Madikeri: Paradanda Chengappa, author of "Kodagina Moola Nivasiyara Samskritiya Parichaya," has disapproved of the Kodagu Natural Sciences Society setting out to trace the origin of the Kodavas. He calls a "Western style of scientific study."

In a release here on Monday, Mr. Chengappa urged members of the society to make the Kodavas feel that they belong to Kodagu itself by saying that their ancestors did not migrate here from outside the country. Conducting DNA tests on Kodavas will be a futile exercise, he said.

That the Kodavas built the Bhagandeshwara temple at Bhagamandala during the period of the "rishis" prove that they belong to this land, Mr. Chengappa said.

The society put forth its views at a seminar held recently at Virajpet by Akhila Kodava Samaja. That Kodavas were the only group that did not accept the "gotra" system speaks of their uniqueness, it said.

The society members said that socio-cultural aspects, somatometry (physical measurement of various attributes), and other aspects will be studied. The findings of the research will be submitted to the samaja, which will decide whether to publish it or not, they said.

Mr. Chengappa said late D.N. Krishnaiah had compiled "Kodagina Ithihasa" after visiting many villages and meeting historians to prove that Kodavas existed during the period of King Devakanta, much before the arrival of the Gangas, Guptas, Kadambas, Hoysalas, and Chalukyas.

Mr. Chengappa said that his book explains the fact that Kodavas are the descendants of King Devakanta.

The society should publish books by collecting information on the folklore and deities of the community, and function in tandem with the samaja units, Mr. Chengappa said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail