An Open Letter To M S Sathyu Over His Remark On Kodavas

I am writing this open letter to Mr M S Sathyu pertaining to his remark on Kodava community. Speaking at a function relating to social justice a movie director named M S Sathyu said “Kodavas are not Indians nor are they Hindus, they hailed from SOME Asian country who eventually came down and settled here. They never worshipped Hindu gods nor followed Hindu culture” He went on to add “Tippu didn’t convert Kodavas to Islam nor wage war against Kodavas, Because Kodavas are not Muslims” Despite the fact that his statement didn’t make any sense to me I would still want to respond to his remark, not because I want to prove Mr M S Sathyu wrong, It’s become quite evident in democratic India to target Hindus, especially if the community is a minority. Kodavas history dates back to era when many religion didn’t even exist. Kodava history is document unlike others. From the lame remark Mr M S Sathyu made it is quite evident that he has absolutely no knowledge about Indian history.  I Hope Mr M S Sathyu understands that the entire Indian civilization is based on Aryan and Dravidian migration which basically means every human migrated from all over the world before they settled down in one particular region.

All the self-proclaimed intellectuals like M S Sathyu who question the origin of Kodavas must understand that Hindu ancient literature (Kaveri Purana of Skanda Purana) state that Chandra Varma, a Chandravanshi Kshatriya (lunar dynasty warrior) and son of the Emperor of Matsya Desha (the Fish Country), was the ancestor of the Kodavas. Kodava’s are the original inhabitants of the Kodava Land, The Kaveri Purana derived from Skanda Purana clearly states the reason about why kodava women’s tradition way of wearing saree is different from the entire south india. The existence of Igguthappa temple dates back to 1153 and the History itself claims Kodavas existed centuries before this temple was built. The earliest text titled Skanda Purana likely existed by the 6th-century which basically means Kodavas existed even before 6^th century. Kodavas were tribes and who lived in dense forest worshipping nature and they still continue to practice it which is the core of Hindu ideology. The Rig Veda clearly states about worshipping nature. We are ancestor worshippers whom we call Guru. Kodavas believe Guru will protect them from every odds which again is documented in Vedas. On what moral grounds do you say Kodavas are not Hindus ? We have adored and practiced Hindutva from time immemorial. Goddess Cavery and Igguthappa are Hindu Gods Mr Director. Your statement defending Tippu pertaining to Kodava genocide only exposed your respect for another Hindu, Every sentence, every word you said at the event only makes me wonder if you were out of your sense, Genocide of Kodavas has more proofs than the number of movies or play you can ever direct, so to keep it very simple do read my article “The blood Bath of Kodavas” (http://macthimmaiah.blogspot.in/2015/11/the-blood-bath-of-kodavas.html ) When you say Kodavas are not Indians you must understand Kodava community produced India’s first field marshal, Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimmaiah were Kodavas and their contribution to this nation cannot be gauged. Considering we are the world’s second least populated race without a minority status the community has produced the best of Army mens and sports personality and someone like you don’t even qualify to raise questions about the warrior race. The community has made enough contribution towards nation building. Kodavas are among the highest tax payers in the country. Your speech at the private function only shows your desperate attempt to please certain section of the society by targeting kodavas and it is we who should be questioning about love towards nation knowing the fact that you didn’t want ban to be imposed on Pakistani actors after URI attack since for you the career of a Pakistani actors means more than life of a Indian soldier . We are more Hindu than you could ever imagine, We are more Indian then you will ever be. I can only sympathise with your ignorance and pity your knowledge Mr M S Sathyu. I suggest you spend your left over time reading history and gain some knowledge before you be branded a joke. A community which always stood proud of their identity don’t vow explanation to anyone. The nation and its history knows Who and What Kodavas are, the facts don’t change just because a movie director says so.
Mac Thimmaiah

Railways to Kodagu, a nightmare for Karnataka

It started a few weeks back, when a group of people from the tiny district of Karnataka, Kodagu had decided to take the orthodox way of protesting against the government to a whole new level. They sounded innovative and the zeal to accomplish their mission was commendable. The zeal that I am referring is to stop railways from entering Kodagu. Kodagu occupies an area of 4,122 square kilometres in the Western Ghats of southwestern Karnataka. Home to about 5 Lakh population, this district is known for its densely populated  forest and wildlife, Kodagu is also the largest producer of coffee for India with a annual production of 122,120 tones, home town to Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimmaiah, Kodagu is popularly known as Scotland of India, Karshmir of Karnataka and The land of Hockey. Kodagu is the only district in Karnataka which still doesn’t have a railway connectivity and never did the people of the district want one. With India developing at a rapid growth rate of 7.20 percent and cities becoming smarter why would someone oppose railway connectivity would be the most common question ! But the concerns of people of Kodagu is genuine and alarming not only for the district but for Karnataka as a whole. The railways to Kodagu was proposed in this year’s budget. Environment activist Sundar Muthanna and the Save Kodagu team claim the railways to Kodagu will destroy lakhs of trees which are more than 100 years old and hold the key to environment balance in the region.

They say the estates and forests here are the main rain catchment area for the River Cauvery. 50% of the volume of water in the River is from here, and this volume has been decreasing steadily. For a railway track to be laid, lakhs and lakhs of trees will need to be cut in this ecologically sensitive area.

