Congratulations to the author Iythichanda Ramesh Uthappa and Jabhoomi Charitable Trust for bringing out a book written with the genuine intention to document and preserve aspects of Kodava life and identity. This book should be welcomed for its intention and effort. At a time when many of our traditions are changing rapidly, any sincere and meaningful effort to record our cultural inheritance deserves appreciation. The pricing of this voluminous book was a pleasant surprise as it makes it affordable. Also, the fact that it is available both in Kannada and English is perhaps a plus point – although it is debatable that it could have been made available in Kodava Thakk written in Kannada script, rather than in Kannada.
The book certainly brings together a considerable amount of information about Kodava customs, practices, terminology and cultural life. In that sense I found it almost like a Kodava cultural dictionary – something that records what we do, the terminologies used to identify artifacts and other items and an explanation on the meaning of our traditions. The Pattole Palame written by Nadikerianda Chinnappa in 1924 has always been considered a monumental effort in transcribing spoken words into written text – but included many flaws attributed especially with the inclusion of Brahminical influence, which was more an exception (of adoption by individuals) than the rule. There have been many other well acknowledged books in this field, but one has to assume that it was the Author’s prerogative to focus and write what he wanted to focus on and not give reference to these important books in the Bibliography and its contents.
At the time of the launch of this book at Ponnampet Kodava Samaja, 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.
A community’s identity is shaped not only by its rituals and traditions but also by its social and political history. Kodagu’s rule under the Lingayat Haleri and the British colonial influence on its administration was very significant. It affected the laws of the land, development of the economy, demographic changes due to migrations, conflicts, education and its relationship with neighbouring communities. This important segment has not necessarily been addressed in the book. This being Part 1 of the Book, it is possible that it will be covered in the next edition. The danger of not doing so would encourage academics and biased authors concerted attempts 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 understandably firm against allowing intentional and continuous distortion to become accepted history.
Surprisingly the Bibliography was also rather sparse on reference to a wide number of well acknowledged and authoritative books on the Kodava community. One was bemused by Appanna Ajja’s comment that “No book of this kind has previously been written about the Kodava community’. Coincidentally the same learned man has written previously that… “Though I am a history student, and have a collection of many books on Kodagu history, culture and tradition, I could collect many more unknown and unheard stories from The Vanishing Kodavas….In my personal opinion, this book surpasses other books published earlier, in its lucid style…supported by relevant photographs. Similar quotes are reproduced below:
The Vanishing Kodavas is a remarkable, comprehensive study of Kodava life…Kodavas would do well…to possess this book and assimilate the content to serve as a guide for their children about their rich history, customs and traditions.
—Biddatanda C. Ponnappa, Napoklu, Kodagu
The book bears the stamp of not only the scholarship of the author, the love of labour of a patriotic Kodavathi but also the tremendous research and leg-work that have gone into its making. It has between its 360 pages, 12 chapters devoted to specific subjects, 300 colour and sepia photographs of superb quality and of archival value, most helpful guide to a reader of this kind of a researched book.
The glossary of Kodava words is exhaustive and descriptive to leave no doubt in the mind of a serious reader about the import of those Kodava words and names; the select bibliography authenticates what is researched and will help those who wish to write on Kodavas and Kodagu in future.
—KB Ganapathy, Star of Mysore
And lastly:
As a meticulously compiled history of a community, gradually losing touch with its heritage, The Vanishing Kodavas is equally relevant to both scholars and lay readers. Ponnapa’s easy and lucid writing style steers clear of dense academic theory and jargon of any kind, widening her readership. But perhaps its biggest contribution to contemporary writing on the Kodavas, aside from the wealth of information it contains, is the manner in which it blends the voice of the neutral, observing academic with that of the sensitive, ardent insider in its endeavour to encourage recognition for a community; their culture, history and identities, that are unfortunately, even if inevitably, slipping away.
— Shilpa Vijayakrishnan, Tasveer Journal
In my view, the book would only enhance its reputation as an authoritative work by building on the scholarship, erudition and research of previous books – especially those like The Vanishing Kodavas.
It would have helped enormously if the book included a chapter that demands deeper examination of the merger of the former Coorg State with the Mysore State in 1956. Whatever one’s interpretation of that political transition, it fundamentally changed the political and social framework within which Kodagu existed. It deserves much more than a passing reference in any attempt to understand the modern Kodava community. In this context, ‘Rise and Fall of the Coorg State’, published in 2009 by P T Bopanna is noteworthy.
