Category Archives: Historical Links / Pre-Independence

AINMANE: Preserve it for Posterity

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Uncategorized

Ainmane, the house of the elders in Kodagu, has given an opportunity for the families to live without any discrimination. Men and women were considered equal. If a girl whose married life was not happy and if she had a serious problem in her husband’s place, she had a right to leave her in-laws’ house and live at Ainmane as long as she lived. Obviously, Ainmane protected women by providing a shelter with affection.

The pressures of 21st century’s globalisation and urbanisation has made people of Kodagu re-think about their cultural heritage and rich tradition. Today, one can see this healthy growth in their thoughts too with each ‘Vokka’ trying to protect their Ainmane — more as a prestige issue for every family to have their Ainmane renovated, re-built and protected. With some hope towards a prosperous life, let’s preserve our Ainmanes for posterity.

One finds Kodavas’lifestyle unique. Its recorded history dates back to 18th century. The people here live in a hilly region amidst heavy rain, cold and wild animals. Hence they have their own lifestyle and culture that is unique in its nature.

Kodagu people lead their lives in houses that stand apart in architecture. The house that is remarkable in its structure and a place of unique bonding, that ancestral house is called Ainmane. Ainmane has always stood as a mirror reflecting the Kodava culture, life, family practices, worships and festivals according to seasons.

Kodava culture enjoyed joint family system in the past. It is because of Ainmane that Kodava families have a family name. According to the names, the families of Vokka or Vamsha is identified. Under one Vokka, there are many family units. Many Vokkas have more than 500 units. All these families put together has one Ainmane. The family also has its own ornaments, weapons, implements used for agriculture, the gift from the kings who ruled Kodagu etc. These are treasured items that are collected and preserved.

Based on this, Ainmane is not only a living place for families but it acts like a museum of the community that helps to enhance the cultural heritage of Kodavas.

The relationship between Kodagu and Kerala seems to be closely knit since ages. Ainmane stands as a proof to it. Comparing to the house of Nayars of Kerala (that is called as Taravad) and the Ainmane, we can see many similarities. The influence of Malayalam on Kodava language cannot to be ignored. Similarities can be found between the two languages. The festivals, a few rituals, ceremonies performed and some celebrations have a strong Malayalam impact. It is clearly identified that Ainmane has played a significant role and has provided enough room to have a good relationship between Kodagu and Malayalam province. More important is the structure and architecture of Ainmane that is a living example to recognise the relationship from the past between Kodagu and Kerala.

The Kings who ruled Kodagu built their Palaces in the same style of Taravad houses. Towards the North of Kodagu in a place called ‘Yavakapadi,’ king Doddaveera Rajendra, who ruled Kodagu, built a Palace in Nalaknadu village in 1792. Architecture of this Palace resembles Ainmanes of Kodavas. This clearly shows that architecture of Ainmane has been influenced from Kerala and hence instilled the same kind of style to their Palaces.

Likewise, the Palaces that exhibit their majestic nature seem to be unique, like that of Ainmane that which is a link to depict the history of Kodavas of Kodagu. The pivot of joint families was the Ainmane where in the past era, people of different age groups lived together. The centre was always full of life. But today, because of modernisation, the Ainmane is only an epitome depicting Kodava cultural heritage.

Modern education and urbanisation has opened a new lifestyle for Kodavas. Herein they look down upon their own culture and hence the existence of Ainmane has become obsolete. Higher education has made many to take up urban residence. Therefore, elders of the family are the only people who are living in Ainmane; but after their death, Ainmane is sort of abandoned and edge towards dilapidated condition, without any family living there. In a few circumstances, there are modern style houses coming up. Members of the families live in these modern houses near to Ainmane, which is kept locked. They open it at dawn and at dusk to light the traditional lamp at the Nellakki Baade inside it.

As families become financially stable, they try to migrate to the cities either selling their property or asking somebody to look after it. Such families have abandoned Ainmane and hence, most of them are in a neglected state. Growth in economic conditions and the family planning followed by Kodava families has resulted in one or two children in a family. Moreover, the children are brought up in cities. Education is provided there and hence they get employed in the cities itself. The above reasons have led Kodava families to leave their native. All family members have a right on Ainmane, but their lack of interest and their dislike towards rural lifestyle have prevented them to give a serious thought on their ancestral house.

The house of elders has given an opportunity for the families to live without any discrimination. Men and women were considered equal. If a girl whose married life was not happy and if she had problem in her husband’s place, she had a right to live at her parents’ Ainmane. Obviously, Ainmane protected women by providing them shelter and respect.

The pressures of 21st century globalisation and urbanisation has made people of Kodagu re-think about their cultural heritage and rich tradition. Today, one can see this healthy growth in their thoughts too with each Vokka trying to protect their Ainmane — more as a prestige issue for every family to have their Ainmane renovated, rebuilt and protected. With some hope towards a prosperous life, let’s preserve our Ainmanes for posterity.

Significance of Ainmane

Ainmane is not only a part of the culture of Kodavas, but also of Kodava dialect speaking communities. Though Ainmanes of all sects are similar, they are also called Balyagattumane, gurukarana mane, gurumane etc.

Rev. G. Richter writes in the Gazetteer of Coorg (1870) that Ainmane usually is near paddy fields. Ainmane would be one-storied and square shaped, with an attic. Though east-facing houses are preferred, more emphasis was on houses facing paddy fields. A typical Ainmane will have two doors at the entrance. Entering inside, Nadu mane is found. Living rooms in this square-sha-ped house have small doors and usually no windows.

Ainmane has an open roof space in the middle, so that rain water is collected within and excess water is drained out. The house consists of two doors to go to backyard. Front portion of the house is a canopied open hall called as Kaiyale. It consists of a 2-feet high seater of thick wooden plank which is used as a bench, called Aimara. Daughters-in-law of the house are not allowed to sit on Aimara whereas married daughters of the house can sit on it. Elders of the family usually sit here to exchange cordialities, discuss various issues and take important decisions.

Two massive wooden poles adorn the entrance. The central Nadubaade would consist of three wooden poles. The first pole is called as Kannikamba — it supports the whole roof of Ainmane. The kannikamba is as significant as the thook bolcha (hanging lamp) lit everyday at the Nellakki Baade (prayer room).

During ceremonies, family members would seek blessings by touching the base of kannika-mba and then the feet of elders. Images of sun, moon, flowers etc. adorn Kannikamba and main doors, signifying that Kodavas were nature worshippers.

An integral part of Ainmane is Kaimada — an important structure built in memory of the founder of that family or Vokka. It is a prayer place which is used during happy or sad ceremonies.

At Ainmane, the prime position is given to karona, the head of that particular family. Unique feature about Kodava culture is that men and women share same kind of respect, status and position.

Earlier, families of a Vokka lived together at Ainmane. Later, a few families left Ainmane to live independently and improve their property. The result was joint families gave way to nuclear families. New houses are built in modern architecture. But during festivals and other occasions, Vokka members gather at Ainmane and partake in the ceremonies and feast, symbolising unity.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Feature Articles / March 04th, 2012

Field Marshal K M Cariappa – an Officer and a Gentleman

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

By Richard Lasrado [ Published Date: January 29, 2012 ]

As I keep recalling the great personality I had met a few times, esp., for an interview as a budding journalist way back in 1974, the picture gets etched in the mind, deeper and deeper.

The Grand Old Man of Kodagu (then Coorg), Kodandera Madappa Cariappa (January 28 1899 – May 15, 1993), then a retired General, who was an epitome of discipline, punctuality and promptness, had graciously consented to my request to be interviewed for an Indian journal.

He, as independent India’s first and until then only Commander-in-chief, had retired in early 1952. He was made an honorary Field Marshal only later, as late as in 1986, during prime minister Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure.

A couple of kilometres down the serpentine road from Mercara, now Madikeri, to Siddapur stands the palatial ‘Roshanara’, the residence of the great man.

My nervousness was showing. Being a cub journalist, I was to meet a great warrior of world status and a hero of the world wars, who had been honoured by presidents, kings and heads of states.

Led into his drawing room by an attendant, I was awe-struck by the splendid display of military trophies, mementoes and souvenirs.

Field Marshal with his daughter Nalini
Two minutes after the appointed time, the broad-shouldered, six-foot-plus celebrity with peach-pink complexion appeared on the scene. As said already, it was not the first time that I had seen or heard him. But his simplicity and friendly nature were absolutely heart-warming and disarming at the same time. To cap it all, when the General repeatedly apologized for the two-minute delay with folded hands, I was rendered totally speechless and blank, for a moment making me forget the questions I had long planned to shoot.