The River Cauvery is the lifeline of South India and provides water to over 80 million (8 crore) people, and 600 major industries across the region. It is therefore in the National Interest to preserve the Coorg ecology.

The food, water and economic security of Southern Karnataka and Tamil Nadu hinges largely on the Cauvery River. In Karnataka, these regions include the citizens and farmers of Bangalore, Mysore, Mandya and Coorg. And in Tamil Nadu it covers the districts of Salem, Erode, Trichy, Thanjavur and Nagapattinam.

Simply put, no trees in Coorg means no River Cauvery. Every tree holds 30,000 to 40,000 litres of water, its roots release water underground to form tiny streams, and its leaves give off moisture into the air to create humidity that invites rain from passing clouds. The sad truth is that already lakhs of trees have been cut for various so-called development projects. A high-tension power line that could have gone down the coast of Karnataka, instead of coming inland to cut over 50,000 trees in the forests of Coorg. A road-widening to highway standards project, is ongoing. Four new species of trees were added to the list of trees that can be cut as timber. This has caused a further loss of lakhs of trees within the last year.

Kodagu is the Water Tank of Bangalore. Kodagu being a hilly and forested area the River Cauvery is born here. And it is the Cauvery that provides IT city Bangalore, with its drinking water.

The activist are furious about WHY SPEND RS. 1800 CRORE FOR A RAILWAY TRACK THAT HAS BEEN FOUND ECONOMICALLY NOT VIABLE? The government representative have always maintained that railways will only connect till Kushalnagar which is 26 kms away from heart of Kodagu however the recent RTI applied by Activist says Railways will enter Kodagu and will be stationed at Makandoor which is about 6 kms near Mukkodlu which is again a eco sensitive area.

Earlier studies done by the Railway Department of the economic feasibility of this route, have declared that this track is not financially viable. The population of Coorg and the potential traffic of customers do not call for a railway track. The track if executed will be done at a cost Rs. 1800 crores, the returns are far too small to justify this large expense. Activist say why waste so much money for a population of just 5 lakh rather This money can be used for more urgent and important purposes in the Country. The excuse of promoting tourism is being given by the Govt, but the truth is there are already too many resorts and home stays, and stinking piles of garbage are lining many of the roads. Another excuse given by the Government is that the coffee grown here can be sent by train to Mangalore port, but the fact is that coffee is already being despatched by road, quite efficiently and economically.

The pro Kannada organizations which always had a special affection towards Cavery and Kodagu has also joined the cause to stop railways. They say railways to Kodagu will destroy lakhs of trees and this would naturally make life difficult for the entire Karnataka due to climatic changes and variation in rainfall in the district. The activist also fear it is just a matter of time when the railway track could be extended to Kerala which could result in more border encroachment which is already a issue they are concerned with.

Environmentalist say For the railway track to enter Coorg district, it has to overcome the many laws which are intended to protect a hilly, forested, tribal district. Therefore, once the railway track enters this district it will definitely travel further to Madikeri, and then criss-cross all over the district to the borders with Kerala, and the borders of the Karnataka districts of Dakshina Kannada and Hassan. The biggest losers in this tragedy will be the 8 crore people of Karnataka (including Bangalore), and Tamil Nadu, who depend on the River Cauvery. The tree loss from the railway track entering Coorg would be so much that it is difficult to calculate, and the long-term effect on the climate and water supply is difficult to predict. Though the heat wave conditions of the summer of 2016, and the water shortage, gave us an unpleasant taste of things to come.

With so many issues pro-environment organizations like Cavery Sene ,Coorg Wildlife Society and Save Kodagu have already protested enough on ground level but their plead seems to be falling on deaf ears hence they have now decided to take the fight online. Activist from Save Kodagu says they have run many online fight in the past and they have succeeded. These activist are requesting people from the district and across Karnataka to sign a online petition (Https://goo.gl/RKceMM) which they would present to government. They are also twitting to top officials to look into their plead. Their fight seems to be shaping up quite well with more than 12 thousand people signing their petition against development at the cost of nature and just a couple of days back Railways minister twitted back to one of the activist advising he and his team would look into the issue. The campaign seemed very innovative to me since the activist are motivating people to click a selfi with a glass of water and tag their friends on social media so more and more people are aware of this and with celebrities like Nikhil Chinappa a popular RJ, Actor Milind Soman, Tamil Actor Vijay Rai, Bollywood script writer Juhi Chaturvedi and so on pitching in their support will only make the campaign stronger. Humans have lived without love, not one has lived without water. It takes a lot of blue to stay green. Kodagu being the water tank of South Karnataka and Tamil Nadu should be preserved from deforestation of any form. 

What if India doesn't make it to Nuclear Suppliers Group

With almost all countries backing India for its entry to the Nuclear Suppliers Group – NSG, China doesn’t seem to be softening their stands on India's entry in NSG. China has more than enough reason to oppose India from entering the NSG group. China’s dream of remaining the soul super power of Asia is not going to last long since sooner or Later India will make it to the NSG. We are after all worlds’ second largest populated country and a booming economy with a growth rate of 7.20 percent. The demand for energy to meet the manufacturing and expanding infrastructure is just going to increase and countries like America, Russia, France and Japan only sees India as a hot cake to invest and make the most of the developing nation. For every nation that is going to back India to the NSG in the meeting that is held in Vianna would be a win win situation, their support will only make both nations strong not only diplomatically but also economically. With China opposing India’s entry to NSG I am sure you would have enough and more question pertaining to what would happen next, Will this mean the end for India ?

