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NEW BOOK THROWS LIGHT ON KODAVA (COORG) JEWELLERY ‘PATHAK’

By P.T. Bopanna

Though there is a legend on the origin of the Kodava (Coorg) jewellery ‘Pathak’ worn by Kodava women in Kodagu district of Karnataka, such legendary narrative does not stand the test of reason. There is a wrong belief among most of the Kodavas themselves that Pathak is akin to a mangalasutra or thali worn by the mainstream Hindus.

Pathak (worn by women in the picture) is usually a half sovereign, or a larger gold coin, engraved with Goddess Lakshmi or Queen Victoria, framed by rubies, surmounted by a cobra, with hanging fresh water pearls, and a chain of gold and coral beads on a twisted strand of black glass beads.

In an article on Kodava women in the forthcoming book ‘Kodava Religion at Crossroads’, a sequel to ‘Are Kodavas (Coorgs) Hindus?’, Anu Chengappa, advocate, has tried to throw new light on Pathak.

According to a legend, when the earth was visited by Gods and Goddesses, a lovely Devi-kanye (Apsara) fell in love with a man from the earth. The man, a prince, new to the area, was lost while hunting and was resting under a tree mesmerized by the beauty and serenity of the Kodava land.

It transpired that since a man from the earth was barred from tying the mangalasutra on a Devi-kanye, it was suggested that her mother tie the Pathak to the daughter on the eve of the wedding.

A unique feature of Kodava wedding is the bride’s mother tying the Pathak around the neck of the bride as a blessing and as an amulet to safeguard the bride from evil forces. 

According to Anu Chengappa, there is no concept of a thali or mangalsutra in Kodava custom. Though the pathak is worn by a Kodavati only post marriage, it is not a thali as is being propagated in the recent times. In fact the Kodavati wears the Pathaktill her death even after she is widowed.

Another outstanding feature is that even a widowed mother can tie the Pathak to her daughter as also officiate and be a part of every ritual in her daughter’s wedding. There is absolutely no restriction on widows participating in any auspicious occasion of the Kodavas.