Coorg Books
FIRST GENETIC STUDY: DECODING MYSTERY BEHIND ORIGIN OF KODAVAS (COORGS)
A new book titled ‘Who are the Kodavas (Coorgs)? by journalist and author P.T. Bopanna, decodes the mystery on the origin of the Kodavas (Coorgs), based the first genetic study of the community, hailing from Kodagu (district) in Karnataka.
The credit for giving these early scientific leads into the puzzle should go to Coorg-born Professor Buttiyanda Kuttapa Thelma, widely known as B. K. Thelma, who stands tall in the landscape of Indian genetics and genomics research.
Thelma’s team, comprising scientists from the University of Delhi South Campus, and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, have analysed genomic signatures from samples of the Kodavas to determine their genetic distances and affinities to other populations. The findings of the team have been summarised separately in this book.
The genetic study of Kodavas has not only attempted to resolve the question around the origin of Kodavas, but has also thrown insight into Indian population genetics, demonstrating that even small, tight-knit communities may harbour vast genetic complexities, shaped by centuries of migration, isolation and social customs.
The genetic analysis of the Kodavas reveals a much more intricate picture than their external cultural unity suggests. With three distinct subgroups, each with different levels of isolation, drift, and admixture, the Kodavas represent a living archive of South Asia’s genetic history.
Prof. Neravanda Veena Poonacha, sociologist, has also made a significant contribution through a chapter. She notes the Kodava socio-cultural heritage is not reducible to genetics or colonial race theories; it has evolved dynamically in history through trade, wars, migrations, and cultural interaction; and the Kodava identity is both unique and interconnected with broader South Indian cultural currents.
This is journalist Bopanna’s twelfth book. In this book, a synopsis of the books authored by Bopanna, has been featured in a separate section. The synopsis will serve as a ready reference for readers to get an overall picture of Coorg. The topics covered range from history, culture, religion, tourism, economy, and also the famous Coorg generals who brought glory to the land.
Deepika Cariappa, Bengaluru bureau Chief of The Hindu newspaper, has written the foreword for the book, published by Prism Books, Bengaluru.
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