Here is my analysis and facts on how India can and will still continue to prosper and meet all its requirement.

Not being able to convince China would definitely be considered as the biggest diplomatic failure for India but as we all know China has a lot many selfish reasons to oppose us from entering the elite club. Not entering to NGS would be heart breaking for those billion Indian’s who were extremely exultant about the recent development courtesy Narendra Modi. But at the same time it will open up opportunities for us to enter into Thorium based faster breeder reactor. In recent years, India has shown increased interest in thorium fuels and fuel cycles because of large deposits of thorium. Though thorium is not as effective as uranium and requires more money to get the fruit out of it we will still be in the game. It is estimated that India has huge deposits of thorium which could be approximately 846,000 tones. The Chennai shores has the finest quality of thorium content in it.

Every technology that’s denied by super powers have been molded and moduled as per our requirement. India has built technologies on its own in the past, for example the navigation satellite, the cryogenic rocket engine and so on. Indian scientist could be disheartened to an extend but India will move on and move on towards Thorium reactor research. Let’s not forget, India is apparently the only county which has largest natural Thorium reserve in the world and developing our thorium reactors would easily mean we start exporting more thorium based reactors and technologies to the rest of the world. The amount of uranium available to use for the NSG countries is 5,902,500 tones however the amount of thorium available is 6,355,000 tones and remember India is the only county which has largest natural Thorium reserve in the world.

“Don't beg uranium, Work on Thorium” were the words said by The father of Indian nuclear programme Sri Homi Jehangir Bhabha and the missile man of India our beloved Abdul Kalam. The world would not end for India if denied entry to NGS, This would only make us strong and more innovative in the field of using thorium and become the masters of using thorium effectively and provide a alternate and effective source of energy to the world. 

Era Of The Greatest Kodava Warrior - Kulletira Ponnanna

It was during the year 1782 when Kodava race saw one of its bravest military chieftain.  He was 6.2 feet tall, well-built warrior, Like I have always been telling in my write up’s Kodava history was more about protecting the dignity and sanctity of our mother land. Kodavas were one of the best warrior race in the entire south India and Kodava acquired these skills by birth as a blessing from their ancestors and mother nature.

Kulletira Ponnanna  had not lost single battle from the year 1782 to 1788 during his tenure as military chief of his regiment. It was the year 1782, Hyder Ali ordered his military to attack Kodagu, Hyder’s military commander Ghulam Ali marched towards Vira Rajendrapet with an army of 3000 soldiers. A massive war that lasted for 28 days was fought at Heggala when  Kulletira Ponnanna with his 1000 men army posed a strong resistance to Hyder’s army. The war ended with the defeat of Hyder Ali’s army and forced Ghulam Ali to retreat. This war was just the beginning of the rivalry Between Hyder Ali and Kodava warriors which later lasted for 2 generations. Kulletira Ponnanna was courageous and was very particular about inducting like-minded warriors in his troop. 

Kulletira Ponnanna played a vital role in evacuating Vira Raja, son of Linga Raja from the captivity of Tippu at Periyapatna in the year 1788. Vira Raja always admired the bravery and warfare skills of Ponnanna. Post his escape from the captivity Vira Raja wanted to regain his kingdom hence he seeked military help of Kulletira Ponnanna to wage a war against Tippu. In the same year a treaty was signed between Ponnanna and Viraraja at Virarajendranapete and the troops headed for war with Tippu and his army, Kulletira Ponnanna again win’s the war at Bisle ghat in the North to Manantvadi in the South By defeating Tippu and his army of thousands to help Vira Raja reclaimed his kingdom. By now Ponnanna was already a known name among many kingdom in south India. Meanwhile a dispute rose between the Kodagu Raja and Kote Raja for helping Nagappayya (nephew of Subbarasaya's who made in-charge of Coorg by Tippu) to take shelter in his kingdom. This lead to another war and again Kulletira Ponnanna with his army marched towards Cherakkal in Malabar and defeated Kote Raja in a war which lasted for few days.

Kulletira Ponnanna was one of the greatest chieftain of Kodava land and was considered as a threat to the many kingdoms around Kodagu. After he won the war against Kote Raja he marched towards Kushalnagara fort which was considered as garrison of Tippus army. Tippu had built this fort to stock weapons and cannons to wage war against Kodagu. Ponnanna had told his men that he wanted to end the carnage of innocents and Tippu’s dominance in Kodagu forever. Ponnanna’s army was reduced to few hundreds after the Malabar victory because of incessant war and travel. Despite this Ponnanna was determined to protect Kodava land and teach invaders a unforgettable lesson.  Ponnanna with his army launched a massive attacked on the Kushalnagar fort destroying the fort completely and defeated Tippu’s army by killing the fort commanders and most of his soldiers. Ponnanna also seized modern machinery stocked by Tippu’s army which was later used in future war against Tippu. Ponnanna was undoubtedly a greatest warrior of that decade, However the details about his death is still unclear. Few historians claim he had a natural death due to extreme fatigue and few other claims he was ingeniously  killed by serving him poisonous food post his victorious war in Kushalnagar by Tippu’s army men posing themselves as localities. Kulletira Ponnanna to this day is one of the most heroic chapter from the history of the warrior clan. He lived all his life protecting the Kodagu empire. May his legacy be remembered forever.