Our meeting was scheduled to last just about an hour. But as the clock ticked away, the General seemed to be interested and asked to go on.

Reminiscing about that interview I had almost forty years ago invariably necessitates the quoting of some words of his, which, over the years have proved prophetic.

The following excerpts from the interview may provide an insight into his personality and thinking. They should be appraised only in the light of circumstances that prevailed in India in the early 1970s. Those among the readers who may have closely followed the India’s developments since 1970 may find his words quite fascinating.

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On the prospects of a military government in India and if such a measure would cure the country of all its ills and ailments.

The moment I mention a military rule, I am misunderstood. I would say, military rule can never take over India. One, we are a huge country and are beyond the control of a military machine. Two, we have too many diversities to keep us together. Three, when our defence resources are engaged at the borders, they may not be equipped to rule the country.

It makes me sad to see the inroads of foreign ‘isms’ into our body politic and havoc they have wrought. But democracy is deep down in our blood. Yet, under the present conditions, an indefinite President’s rule all over the country would do us a lot of good. Only such areas as may be unruly can be given in the hands of the army. Only after restoration of normalcy can elections be held.

The President can draw on the best talent in the country and form a cabinet of intellectuals and run the affairs of hte state more efficiently.

Commemorative stamp issued in his honour

On Jayaprakash Narayan’s movement against corruption in Bihar and elsewhere.

It is comforting to know there is a clean and upright person like JP to show us the way. But the public opinion is not strong enough in our country. People might curse the leader and the government. But in private the same persons run after politicians for licences, permits and favours.

Matters have come to such a dangerous pass that corruption is almost being regards as a way of life. Today’s students might call the politicians corrupt, while they indulge in copying and toehr malpractices themselves. It is just like a pot calling the kettle black.

On the future of the opposition parties and if the newly-formed Bharatiya Lok Dal (BLS) would be a mess or a Messiah?

A steam-roller of the ruling party anywhere poses a great danger to democracy. Presence of a plethora of political parties aggravates the situation.

All along, I have been advising all opposition parties to sink all their ideologies and come together on four major issues – 1. Defence of the country, 2. Foreign policy, 3. A realistic economy and 4. Internal security.

I can only say that the formation of BLD is a healthy democratic development, but how how far it is going to be a success, only the future can tell.

On the future of sports and games in India – he was a spin bowler, and a tennis and hockey player himself.

Sports is in our blood. Yet our achievements are not up to the mark. The main reason is the lack of practice as well as the grace to accept defeat. Dedicate practice is a must.

On India’s dismal failure in the field of hockey in spite of having a staggering line-up of talent.

There could be many reasons. But I would like to blame it on the lack of practice in the first place. Matters have been made worse by the ubiquitous ‘politics’. I did my best to keep this menace at bay during my tenure as three years as chairman of the All India Council of Sports (AICS), but it was in vain.

**************

I had two more issues that I wanted to broach with him. With much diffidence and hesitation, I took courage to ask him. First was about a little-known and little-publicized episode between him and Mahatma Gandhi. There was a brief pause.

Obviously, many had hesitated to put this question to him. He said, ‘Your way of asking such questions reminds of Melville de Mellow of All India Radio, who was here to meet me a few days ago.’ I was lost for words as my jaw dropped.

Then he handed me the Mahatma’s biography by Prarelal, who has devoted a whole chapter to this particur incident. The General felt that I would be better off with a third-person account than his own version.

Soon after the Indian independence, Cariappa had thundered at a metting in London that in the then-prevailing circumstances, the concept of Ahimsa (non-violence) was not going to be any help to India and a powerful army alone could make it one of the strongest nations in the world.

Gandhi was indignant at this candid outburst and shot back a rejoinder in his journal, ‘Harijan’, saying that even Generals greater than Cariappa would admit that they had no right to talk on non-violence. The concept of non-violence alone could eliminate the causes and chances of wars, wrote the Mahatma.

The General wanted to clarify matter with the Father of the Nation. They did not know each other personally and so he sought an audience. In December 1947, in full military attire, he visited Gandhi in Delhi.

It was a day of silence for the Mahatma., who was spinning his celebrated charkha. The General left his shoes behind, entered the room and saluted Gandhi. He told him that he had come to seek his blessings. Declining the chair offered by Gandhi, he preferred to squat next to him.

