Kodava Heritage Centre, Madikeri: No accountability

It is beyond one’s understanding why no Kodava Samaja, Akhila Kodava Samaja or Federation of Kodava Samajas evinced interest in a project that would be their pride as inheritors of their sacred land Kodagu.

In Democracy all are equal, but in Indian Democracy those belonging to a major religion and caste are more equal and their voice is always heard by the government.

Ironically, because of vote bank electoral politics, those belonging to the minority religion are given special attention by all political parties. However, those among Hindus who belong to a small minority caste (or ethnic group) are ignored and sidelined. Their voice is not heard by the government. Kodavas in Karnataka are one such small Hindu minority.

An illustrative example of such sinister injustice is the Kodava Heritage Centre in Madikeri, Kodagu district of Karnataka State where Congress Government is in power. This project was envisioned by a Kodava IAS lady Mrs. Rathi Vinay Jha, 22 years ago when she was the Secretary in the Union Ministry of Tourism at that time. She had visualised this exclusive Kodava ethnic community museum for some very valid reasons. Among them are:

1. Kodavas are a unique, distinct ethnic (tribal) community found nowhere in the world, except in the Western Ghats with thick rain forests.

2. The geographical area where the Kodava ethnic people live is too small. It is on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats in an area of 4,102 kms square (about 60 miles in length and 35 metres in width).

3. The population of Kodavas in Kodagu, their ancestral land since time unknown, is a minuscule of 150 lakh.

4. Kodavas in Kodagu live as clans with each family known as Okka. Their ancestral house, with its own separate identity by a name, is known as “Ainmane” or “Ballya Mane.”

5. Kodavas are very distinct from their neighbouring people — Malayalis, Kannadigas, Tuluvas and Tamilians — in their physical features, language, dress, way of worship (of their ancestors), food habits, customs, culture and celebratory festivals.

6. Kodavas never had Kings from their own community. In the dawn of history there were local chieftains known as Nayakas, among them some were Kodavas. The folklore of Kodavas in oral tradition speaks of their past.

7. Kodavas were hunters and agriculturists.

8. They were also a warrior class serving their Nayakas, Lingayat Kings and after the World War-I in the British army and some in the army of Mysore Kings. The most famous among those who served in  the British army and after independence in the Indian army were Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and Gen. K.S. Thimayya.

9. Because Kodavas are a very small community they have no political voice and the government — Centre or State — does not secure them their rights and freedom in times of problems.

10. However, among the most urgent and compelling reason for a Kodava Museum as envisaged was the apprehension that Kodavas would soon become a vanishing community in their own land being overwhelmed by a large number of immigrants from the neighbouring States. As it is, Kodagu is flooded with tourists from all over India during all seasons — including monsoon which is very heavy and prolonged.

Therefore, the imperative of the museum which will be a repository and treasure house of Kodavas’ history and culture. The tourists who visit Kodagu in droves every day could then visit the museum and learn about Kodavas, the original inhabitants of this beautiful land.

Despite its relevance and importance, it remained a neglected project all these 22 years. Fortunately, now the Kodagu, Madikeri Congress MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda has shown interest in reviving the project. Sadly, the earlier BJP MLAs, one was a Kodava himself, did not bother a wit about it despite urgings from the press and some Kodava activists — among whom I consider myself as one.

Now thanks to Dr. Mantar  Gowda, MLA. He seems like one who will deliver because he has positively responded to a letter written to him by  Mrs. Rathi Jha in October 2023.

She had also written a similar letter to Kodagu DC. There was no immediate response, but Mrs. Rathi Vinay Jha is happy that at least after a year-and-a-half of her writing a letter, a decision has been taken on her suggestion of a PPP (Public Private Participation) model and an assurance is also given in the Karnataka Assembly. The full text of Mrs. Rathi Jha’s letter is produced alongside.

It is beyond one’s understanding why no Kodava Samaja, Akhila Kodava Samaja or Federation of Kodava Samajas evinced interest in a project that would be their pride as inheritors of their sacred land Kodagu.

 e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com