Mac Thimmaiah

M2thimmaiah@gmail.com

General Thimmaiah - A Legend and a Finest Strategist

Legends are born just once. I write this article in remembrance of the greatest warrior of modern history on his 55th death anniversary, General Kodandera Subbaiah Thimmaiah will be remembered forever.

General lived his life with a lot of passion, his commitment to his country and his army men was commendable. He was promoted to the rank of Major-General  on September 1947 just when India gained independence,  Post the assignation of Mahatma Gandhi, General Thimmaiah was the second most powerful man in India, first of course was Jawaharlal Nehru.

It was a time of turmoil in Pakistan and India, people could still not digest the fact that India was already divided into two nations, while Pakistan army stepped in, to take control over rioting Pakistan after the death of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Back home in India the situation was no different. The country was going through extreme mutinying against the division and policy of the political leaders. India, today would have become another Military ruled nation had the General ordered his army to take over the country to bring situation under control and let me tell you no one would have dared to question him for his actions as he was heavily backed by Indian armed forces. However General was a man of vision and he firmly believed in a democratic India hence he ordered the army to bring situation into control, gain the confidence of citizens and install the faith in democratic India. Thimmaiah was a soldiers General, People of India need to thank General Thimmaiah for a democratic India, Its very unfortunate that the history text books in India education system only projects certain politicians responsible for the world’s largest democracy, But I would want to give the credit to Indian armed forces and General Thimmaiah for gifting us a democratic India. In 1957, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited the office of General Thimmaiah, the Chief of Army Staff. Nehru saw a steel cabinet behind his desk, and asked the General what it contained. The General replied that the top drawer contained the nation’s defense plans and documents pertaining to weaponries owned by Indian defense forces. The second one has documents concerned with the security and integrity of the nation and he stopped. Nehru asked, How about the Third one General ? to which General replied The third one has secret copy of plans for a military coup against you and few other politicians and smiled to ease out the tension he created in Nehru’s mind, after few seconds of silence Nehru responded with a smile but there was reflection of nervousness in his laughter. Nehru clearly knew General was capable of over throwing political parties out of power over night due to his reputation and his influence on eastern countries. General was a known name in many countries by then.  

General Thimmaiah a 20 year brave man from the land of warriors was commissioned into army in 1926 as Second Lieutenant of the highland light infantry later promoted to Lieutenant of 19^th Hyderabad Regiment. He mastered his soldiering skills battling the disobedient Pathan tribals near Pakistan occupied Kashmir post which he was posted to his battalion in Singapore by the British army. He was also promoted to the rank of Brigadier in the field on 25 March 1945 after his outstanding success at the battle in Burma during the Second World War when they defeated the Japanese Army.

He was the only Indian to have commanded a brigade in the Second World War. General represented the Indian Army at the surrender ceremony at Singapore in 1945, when Count Hisaichi Terauchi, the Supreme Commander of the Japanese Army in South East Asia, surrendered to Mountbatten. Thimmaiah was one of the most celebrated soldier by United Nations. General was appointed as Chairman of NNRC (Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission) and was deployed in Korea he also commanded the Indian brigade of the occupation force in Japan. By now the country knew the capability and gallantry of the General.

The first Kargil War in 1948 showed General Thimmaiah was one of the finest strategist Indian army ever had, After the Pakistani forces captured the Leh Ladak highway entering the Indian territory blocking all access for Indian army Major General  Kodandera Subbaiah Thimmaiah spearheaded one of the greatest victories for the Indian Army.  After a record-breaking landing at an airfield along with Air Cdre Meher Singh general ordered for deployment of Stuart light tanks at Zojila Pass at twelve thousand feet above sea level which gained Indian army an upper hand in the war, Generals love towards tanks was immense, He believed a well operated Tank can win any war at any terrain. Stuart light tanks deployment in first Kargil war was a huge risk since they were never used by Indian army before but General knew his weapons much better than anyone else.  After the tanks were deployed on first November 1948 the assault began and on 24^th November Kargil was re-occupied by Indian forces. In the year 1957 he took over as the Chief of the Indian Army.

Commissioning Krishna Menon , a leftist by thought as Indian Defense Minister by Jawaharlal Nehru didn’t go well with the commanding offers of Indian army since Krishna was already involved in a Jeep buying scam for Indian army. Krishna and General’s relation was a bitter one since Defense minister’s actions had already costed Indian army dearly with deaths of many soldiers at India-China border. General Thimmaiah offered to resign from defense forces following Menons actions and interference into the defense matters, However Nehru convinced Thimmaiah to withdraw his resignation but General resigned on 7 May 1961, after completing 35 years of distinguished military service.  It’s unfortunate that China attacked India just 15 months after Generals retirement and India lost the war.

General proved “Once a solider always a solider” post his retirement from Indian army United Nations sought his services yet once again where he was appointed as the Commander of UN Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP) in July 1964. He passed away during his tenure at UNFICYP on a unfortunate day of 17th December 1965. There are a lot of speculation pertaining to his death , people close to him claimed it could not be a natural death since his body had turned blue however government of India didn't bother to investigate this matter and to this date it's not really clear how the greatest General of Indian army passed away.  The Republic of Cyprus, also honored him by issuing a commemorative stamp in his memory in 1966. General Thimmaiah was one of the Greatest Solider and a finest strategist this country will ever see.  It’s also very disheartening to see that a man of his caliber not celebrated as a greatest warrior in his own country while Singapore, Japan and united nation organization consider him as a greatest warrior of all time. May his legacy be remembered forever and may he inspire the youths of this nation to protect and uphold the integrity of national pride.

