Karnataka - Madikeri   

Architecture of Kodagu well depicted

Staff Correspondent

Madikeri: Lt. Gen. (retd.) B.C. Nanda released "Silent Sentinels," a book on the traditional architecture of Kodagu, here on Saturday.

The book has three types of architecture concerning "Ain Mane" (ancestral house), temples and independent houses.

Values

The book aims at understanding the values that were associated with these unique edifices, particularly "Ain Mane" where the entire "vokka" (a particular Kodava family) lived together in the past, N.N. Dyan Belliappa, one of the two research coordinators of the book, said.

The book says that these "elaborate and beautiful structures built with mud, stone and timber served as a testament to the prosperity and well-being of the Kodava families."

Research

The book refers to Kodava "Ain Manes" of the Maneypanda, Kuppanda, Iychettira and Nadikeriyanda families with illustrations.

The book has been launched in Mumbai and Bangalore.

The book is a result of four years of extensive research, Mr. Belliappa said. Apart from the documentation of three aspects, "Amabalas" were also studied where "Oor" (village) elders congregated for meetings, including settling disputes between families, he said.

Reference

The independent houses were the phenomenon of the 19th century.

Lt. Gen. Nanda referred to the mention about Kodagu during the Sangam period in the second century. There was a reference to the people as "Kodagam."

Again during 1174 AD, a mention of the Kodavas was made during the Hoysala period. The "Ain Mane' structures are changing fast in which concrete roofs are being built and ceramic-tiled floors are being laid.

The concept and foreword for the book is by Brinda Somaya and art direction by Gita Simoes. Poonam Verma Mascarenhas has written the text. K.G. Premnath and Mr. Dyan Belliappa have done the research coordination work.

Gautam Premnath has edited the book published by the HECAR Foundation.

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Architecture of Kodagu well depicted

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