THOK NAMME: CELEBRATING A DISTINCTIVE KODAVA HERITAGE

While congratulating the Alemada family on successfully conducting the recently concluded Thok Namme, I would like to share a few thoughts on how such events can play a significant role in protecting, preserving and safeguarding Kodavaame and the Kodava way of life.

The gun occupies a unique and deeply rooted place in Kodava culture. For generations, it has been closely associated with our traditions, customs, festivals and ceremonies. For a Kodava, the gun is not merely a weapon; it is a symbol of cultural identity and an integral part of our ancestral heritage. In this context, the often-expressed sentiment that a Kodava without a gun and land is not a Kodava reflects the profound connection between our identity, our land and our traditions.

Guns & Kodavas – The Rite of Passage

I would like to share an excerpt from an article published in 2019 that I came across on another website. The author writes as follows:

It is also an established custom among the natives to clothe every male child when only three years old with a kumberbund(Cummerbund), at the age of seven they assume the Kuttee (peechekathi/pichangatti) and at twelve carry a matchlock, an eyewitness account states.

The above-mentioned is what an European who visited Kodagu(Coorg) at the start of the 19th century, more than 200 years back, noted in his journal on 2nd February 1801, three decades before the British annexed Coorg.

I recall something similar was narrated by the Late Poopanda Sheethamma. According to her narration – the rite of passage was a bit  different than what that European had recorded.

Regarding the age-old custom, she told me:
On attaining 4 years of age, the Kodava (Coorg) was accorded the Kuppya and Chele. Kuppya is a long coat. Chele (cummerbund) is a sash used like a belt. On attaining the age of 10 the child would be presented with a smaller Peechekathi (the small dagger cum knife that is tucked into the Chele). At the age of 15, a gun was presented with a smaller Odikathi (the curved sword, which works more like a hatchet and chopper and cuts wood well) and the Kodava had now come of age and he was expected to learn to use the weapons effectively, defend himself, get firewood, learn to hunt and forage the forests of his ancestors and was expected to assist with bringing food to the table.

Whatever the exact age and the puja or rituals involved in the rite of passage are immaterial. What is important is that the custom existed long before the British annexed Coorg. Among the Kodava community and the Jamma landholders, the gun continues to be an object of worship during Kailpodh festival and forms an integral part of rituals during the Puthari festival and death ceremony.

That may explain why guns and their traditional arms are still sacrosanct for the Kodava and a few other communities who emigrated to Coorg after the fall of Srirangapatna (some communities were invited by the Rajas to occupy the cultivable land of Kodavas who had perished or were displaced in the wars with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, others were offered new lands to settle) and have Jamma(Jumma) land tenure. Some of these Non-Kodava Jamma communities started following the customs and traditions of the Kodavas to a certain degree.

The Kodavas kept on with their tradition of carrying guns because the Kodavas demanded from the British government that “their civil and religious usages” not be meddled with.

KEEPING OUR TRADITIONS ALIVE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Nammes and festivals such as Thok Namme can serve as important cultural platforms for safeguarding this heritage. We should therefore extend our wholehearted and enthusiastic support to families that take the initiative to organise these events, ensuring that they continue for generations to come.

Such celebrations help younger generations understand and appreciate the traditional significance of the gun in Kodava life. Its place in customary practices and ceremonies,  including Kailpodh, Puthari, funerals, housewarming ceremonies and birth – reflects a heritage that extends far beyond marksmanship. By keeping these traditions alive and passing on their significance, we strengthen the connection between younger Kodavas and their cultural roots.

Personally, I believe that traditional events such as Thok Namme deserve greater encouragement and priority in our community’s cultural calendar. While games and sporting events organised purely for recreation have their own place, we must also ensure that activities deeply rooted in Kodava culture receive the attention, resources and support they deserve.

Kodavas have demonstrated a natural affinity and considerable talent for disciplines such as hockey and shooting. We should channel our collective energies into nurturing these strengths, encouraging youngsters to take up shooting as a sport and providing opportunities for promising talent to flourish. Just as Kodava children grow up familiar with the cultural significance of the gun, we can help them develop the discipline, skill and confidence required for competitive shooting through proper training and responsible practices.

LET THIS BE A PLATFORM FOR NATIONAL LEVEL PARTICIPATION

Despite our natural talent and flair, no Kodava has represented the country in this sport. It is time we spotted young talent, developed, mentored and sponsored at least a dozen youngsters with potential. This is where I would urge Institutions like the Coorg Rifle Association (CRA) to raise their hand and move this suggestion to its logical conclusion. KALS in Gonikoppal is already doing outstanding work in this sport training their wards and winning at the State Level. There is definite need to take this initiative to “representing the country” and then to “going for gold”.

Our soldiers have made an outstanding contribution to the Armed Forces at all levels. I will not tire in urging our senior retired and serving officers to help in setting up good facilities. All it requires is determination and passion – their voices will be heard more than the civilians. Our enthusiastic MLA from Virajpet has the potential to develop the existing CRA Shooting Range into a full fledged facility, backed with all round community support.

BALANCING COMMUNITY SPIRIT WITH FINANCIAL PRUDENCE

I feel Nammes for Hockey and Shooting should be accorded top priority in contrast to some which are only played for entertainment like the self-indulgent 5A Side Tournaments and seldom nurture real talent among youngsters.

At the same time, we should reflect on the growing tendency for community sporting events to become increasingly competitive, with different Okkas(clans) and organising groups feeling compelled to outdo their predecessors. While healthy competition is welcome, excessive spending on elaborate events can drain the financial resources of families and organisations. A more balanced approach would allow us to celebrate our community spirit without placing unnecessary financial burdens on those who organise and fund these gatherings.

The way forward is to preserve what is uniquely ours while investing in the future of our younger generations. Thok Namme offers an opportunity to do both: to celebrate our ancestral traditions and to encourage a new generation of skilled and responsible shooters.

Let us wholeheartedly support the families that keep these traditions alive. By giving events such as Thok Namme the recognition and encouragement they deserve, we can help preserve an important aspect of Kodavaame, strengthen our cultural identity and sustain the traditions that connect us to our ancestors.

Ultimately, preserving our heritage is not merely about remembering the past. It is about ensuring that the traditions, values and privileges associated with the Kodava way of life continue to have meaning for generations to come.

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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