Mukkatira Mac Thimmaiah

M2thimmaiah@gmail.com

                                                                                                                                                                             

Kodavas First War With British

Kodagu, the land of unsung heroes. Until about early 19th century Kodava race were one of the most fierce tribe in south India. The first war of Indian independence began in 1857 when Indian’s retaliated to the slavery under the British raj. However down south in Kodagu state the war against British was first fought in the year 1783. The land which has given India army one of its finest soldiers were one of the first tribes to retaliate against the British when the Brits marched from Mysore state towards Kodagu to conquer the princely state of Kodavas. The first war against British army was commanded by Codava nayak Mathanda Appacha, Appacha lead the troop of 500 Kodava warriors in bare foot and Voddikatti (Sword used by Kodava Warriors) to attack the mighty British army which was well equipped with cannons and cartridge. This war lasted for 35 days near today’s Harangi water reservoir, Kushalnagara. The Kodava tribe received very less causalities since they were very less in number and were scattered across the dense forest which made it difficult for the Brit army to Hunt down Kodavas. Though the enemy army was well trained and equipped with modern machines to assist them in the war they failed in front of the never say die attitude of the Kodava tribe. Kodavas were the masters of the guerilla war. Appacha and his army knew terrain much better than Brits could even think off, and the warriors attacked the British when they least expected, most of the attack were carried out during early morning hours or during the late night to take the advantage of the terrain. Appacha along with his army of 500 warriors managed to kill more than 1200 Brit army person which included 3 British officers and forced the British army to return back to Mysore, Thus marking their first victory to protect the Kodava land from the British.

Peeche katti

Weapons were integral part of the tribe living in dense forest of Kodagu. Every tribe around the world did have weapons designed by themselves to making living easy and fighting the odds. Kukri of Gurkas, Talwar of the Sikhs, Axe of the Kalinga tribe are just few examples of how people depended on weapons for their survival. Similarly Peeche Katti and Vodi Katti were couple of weapons which Kodava tribe have been using from centuries. Peech Katti which basically translates as tender knife or small knife was used by kodava in their day to day activities. Let me try to shed some information on this 

Peechekatti was usually handed over to a Kodava teenager from the eldest in the tribe post his first hunt or war. The weapon was made of iron which resembled more like a dagger and had a scabbard made of bamboo Stem and tucked in a cloth like belt (Chale) the scabbard was later replaced with rosewood. Peechekatti was always considered by as a sacred weapon by Kodava tribe since it was a matter of pride to earn it and was used for all sacred work including wedding and cremation of the Kodava warriors. Kodava warriors used peechekatti as a last savior to kill enemies in war. Peechekatti gained its new look after Linga raja started gifting golden and silver peechkatti to Kodava warriors who displayed tremendous courage in war against the enemies of his kingdom. It is said most Kodava warriors did possess peechkatti made of Gold during the king’s rule and this is how a native dagger like weapon covered with bamboo scabbard was replaced with gold and silver. Few clans in Kodava tribe used to bury or burn the peechkatti along with the body of the warrior who attained martyrdom, however few others used to passed on the peechekatti of the martyr to his next generation. Few such peechekatti owned by prominent Kodava warriors like Doddaiah are still preserved in British museum (UK) and in Madras museum (India).  Peechekatti has always been an important part of every Kodava warriors life and every such peechekatti preserved by few families in their Kaimada or balyamane tells the story of the legacy of Kodava warriors of that particular clan. 

The Blood Bath Of Kodavas

Tall, well built, brave, beautiful and courageous are just few words commonly used to describe Kodava race. Kodava tribe has come a long way to earn the title warrior popularly known in Indian army as Kodava Warriors. The history of Kodavas is definitely one of the most fascinating and the bloodiest among any other civilization in India. My article is based on facts that are documented by historians and based on books which have highlighted the bloodbath of Kodava warriors, The article concentrates on Tippu and his cold blooded killings.

If Kodava today is one of the second least populated race in this world, it’s because of a barbaric character from the history known to people as Tippu Sultan. There were repeated attempts to capture Kodagu by Tippu and his father Hyder Ali before him. Tippus barbarism reached its peak from 1760 to 1790 and this period is considered as one of the most gruesome era in the history of Kodavas. Tippu’s closest commander Mir Kirmani on his book reveals the incidence pertaining to Tippu’s brutality and religious conversion. During the year 1760 - 1780 Tippu destroyed more than 600 temples across Kodagu. His cruelty and self-obsession had reached its peak when his closest left him in the final war with British where Tippu died in stampede, He was not shot by Brits. When Tippu first invaded Kodagu with his well-equipped 15000 army men carrying French Cannon with a intention of conquering Kodagu overnight Kandanda Doddaiah and Appachira Mandanna with their troop of 5000 Kodavas retaliated against Tippu’s army near Suntikoppa only to defeat Tippu’s army and chase them out of Kodagu . This war with Tippu is documented in Hunsoor literature which states “Kari Kupasu totha Kodavaru Kari Dumbhi anthe tippuvinatha nugi, hodedhodisidharu” Historians say this was a war of bravery verse strength and by the time Tippu realized the courage of Kodava’s he was defeated. Tippu popularly known and projected today as Tiger of Mysore and pride of Karnataka was defeated by Kodava 31 times during 25 years of war and this humiliation forced Tippu to seek revenge on Kodava. Kodavas were the master of the guerrilla warfare hence they succeeded every time in ambushing Tippu.

