for a day long mela at Crystal Hall Madikeri. This platform was basically created for interaction amongst Kodava youth in a proactive and positive manner.
JABHOOMI played a pivotal role in the KODAVAAME BAALO NADP from Feb 2nd to 7th 2025 where nearly a lakh of Kodavas (including Bashikas) congregated to express solidarity and unity. Nearly 18 lakhs was donated to Akhila Kodava Samaja which was the amount collected and saved after all the expenses of the NADP.
Jabhoomi is committed to working at the grassroots level, to develop consensus and a platform for Kodavas to co-determine issues that affect Kodagu and in the preservation of the Kodava identity.
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Wishing Jabhoomi all the very best for the launch of the “KODAVA” book. We need more such meaningful publications that are well researched and presented.
Best wishes for a phenomenal book launch, deserving of the work that Jabhoomi Charitable Trust undertakes for the Community.
We need more authentic and good books on Kodavas and Kodagu on our shelves. Hope this new book launch lives up to expectations.
There is a sense of urgency about the new book KODAVA : THE SOUL AND SPIRIT OF A WARRIOR RACE. Kodavas definitely need good quality writing, backed by proper research, integrity in interpretation and proper references with due credit.
It is now well established that Colonial History is biased to meet the requirements of the ruling entity. Real history is being unravelled and corrected. This is all the more important with oral traditions being prevalent in Kodagu.
The reference to Coorg Invented and similar writings by a clutch of academics from Mangalore University is a telling revelation of biased and deliberate attempts of putting down a proud and distinct community of Kodavas. The book co-authored/edited by B L Surendra Rao and K M Lokesh, with ample help from Dr T P Vijaya is at best a “collation” of Colonial writing, cherry picked to misinterpret and mislead. The most damaging interpretation is displayed in the INTRODUCTION. If these writings are not corrected, it is already gaining a lot of traction in academic circles, conferences and very soon will become the authoritative narrative.
Here are excerpts from the Introduction:
….”So, when we say the colonial rule “invented” Coorg, what we mean is that the European writings on Coorg, which were at once the instruments and products of colonial subjugation, had indeed created the images and stereotypes which have gone into making the Coorg persona. The Coorg as it is known, is the creation of its history, and those who wrote it.”
… “The Coorg ‘separateness’ which is often romanticised, also becomes a lever of colonial rule, a tune which induces people to pliant collaboration, a lullaby that stokes defiance to restful sleep.”
…”with the dominant Kodava courtiered by the lesser and more unobtrusive communities highlights it’s difference further. The Kodava towers over them, with his turban, kupya, piche Katti, gun and all. The Kodava is the leader of the society. It is he who has given Coorg its stamp of identity, it’s honour; he is it’s mascot. They are told that they are a martial race. The knife, the dance and the ubiquitous gun which are so fondly associated with the manly Kodava from birth to death complete the portrait of the Coorg Highlander.”
….“before soon the Kodavas were convinced, even more than the British rulers who taught them to believe so, that they were indeed ‘a martial race” and the glories of the two Kodanderas have been elaborately and deservingly showcased, ‘to point a moral and adorn a tale’. Among other things, it seeks to prove with retrospective effect, that the Kodavas are indeed a special martial people….
….“Coorg had been invented…”
It is indeed shocking that these academics from the Forum for Kodava Studies are allowed to get away with their biased writings. Worse they are allowed to participate in lectures on Kodavaame and as experts on Websites that claim to be a Living Museum of Kodagu. The identity of the Kodava and Kodagu existed well before the British arrived – such misguided obfuscation should be put an end to.
The more books and papers that are written on Kodagu with proper research, will go a long way in correcting such biased writing. It is in this context that Jabhoomi’s current endeavours must be supported with strength.
It is a revelation to read about Coorg Invented – not at all a pleasant academic indulgence- including the involvement of a Kodava Professor. It is indeed true that these matters get circulated in academic circles and public conventions; before long it will be accepted by the people at large.
It is further disconcerting as to why the Akhila Kodava Samaja headed by an erudite Desha Thakka, or for that matter the several Kodava Samajas are silent about this misadventure of what has been written in Coorg Invented. After all they are the conscience keepers of our cultural heritage and identity. So also the Kodava Sahitya Academy – another supposedly intellectual cultural powerhouse headed by a political appointee.
We need competent people heading these institutions to prevent such unscrupulous writing from getting published.
We need more Kodavas to write correctly about our history, culture and all related aspects on the Kodava way of life – even if it means repetition. No doubt, all the writing should be authentic, based on verified data and factual interpretation.
All Kodavas must support Jabhoomi Charitable Trust in their endeavours to leave no stone unturned in promoting, upholding and securing Kodava culture. Their sincerity, integrity and hard work is of impeccable standing.
Jabhoomi Charitable Trust has earned the trust of the Kodavas on a large scale, especially after their self-effacing efforts of conducting the Kodavaame Balo Nadp with discipline, quiet fortitude and complete humility. They were instrumental in conducting the historical walkathon with outstanding success and by placing The Akhila Kodava Samaja (AKS) in the forefront and mobilised a surplus of ₹18 lakhs for AKS.
The AKS has to rise to the expectations of converting this head start into a full fledged agenda to prioritize action to uphold the identity of the Kodavas and the future of Kodagu. Progress has been “wanting” for a while now and the Committee must act without further delay.
Jabhoomi deserves all the support that can be mustered to continue with their grassroots level programs to restore unity of purpose, accountability by those in power, pride and stature. The book launch is a step in the right direction.
One must applaud the sheer intent of the Jabhoomi Trust to promote books on Kodava Culture. The fact that it is being made available in both Kannada and English is very good. Also at a very affordable price.
Hopefully the contents have been properly checked, cross-referenced and presented with integrity. When a “legacy” is passed on, authenticity and credibility is of utmost importance.
The book review must be made available soonest from different sources.
I would certainly look forward to reading this. Being a Konkani from Mangalore, I have always been interested in understanding the history and cultures of Mangalore and Kodagu. I have a special respect and admiration for the Kodava community and remain a keen student of these rich cultures. Luckily, my wife was born and brought up in Madikeri, which makes my connection with Kodagu feel even more special.
I have been a great admirer of Kaveri Ponnappa and her work, especially The Vanishing Kodavas. History can sometimes be interpreted according to the preferences of those who write it, whether from one side or another. I have always preferred accounts that are factual and supported by evidence. When I get a chance to read this book, I would be keen to understand and appreciate it alongside some of the best work already written on Kodava history and culture.
Excellent article and thanks to CLN EDITORIAL TEAM for bringing this article out on time to coincide with JABHOOMI BOOK LAUNCH. We from Jabhoomi sincerely hope that this shall trigger more authors to write more on kodagu and kodavas.