Kodava

Kodava refers to the ethnic community native to the Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka, India, as well as to their language, culture, and traditions. The Kodavas are distinct among South Indian groups for their martial heritage, land‑ownership customs, and strong attachment to the hilly terrain of the Western Ghats. Historically, they served as soldiers in the armies of various South Indian kingdoms and later under the British Raj, earning a reputation as competent fighters and horsemen.

The Kodava language, classified within the Southern Dravidian branch, is spoken predominantly by the community and retains a separate literary tradition. Though written forms exist, most speakers use the Latin script for transcription, and the language lacks official status, with Kannada serving as the administrative language of the state.

Kodava society is organized around patrilineal clans called "okkas," each possessing its own ancestral shrine and property. Traditional customs include the "Kaveri festival" (Kaveri Hunnu), the celebration of the harvest, and the "Puttari" (New Year) festival, which feature folk dances such as the "nagamandala" and the consumption of local delicacies like "pandhi curry." The community observes a distinctive dress code: men traditionally wear a dark coat, a white shirt, and a red‑blue turban, while women adorn themselves in silk sarees with gold jewelry.

Kodava cuisine is noted for its use of pork, wild game, and a variety of locally grown spices, reflecting the agrarian and forested environment of Kodagu. The region’s coffee plantations, tea estates, and pepper farms have contributed to a reputation for high‑quality produce.

In contemporary times, Kodavas have diversified into education, politics, and the armed forces, maintaining a visible presence in Karnataka and the Indian diaspora. Efforts to preserve the language and cultural heritage are supported by community organizations, cultural festivals, and academic research, ensuring that Kodava identity continues to thrive amid broader societal changes.