Bapu broke his silence and asked Cariappa if he had read the article in ‘Harijan’. Cariappa answered in the affirmative and humbly said that he felt honoured by Gandhi’s reference to his speech, all the more because he had commented on someone who he had never met before.

Then he went on to clarify that the soldiers’ community was the one that bore the brunt on many counts. They too believed in non-violence. If at all thre was a community opposed to wars, it is the soldiers’ community, he said.

Cariappa continued as Gandhi heard him with rapt attention: Soldiers did not like wars, not so much for the dangers and risks they were fraught with, but because they were aware of the futility of war in solving disputes and problems of the world. If at all soldiers fought wars, they did it as a mandate of the people. If people did not want wars, they should tell their governments so; it that didn’t work, they should change their governments. Gandhi looked impressed with the stream of thought and said he needed time to think it over.

Two days later, they met again and conferred on the same subject. On January 18, 1948 they met yet again in Birla Bhavan, Delhi. The General had come to bid good-bye on his wasy to Jammu-Kashmir action mission and seek his blessings. The Mahatma expressed the hope that the problem would be solved by peaceful and non-violent means, and asked Cariappa to report to him about his mission thereafter. The General said he would certainly do so.

By a strange quirk of fate, on January 30, 1948, the General returned to Delhi with the sole purpose of meeting the Mahatma, only to pay his last respects to the latter’s mortal remains at Raj Ghat.

====

The second question was also sensitive. I could sense a tinge of sadness and bitterness when he replied to my query. It was about the only only political shot he took by contesting a southern Mumbai – then Bombay – Lok Sabha constituency sometime in 1971.

I enquired of him as to why he had to contest from there and earn a needless tag of being a Shiv Sena candidate, although he was being supported by seven different parties, including the Bharatiya Jan Sangh and the Swatantra party. Instead, he could have contested from south Mangalore constituency which included his own home district of Kodagu, I said.

He replied: ‘ When I contested, my manifesto was simple and plain – giving priority to people’s basic needs of food, clothing and shelter and education, strongly opposing luxury life, control over pompous offices, conference and foreign tours, instilling a national feeling in everyone instead of narrow parochial and linguistic atttitude.’

I decided to contest in certain circumstances. At 71 then, I had no ambition or craving for power. One day, Congress (O) leader former railway minister Poonacha called me up and said the his party’s high command had chosen him to be their candidate. All opposition parties were to lend me their support. Hence I had to consent, he said. I thought to myself, just like General de Gaulle reached the top with military experience behind him, that I could raise my voice in the parliament at least for ex-Servicemen and thought this could give me a suitable opportunity to fight for them.

I told Poonacha, ‘ I am an VOP – very ordinary person. I do not have the resources to fight the election.’ He told me not to worry, assuring that all the parties would take care of it. However, a few days later, Poonacha called again to tell me that the party had instead chosen himself instead of me. Anyway, I said it was OK.

Another few days later, I received a telegram from the Swatantra party leaders informing me that 6 or 7 parties had chosen me as their joint candidate from southeast Bombay constituency. Shiv Sena happened to be one of them. I had a formidable Congress candidate like A G Kulkarni against me. Yet the mood was so upbeat that my victory was thought to be easy. There was even a talk going around that in the likely coalition government in Delhi, my name was thought to be the right one for the defence portfolio.

Yet I lost. Former president V V Giri once met me after the election and enquired why I lost when the chances were bright. Without mincing words, I told him, ‘One of your own central leaders came down and started saying that Cariappa was a Kannadiga and a southerner should not win in Maharashtra’ and such other narrow-minded words. There were twelve horses in the race. Jan Sangh and a few others let me down in the middle. Jan Sangh termed me pro-Muslim since I refused to attend the Vishwa Hindu Parishat programmes. Bombay Kannadigas alienated me saying that I was a Shiv Sena candidate. I called all representatives and tried to clear the misunderstanding in the presence of a Swamiji from Udupi, but it was of no avail. I fell a victim to adverse propaganda.’ Giri seemed to agree with in full.

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Cariappa was a no-nonsense, no-compromise personality. There have been cases of chiefs of service staff, as they approached retirement, having tried to appease the centres of power with an eye on plum posts like those of ambassadors, governors and the like. Many retired officers have taken up adminstrative posts in corporate houses. But this intrepid fighter stood above all that. He kept on raising his voice against misrule, corruption and political chicanery.

During his tenure as India’s high commissioner to Australia and New Zealand between 1953-55, an off-the-cuff remark against the racial policy of the Australian government is said to have created a diplomatic row, which created a rumpus in the Indian parliament seeking his recall. But he stood his ground, without any fear.

His differences of opinion with the Nehru-Krishna Menon combine was a matter of an open secret. During Indira Gandhi’s rule, once he had advocated handing over of disturbed areas to the military. Politicians sought his arrest on charges of giving a call for military rule. They even demanded withdrawal of his pension.

Those were the days when a late prime minister used to blame the ubiquitous ‘foreign hand’ or the ‘CIA’ for most of the problems in the country. Cariappa did not hesitate to ridicule it saying that a day would come when the prime minister’s chest pain would be blamed on the CIA.

Naturally, he had earned the displeasure of the ruling classes. No wonder, he was not recognized until late in his life. Gen Sam Manekshaw was upgraded as Field Marshal soon after the Bangladesh war victory in 1971.

The very fact that a man like General Cariappa, who had served the Indian army for a good 33 years, was made an honorary Field Marshal 33 years after his retirement during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure as PM, speaks of the vagaries and systemic malaise that plague our country.

Field Marshal Cariappa always said he was an Indian first, and a Kodava or Kannadiga only next. He played a major role in getting the names Mercara and Coorg changed back to their ethnic forms as Madikeri and Kodagu. He also had fought against the Kambadakada dam project which would have gobbled up thousands of acres of fertile land of Kodagu.

His residence ‘Roshanara’ and a lifesize statue at a circle on the way to Mysore stand majestically in his memory. A college in his hometown has been re-named after him.

When the messenger of death came calling in a Bangalore hospital in 1993, for sure, he mght have struggled to take away this giant, the fearless soldier who may have said good-bye to this world with sadness. Because the India of his dreams is still a long distance away.

If power lay in the hands of patriots and upright Indians like Field Marshal Cariappa, it would have been a different picture. Maybe his dream may come true some distant day, but, alas, there cannot be another Cariappa.

source: http://www.Mangalorean.com / by Richard Lasrado / January 29th, 2012

Army day greeting

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Uncategorized

Imphal: January 14:

On the occasion of Army Day 2012, Lt Gen Dalbir Singh, AVSM, VSM, GOC 3 corps, conveys his greetings and best wishes to all ranks of the Army. The Army Day which is schedule on 15 of January every year in recognition of Lieutenant General (later Field Marshal) K.M. Cariappa becoming the first Indian commander-in-chief in 1949.

GOC 3 Corps, in his message, brought out that all ranks of Army should feel proud of being a soldier of this great and glorious Indian Army. The released also said that “all ranks of spear corps have been working together with the local civil administration and the people of the land to bring in greater growth and prosperity in Northeastern region.

GOC 3 Corps also expressed his appreciation to the dedicated efforts of each soldier towards this noble cause.

The released further said that Army has been a source of inspiration and has contributed to society’s development in a number of ways. Army’s efforts to undertake infrastructure developmental projects, to motivate school children, to recruit Jawans, to conduct vocational training, to provide medical & veterinary services at remote locations and to encourage women empowerment has made significant difference in the overall growth of the region. The General also added, “We salute the brave soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice in the performance of their duty”.

source: http://www.kanglaonline.com / by Imphal Free Press / January 14, 2012

Indian Army: Poised to safeguard the nation and uphold democratic norms

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders

New Delhi, Jan.14 (ANI):

In India, the month of January witnesses two things in ample measure – the biting cold and a spirit of nationalism. National fervor is whipped up by the Republic Day celebrations with parades and revelries generating tremendous enthusiasm.

Yet another ode to nationalism is the Army Day celebrations held across the Nation on January, 15. It was on this historic day in 1949 that the Indian Army divested the control of the British with General (later Field Marshal) K. M. Cariappa taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from Sir Francis Butcher.

A number of parades, memorial lectures, equipment displays, investiture ceremonies organised by the Army on this day elicit tremendous response from the general public.

The Army Day is also a time to audit the achievements of the Army in the year gone by. The pace for this very sensitive exercise is set, in no small measure, by the traditional press conference of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). This year, the press conference by General VK Singh, COAS, was held at the majestic Manekshaw Stadium on January, 12. Many issues of relevance came up during the press conference.