My personal impression of the book is that it presents itself more like an encyclopaedia or dictionary of Kodava culture. As mentioned earlier, I was particularly looking for a deeper examination of the different historical periods that shaped Kodagu – the rule under the Lingayats, and the Colonial period, the political transformation under British rule and the changes that came after Independence. Perhaps that could be part of the agenda in Part 2.
A new book can become another important brick in the house of Kodava History. But we cannot build that house by overlooking the foundation, plinth and structure created by those who came before us. That, for me, is the real conversation this book should begin with. Ramesh Uthappa is clearly a prolific writer having published over 35 books. His most recent book is a mega 808-page tome on Kadiyatnad, astutely released to coincide with Jabhoomi Charitable Trust’s endeavours in making the Kodava book available to the public at large.
The facts, views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Coffeeland News.
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As usual, a down-to-earth review on Kodava: The Soul and Spirit of a Warrior Race (Part 1). You have hit the nail on the head regarding both the commendations the book deserves and the critical gaps it presents.
The author Iythichanda Ramesh Uthappa and the Jabhoomi Charitable Trust for their support in publishing, distribution, affordable pricing and getting the support of the Kodava Samajas and political dispensation have done a great service to the community.
A community’s documented history should be a continuum. These write-ups about Kodagu will give the older generation a chance to reminisce about old traditions—like a recap — while the younger generation will benefit from learning about our culture, costumes, festivities, and more.
This book will further awaken both Kodavas and non-Kodavas to the richness of Kodava culture and add to available literature on the subject. After reading works like these, every Kodava can justifiably say: “Proud to be a Kodava”. Make the most of this pride and convert the rich culture to real economic prosperity.
In 1956 and right upto the seventies, Kodagu was the first amongst all districts in Karnataka in terms of per capita income. Sadly we have fallen to the seventh place and Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru and even Shivamogga are ahead of Kodagu. Their ascent is entirely based on an urge to get ahead, better education, entrepreneurial efforts and sheer hard work. There are many reasons why Kodagu has fallen behind – foremost is value-addition to primary crops, major demographic shift (wake up Kodagu) and plain old HARD WORK. Future work should address this gap too – a dire necessity.
Your comment on the need for hard work and reinvention of ourselves is right Rajesh. This reminds me of an old saying – Pride goes before a fall. The Kodava stood tall right up to the seventies and we need to reinvent ourselves and get our priorities right. Coffee cultivation leaves many gaps in the off season which should be used gainfully. A good Homestay provides counter cyclical income to coffee. So much more can be done which is skills based. Selling land is NOT the answer.
Iythichanda Ramesh Uthappa is a noted writer. I was gifted a copy of his book recently. He has intense knowledge on Kodavame and Kodava culture. We had invited him a while ago as a Chief Guest to our Kaveri Kodava Keri annual function in Virajpet and he virtually locked the audience to their seats with his tantalizing guest speech. I watched the video of the book launch at Ponnampet Kodava Samaja and he had a similar impact on the audience there.
Truly happy to note your comment on the author’s oratory skills.
Clearly the book doesn’t fall in this category but is a genuine attempt at documenting our culture. It’s also good to see the Kodava Samaja and the political establishment promoting the book – a coup for the promoters!
A good book review by Ms Subbaiah. This book is more a reproduction of thought and material from a fertile imagination, with some research. It is an example of making a book to promote affordable literature and cannot be faulted for doing so.
Having read The Vanishing Kodavas many times over, it is unfair to attempt a comparison.
There are books and books on various subject matters that are published in abundance. Some of them are booklets masquerading as books; some are written to assuage the authors ego and more marketed by Publishers – in this case an unusual but genuine Jabhoomi Charitable Trust.
The book review by Ms Subbaiah is written in her typical forthright manner and is correctly assessed. The author has described all the customs in a sincere manner but has not necessarily connected the dots to maintain the flow. In that respect it is more like a basic encyclopedia or more likely a dictionary.
Comparing with other books is not necessarily the appropriate benchmark because every author has their own style. Having said that one has to maintain the integrity of the topic and Ramesh Uthappa appears to have done that in his characteristic style.
