Karnataka Tours and Travel

The origin of Kodavas (the inhabitants of Coorg) is uncertain. However, according to one of the Kodava text, the 2500 year-old civilization of the Kodavas originated from a synthesis of people that formerly lived in the region of today's Oman & Yemen. According to Yemen's history, around the fifth century BC, inhabitants from there had migrated to the Coorg region to settle. Another belief claims that Scythian Greek soldiers brought by Alexander of Macedonian, stayed on after his return and married the local women of Kodagu, to form a new, distinct race. Some even call themselves the descendents of Mohenjodaro civilization. Yet another belief is one of their branches travelled south and made this land of beauty their home.

Being followers of Hinduism, the Coorg people are called Hindus. They are a martial race and belong to the Kshatriya community. Though Kodavas follow Hinduism ardently, yet they are more liberal and independent than any other Hindu sect in regard to customs relating to marriage, divorce, remarriage, festivals, worship, ceremonies, dialect and also costumes. In spite of adopting Hindu customs and rituals, they are probably the only Indian community that does not practice dowry system.

Although these people adopted Hindu customs and married local women, they have maintained their traditions, like that of dress and Peechekati (traditional dagger) integrated. Now these are the cultural treasures of the Coorg.

Known as a land of Generals, the first Commander-in-Chief of free India, Field Marshall Cariappa and General Thimmayya being the most eminent of the lot, hail from this part of our country. Patriotism running in their blood, almost every household has at least one person serving in the defense force. The arrival of a male child, as well as their demise, is still celebrated with a gun salute.