In the year 1771, Tippu with a large army attacked Madikeri fort post which he captured Bhagamandala and converted the entire Bhagandeshwara temple and its premises to a fort. He had also chopped the elephants belonging to the temple, documents for the same is available in the temple even today. After capturing Bhagamandala as a tribute to himself Tippu placed a stone titled "Salam Kallu” which can be seen on the way to Talacavery, A evidence which even today tells the stories of brutality and bloodbath. After 15 years of war and retaliation with Kodavas, Tippu had understood he would not be able to capture the entire Kodagu which would provide him easy access to Mangalore port hence he wanted to try something different. Something, which resulted in one of the biggest genocide of human race.

Tippu sent a message to naal naad Kodavas inviting them for a negotiation stating his main enemies were Marathas and  British hence he would want to end the war with Kodava and head back to Srirangapatana. Learning about the invite Kodavas from naal naad gathered with their family on 13^th of December 1785 at Devatiparambu located on banks of the river Cavery to negotiate and bid bye to the decade long war. As Sun set behind the mountains of Kodagu, Kodava came to Devatiparambu unarmed mean while half of Tippu’s army was deployed inside the forest waiting for Kodavas to gather as a part of his cowardly plan, once Tippu was sure he had unarmed men trapped he ordered his army to massacre all Kodava present at Devatiparambu, troops hiding behind the bushes pounded on unarmed men, women and kids slaughtering more than 70,000 and capturing about 90,000 Kodavas and were deported to Seringapatam. The captured women and children’s were subjected to immense physical and mental torture the young men were all forcibly circumcised and incorporated into the Ahmedy Corps (name of Tippu’s army). The captured were subjected to forcible conversions to Islam, death, and torture. It’s said scale of massacre was so huge that the water in the Cavery river turned red due to blood oozing out of the dead bodies and continued to flow red in color for 12 consecutive days. Many who were captured were converted to Islam and sent back to Kodagu called themselves as Kodava Mapilas. There are about 60 Kodava Mapilas family residing in Kodagu. They share same family names as that of Kodavas. in Devanageri village,  Puliyanda Kodava mapilas resides and in the regions surrounding Virajpet, there are Muslim family names like Kuvalera, Italtanda, Mitaltanda, Kuppodanda, Kappanjeera. Similarly, in the Madikeri taluk, there are Kalera, Chekkera, Charmakaranda, Maniyanda, Balasojikaranda, and Mandeyanda in the Hoddur village in Madikeri taluk.

Kodava mapilas also use Kodava Ornaments, Mandamada Kodava mapilas still use tookbolcha in their home, at the temples in Bshettigeri and Hudikeri,  Karthura and Mandamada Kodava mapilas are priests. At yemmemadu dargah festival even to this date Kodava mapilas start the festival proceedings by offering prayers and flinging rice, Chekkera and Kalera Kodava mapilas are takkanga at yemmemadu.

The existence of these Kodava Mapilas are another living evidence reflecting the barbarism of Tippu on Kodavas. Tippu believed in destroying temples in Kodagu, during his course of destruction he happened to destroy a bhagavadhi temple near Kotakeri and burnt Biddatanda ainmane where he captured 48 innocent people and took them along to Seringapatam among these 40 people Appanna managed to escape and returned to his village in Kodagu however Appanna was out casted since villagers thought he was converted to Islam. Appanna lived alone till death near a pond which is called Appannajjanda Kere. The pond can be found even today. The remains of the Biddatanda Ain-Mane which was burnt with people inside shouting for help tells the horrific mindset of Tippu and his brigade.

Tippu after capturing Madikeri fort set his eyes on removing Kalasa from the Omkareshwara temple and replaced it with the domb which is another architectural evidence for destruction Tippu carried out during his rule. Tippu also wanted to abolish Kannada completely and hence he introduced Persian language into his administration . The persian words like “Dhapan, Barcas and Jammabandi  ”still used in  our land documents at Kodagu shows Tippu at any cost wanted to eliminate Kannada from Karnataka. Its irony that government wants to celebrate Tippu’s birthday across Karnataka. The evidence not only indicates that he was not a conqueror but a religious fanatic and a dictator who believed in ethical cleansing of Kodavas and other community in south India.

The evidence for the bloodiest history of Kodagu and Kodava exist even today and is documented.  A history which is filled with inhumanness, violence and genocide a history which is today rewritten by politicians to lionize a mass murderer and efforts to project him as a hero is not only hurting the sentiments of Kodava but it’s also sending out a wrong message about our history to the future generation of this country. A man who lost the battle 31 times and killed the brave Kodava warriors by infidelity can never be a Hero. Tippu was an invader, a dictator a coward and a Murderer of human race and glorifying such inhuman personality is absolute shame and disgrace to humanity. The real history needs to be told to the next generation for them to know who the real warriors of the Kodava Land were.
Mukkatira Mac Thimmaiah
Contact : m2thimmaiah@gmail.com

Why United Kodava Organisations meeting with Kiren Rijiju could be the game changer for Kodava community.