Let me explain – Pattola Palame was essentially a “transcribing” project – well done, but hugely influenced by brahmins – leading to the term “Sanskritization” (Anthropologist M N Srinivas relied heavily on this book in his controversial and damaging book on Kodavas – Religion and Society Among the Coorgs of South India). B D Ganapathy’s book – Kodavas (Coorgs), their customs and culture was allegedly plagiarized from Dr I M Muthanna’s famous book The Coorg Memoirs (the Story of the Kodavas). He left for Canada greatly disturbed by the agonizing plagiarism and criticism.
And there is the somewhat misleading and annoying book by academicians Coorg Invented which is a blatant compilation of colonial essays manipulated to create the title and expressed in the introductory preface of the book. The authors must be exposed.
The latest book is well worth it for the price as it makes an honest attempt to convey Kodava terms, culture and practices. It is somewhat wanting on history – past (Haleri and Colonial) and post merger with Mysore State. History and myth making evolve over time. Values may change with prosperity. It is important to archive and capture these events when we write about any community.
The reference to other well known and referenced books is very valid – especially Nadikerianda Chinnappa’s well known book and that of B D Ganapathy and Dr I M Muthanna. Unless the integrity of the culture and history of the people is properly documented, “referenced” and interpreted it lends itself to being misquoted and misrepresented. Coorg Invented is a classic case of such irresponsible writing. Thank you for explaining this in detail.
The price is affordable, the content covers a very broad area of information that most people interested in our culture, especially amongst Kodavas would look for – so it could be termed a contemporary version of Pattole Palame. Good effort by the author backed by Jabhoomi Charitable Trust.
The title is rather grand – KODAVA: THE SOUL AND SPIRIT OF A WARRIOR RACE: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY – PART 1. Given the many books written by the author (46 in all!), I suppose we can look forward to the History, Consequences of Merger with Mysore state in 1956 and what should the people of Kodagu do to retain their Kodava identity in the future Parts.
I do hope that Part II covers the History more comprehensively; also the period leading to the 1956 merger with Mysore State and its consequences. Equally important is the “present” where the Kodavas need to unite and create a common platform to retain the identity and unique features of Kodagu.
I follow CLN Online and look forward to Ms Mamatha Subbaiah’s articles as I can relate to them very well, being from Dakshina Kannada. Her book review is down-to-earth and I look forward to getting a copy each of both the Kannada and English edition of the most recent Kodava book. Ramesh Uthappa appears to be a prolific writer – 46 books is a tremendous achievement in itself.
What also drew my interest was the reference to The Vanishing Kodavas. Our group of writer friends have all the publications of Ms Kaveri Ponnapa and have attended her several talks at Literature Festivals and similar events. All her books are masterpieces – the amount of effort she puts in is exceptional. And her work stretches well beyond the Kodavas. She is working with NITTE University on several projects and supporting translation of good regional writing to English.
I agree with your views on The Vanishing Kodavas. It is an exceptional treatise on everything about Kodavas – a true masterpiece. I met her at the launch of Coorg the Cookbook – self effacing, humble and always encouraging serious work on all aspects of Kodava literature and her love for Kodagu is reflected in everything she does
The article raises an important discussion on preserving Kodava identity and heritage. Iythichanda Ramesh Uthappa and Jabhoomi Charitable Trust deserve appreciation for documenting Kodava customs and traditions and making this knowledge accessible to future generations.
However, understanding a community requires more than recording its cultural practices; it also demands a deeper examination of its social, political and historical evolution, including British rule and the merger of Coorg State with Mysore in 1956. Equally important is acknowledging and building upon the scholarship of earlier writers.
Ultimately, preserving Kodava identity requires both cultural documentation and historical understanding. Every new book can add another valuable brick to the house of Kodava history, but its foundations must recognise the contributions of those who came before us.
Your comments are always sincere and well meaning. Yes – we must encourage new books on Kodavas that are well researched and documented with integrity.
First and foremost, the book should be bought because it is published, marketed and distributed by Jabhoomi Charitable Trust. Everything else is secondary as we all know that they will use the proceeds/surplus for grass roots level work in Kodagu.
Not having read the book it would be difficult to leave a comment on the content. Whatever be the outcome, we must support Kodava writing that upholds the sanctity of our very special culture.
I always concur with your responses and agree that we must support Jabhoomi’s grassroots level work. They must get more visibility and support from the community at large