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GENETIC STUDY OF KODAVAS: MEN FIRST MIGRATED TO KODAGU (COORG) AND MARRIED LOCAL WOMEN

By P.T. Bopanna

The first genetic study of Kodavas (Coorgs) has thrown up many intriguing facts. The Kodavas are both ancient and unique, their roots reaching far back into India’s earliest populations.

The study was conducted by the scientists from the University of Delhi South Campus and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad. The genetic lineage of the Coorgs revealed both expected  as well as an unexpected  findings.  

One of the interesting findings was that males entered the community following ancient migration events, and married local women.

Study of the Y-chromosome types shows a wider mix of Eurasian, Middle Eastern, and Indian ancestry, suggesting that males entered the community following ancient migration events, and married local women.

After I published the cover of the book on the first genetic study, there were many interesting observations. One of them was that I had not included the photo of a Kodava woman.

The observation is genuine. Even I was aware of the fact that a Kodava woman’s photo with the unique dress should have been highlighted.

Frankly, I did not find a suitable photo to accommodate a Kodava woman. That is the reason why I featured Coorg-born Prof Buttianda Kuttapa Thelma (in picture), who was part of the genetic study team, on the back cover.

Normally, the back cover will have the photo of the author (myself). With a view to accommodate a Kodava woman wearing traditional sari, I decided not to have my photo and instead feature the photo of Thelma.