Kodava is the second least populated race in this world, having said this let me also highlight certain hard reality pertaining to our rights both politically and socially. We are denied minorities status despite being one of the endangered race in this world, UNESCO has termed Kodava Takk and Kodava race as the most endangered race. However, Government of India and State government isn’t showing much interest to protect Kodava’s political, social and cultural existence.  With growing intolerance in Kodagu region by certain elements regarding the gun right exemption to kodavas the Kodagu community which was once divided and over ruled by regional parties in the name of religion has today united and have started realizing the mistakes of history. With these development United Kodagu Organisation headed by Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa who recently completed 414kms of walk from Kodagu to Bangalore to nationalize the issues of Kodagu and Kodava community headed to New Delhi with his delegates a week back.

This visit to New Delhi by a Kodava Organisation is definitely a positive development, at least I look at this as a road of success both politically and socially for the community. In last 3 decades Kodava race had lost its glory and now it’s time for the current generation to demand for their rights based on the sacrifice and service the community has delivered to the independent India.

A couple of days back I happened to see a news on social media about UKO delegates meeting Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs. In the past Kodava have met enough and more officials, government representatives and Ministers explaining them about the concerns of the Kodava race, but for me this meeting with Kiren Rijiju is definitely a game changer, Here is few reason why I think this meeting with Kiren Rijiju will be a boon for Kodava race. Kiren Rijiju a prominent leader from Bharatiya Janata Party is one of the youngest member of Narendra Modi’s cabinet. Mr Rijiju who basically hails from Arunachal has played a vital role in Bharatiya Janata Parties success in north east which was once a dream for the Hindu national party. Mr Modi is said to have a very good impression about this young and dynamic MP, he is often termed as man of his words. Mr  Rijiju is an important member of Modi’s cabinet and has immense respect towards Kodava community, He was also a member of the youth and cultural team which participated in the Festival of India in USSR in 1987 where he was impressed to see couple of representative dressed up in Kodava tradition attire. Rijiju had since then developed interest to know more about Kodava culture and tradition, Rijiju once happened to meet few Kodavas who visited Delhi in traditional attire, He stood by to watch them and later spent enough time talking with these Kodava men to understand our attire, culture and history. His soft corner to Kodava race also has direct relation to Kodava contribution in defense and our origin and our demand for tribal status since Rijiju also hails from a tribal community.

Kiren Rijiju has promised UKO, he would not let government take away our gun exemption rights and would work towards letting the central government know about the issues of Kodava tribe and how to protect our rights. He has also shown immense interest in working towards extending “jiyo parsi” (A financial aid provided to Parsi community) to Kodava community for our social stability. UKO has submitted a list of 17 demand memorandum. Considering his interest and respect towards Kodava race let’s hope this be the game changer for Kodava community and wish United Kodava Organisation - UKO all the very best in their fight to protect Kodava Community and Kodagu

Bothe Kuthevo (ಬೊತ್ತ್ ಬೆಪ್ಪಾಂಡ ಸಂಕೇತ)

Bothe Kuthevo (ಬೊತ್ತ್ ಬೆಪ್ಪಾಂಡ ಸಂಕೇತ)

As time evolved and generations passed by we have adapted ourselves for an easier way of living life, courtesy new technologies. However life wasn’t same centuries back, Our ancestors have fought enough and more battle to save Kodavaame, when I refer to centuries I am actually talking about Dwaparyuga. In my previous post where I tried proving Kodava are the original inhabitants of Kodava land, here is another chapter from the history which would link our existence to goddess Cavery and Dwaparyuga which would add more value to my claim about the original inhabitants of Kodava land. Another evidence to prove we existed in Kodava land from time immemorial.

  

In Dwaparyuga during pandava’s 12 years of Vanvas and 1 year of Agyatvas they happened to visit Kodagu desha, Pandavas visited Kodagu desha during their Agyatvas, they were mesmerized by the beauty of this land and its rich natural habitat and they decided to settle down in Kodagu. Eventually Pandavas realized that most land in Kodagu was owned by Kodava tribe were they practiced agriculture and this was a matter of concern to pandavas. Since cavery was the goddess of Kodava desha pandavas decided to meet cavery and seek her permission to own large part of Kodava land for them to settle down, When Pandavas approached goddess cavery requesting her to give them a larger share in kodava desha goddess cavery advised pandavas to visit tala cavery during teerthaudbava on the day of cavery changrandi and she would decide on granting land. Post pandavas left talacavery after being advised to return on the day of cavery changrandi, goddess cavery called the Kodava tribe of Kodava desha and advised kodavas to mark their territory with Bothe before goddess cavery in the form of divine water flows out of talacavery on the auspicious day of cavery changrandi. Kodava tribe just had one night before goddess cavery flows in the form of divine water and that means the deadline to mark their territory would be over, as the night shaded away and a new day begun pandavas approached goddess cavery as advised, goddess cavery appeared before pandavas and told pandavas to occupy lands which didn't have bothe planted. As pandavas left talacavery in search of lands which didn't have bothe to their surprise the entire Kodava land were planted with bothe and a clear message sent out to pandavas that Kodava tribe owns almost every part of Kodava land and hence pandavas have to leave Kodagu desha. Goddess cavery had advised kodava tribe to never give away their land to any invaders and she would bless the piece of land which had bothe planted. hence every year hours before kaveri changrandi Kodava plant bothe in their field, front of their house, cattle shed, estates and every place that they own and seek blessings of Goddess Cavery.

