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The fiercely independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. As one story goes, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here when return became impractical. These people married amongst the locals and their culture is apparent in the martial traditions, marriage and religious rites, which are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. The theory of Arab origin draws support from the long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the Kodavus. Known as kuppia, it resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.
A part of Alexander's army is said to have come here since they couldn't return, and the people of Coorg are thought to be of Greek or Arabic ancestry. They settled down and started getting married to the locals. As a result, their culture has been reflected in the marriage and religious rites, which are different from mainstream Hindu practices.
Additionally, as Coorg people typically wear long, black coats with embroidered waistbelts, this served as additional proof that Kodavus are descended from Arabs since this dress code resembles the Kuffia worn by Arabs and Kurds.
Kodava attire*
Meaning of difficult words:
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S.No
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Words
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Meaning
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1.
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Fierce | Refers to strong and powerful nature |
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2.
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Descent | Derivation from an ancestor |
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3.
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Apparent | Clear and understandable |
Reference:
- National Council of Educational Research and Training (2007). Glimpses of India - Coorg - Lokesh Abrol (pp 90-94). Published at the Publication Division by the Secretary, National Council of Educational Research and Training, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi.
- Kodava attire*: Gopal Venkatesan from Cupertino, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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