My write ups are an effort to document our rich culture and preach it to the next generation of Kodava community. Your feedback are always welcome. 

Long Live Kodavaame.

Mac Thimmaiah

Unknown Facts Of Kodagu

Facts of Kodagu

This is just a effort to put together few facts of Kodagu.

      1.   Kodagu has the least number of people below poverty line  
2. Average highest tax payers in Karnataka are from Kodagu 
3. Kodagu is the second highest revenue generator for Karnataka
4. Kodagu is the most desirable tourist spot in south India
5. Kodagu homes the most notorious timber and sand mafia 
6. Since 2012 Kodagu is generating highest revenue for government of Karnataka from tourism 
7. Kodagu is one of the most sensitive ecological zone of Western Ghats
8. Kodagu before 2013 was one of the least polluted districts of this country
9. Most unexplored spots of Karnataka is in Kodagu
10. Kodagu tops the chart of Liquor consumption district, especially at the Kodagu - Kerala border it's highest 
11. Kodagu is the only district in this country to have had a regiment in Indian army to be named after it - Kodagu regiment 
12. Kodagu has the least illiteracy rate in Karnataka post 2009
13. Kodagu was once a state before it merged with Karnataka to mark its downfall both economically and culturally 
14. Kodagu Will have highest number of resorts in Karnataka by 2018 
15. Kodagu is the only district which produces 70% + revenue profit to the state government
16. British admired Kodagu the most and had plans of making Kodagu as their headquarters to rule than Mysore (today's Karnataka). This sketch of their plan is available with archeological department of India
17. The purest underground water is available in only few parts of India and Kodagu is one among those places 
18. It's believed that Kodagu has many unearthed treasure which was hidden by British and kings 
19. Kodavatakk and Kodava race is one of most endangered language and race as declared by UNESCO 
20. Indian Army had plans of setting up their biggest training camp in Kodagu in late1970 but was later dissolved
21. On an average Kodagu receives highest rainfall in south India
22. Kodagu has more number of water falls in Karnataka 
23. If Kodagu is made a separate state, it can still survive and develop itself to be one of the best place to live on earth considering the fact that kodagu generates highest revenue and tax
24. According to top real estate analysts the land value of Kodagu would go up 40 times of the current value by 2020
25. Kodagu is the only district in Karnataka to not have train connectivity however people of Kodagu prefer not to have one
26. 70% of Kodagu is still either forest, coffee plantation or paddy field

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.

The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Mac Thimmaiah

Kodavas - The Original Inhabitants of Kodava Land

Kodavas, A race that’s known for the bravery, apperance and culture. A race that has a historical and geographical evidence which is claiming their exhistance from time immemorial. A race that’s dated back to a era where many religions didn’t even exhist. Every indian incuding Kodavas themselves have their own version to explain the origin of this beautiful and brave community.

Same claimed Kodavas maybe the descendants of the brachycephalic stock who entered into the Indus Valley during the Mohenjodaro period before the Aryans and later migrated to the Coorg region (Hutton, as quoted by Balakrishnan in 1976).

Another theory says Kodava culture resembles the culture of the ancient trading stock of Arabia (Moeling 1855).

Few others claim Kodavas are descendants of Scythians (Connor 1870, Rice 1878). According to yet another but similar view, the Kodavas belong to the Indo-Scythian race.

And the most advertised and newly preached theory states uring the conquest of Alexander the Great, many of his Indo-Greek soldiers, the Yavanas, stayed back in India. They migrated as warriors down south, married the natives and settled down in the hilly areas of the Western Ghats.

Above said theories don’t have any stronge evidence to claim they are true. They are just speculations and imaginary stories.

The Hindu ancient literature (Kaveri Purana of Skanda Purana) state that Chandra Varma, a Chandravanshi Kshatriya (lunar dynasty warrior) and son of the Emperor of Matsya Desha (the Fish Country), was the ancestor of the Kodavas.

Kodava’s are the original inhabitants of the Kodava Land, The Kaveri Purana clearly states the reason, why kodava women’s tradition way of wearing saree is different from the entire south india.

The existence of Igguthappa temple dates back to 1153 and the History itself claims Kodavas existed well before this temple was built. The Bhagandeshwara temple at Bhagamandala belonged to Pattamada family even before Tippu attacked the temple. Tala cavery also belonged to 2 Kodava family.

Kodagu was named after its original inhabitants that’s Kodavas. The physical appearance of Kodavas are unique and appealing because of the life style and the kind of food intake. Kodavas are meat lovers, their ancestors survived fighting the wild and the nature in dense forest for centuries, the food habits like meat, honey, shoots, leaves and fruits are definitely one of the main reason to be well build and this is proved medically you really don’t have to be from Greek.

I believe when history itself claims and proves that existence of Kodavas dates back to the Vedic period the imaginary theories which is spread across clearly indicates a larger conspiracy to prove Kodavas are invaders. The younger generation of Kodavas needs to understand the history well and it becomes the duty of the community, particularly the elder folks to preach the right message so that next generation of kodavas know the truth and adore the efforts of their ancestors. Kodavas are and will always be the original Inhabitants of Kodava Land