In the year gone by, the Army continued with its operational engagement in such pockets of the Nation where inimical forces are not desisting from spreading the cult of terrorism. 65 brave soldiers of the Army made the supreme sacrifice while upholding the safety and integrity of the Nation in 2011. These included 11 officers, 06 Junior Commissioned Officers and 45 brave soldiers.

Due to relentless anti terrorist operations by the Army, the year gone by was the most peaceful in the Kashmir Valley since 1990. Jammu province witnessed 74 per cent decline and the Kashmir Valley witnessed a 33 per cent decline in terror violence as compared to 2010.

Terrorism related violence in 2011 dropped to an all time low of around 190 incidents. Beyond internal security, the Army also upheld its tradition of being the first to respond to natural calamities. It made a sterling effort to restore the situation in earthquake afflicted Sikkim and also some flood affected regions of the country.

Operationally, the Army made quantum progress in critical aspect of modernisation and transformation designed to make the force more lethal, mobile and network centric.

Some new structures were put to test and validation. A primary validation initiative was Exercise Sudarshan Shakti which culminated in mid December, 2011. The exercise was witnessed by none other than the President of India, Pratibha Patil. It successfully validated a number of new concepts that were earlier on the drawing board.

The fighting capability of the Army was enhanced during the year by better surveillance, improved night fighting capability, air defence capability and human resource development. The Army is now better poised for tactical decision making and deeper strikes.

The Army rendered significant assistance in preparing Police and Para-military Forces (PMF) in tackling internal strife. About 33000 police and paramilitary personnel were trained for counter Naxal operations.

Advisories were given when sought and footprint in the region was improved by an increase in recruitment. However, the army desisted from getting directly involved in counter Naxal operations since it would weaken its bond with the people and negatively impact its preparedness for its primary task of defending the country’s borders against external aggression.

The environment in the neighbourhood continued to pose a challenge to India’s security. Even though Pakistan remained instable, its internal problems did not lead to a letdown in support to cross border terrorism.

The army remained ready for all eventualities; it constantly monitored the border and had complete information about the 42 camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir which facilitate infiltration.

The circumstances dictated enhanced vigil in Jammu and Kashmir and also the continuance of enabling legislations like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act which provide protection to the soldiers performing extraordinary duties under extraordinary circumstances.

The line of actual control with the Chinese did generate issues of perceptions but confidence building measures remained in place even as necessary steps to build up defence capability in the form of force accretion and improvement of infrastructure were put into motion.

The army attempted to reach out to other countries in India’s extended neighbourhood through the medium of joint exercises and exchange of ideas on tackling terrorism and insurgencies.

The army also continued with its sizeable contribution to the United Nation (UN) peace efforts with more than 7000 personnel deployed in UN missions abroad.

The internal health of the Indian Army was addressed by emphasis on the core value systems which form the bedrock of its culture. A clear message was sent out that rank and power will not come in the way of punishing those who indulge in misdemeanours and acts of impropriety.

The army’s thrust towards sports and adventure was encouraged and the result was as many as 112 medals in the National Games. Five army sportsmen have already been selected to represent the country in the London Olympics.

The Indian nation is going through some testing times. The Indian Army is prepared for all eventualities and for effectively performing its responsibilities towards the nation.

The people of India see the Indian soldier as the epitome of all that is the best in the country due to his demonstrated qualities of courage, self sacrifice, integrity, strength of character and commitment to the cause of the nation.

It is the bounden duty of the nation to ensure that the blood spilled by the soldier as also his contribution to the national cause does not go waste. To ensure the same all out efforts should be made to maintain him at a highest pedestal professionally, socially and psychologically. By Jaibans Singh (ANI)

source: http://www.newstrackindia.com / ANI / New Delhi / Saturday, January 14th, 2012

Madikeri Fort / Madikeri Palace

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Madikeri Fort / Madikeri Palace

Madikeri Fort was first built as a mud fort by Mudduraja at the end of 17th century. He also built a palace inside the fort. It was eventually rebuilt in granite by Tipu Sultan who later named the site as Jaffarabad.

The Madikeri fort had witnessed several fierce battles. In 1700, Doddavira Rajendra took control of the fort. The Palace was renovated by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1812-1814.

The fort encompasses a church which houses the state archaeological museum, and in 1812, when the British took over the territory the fort, the palace and its apartments were all transformed into district offices. Two magnificent mortar elephant figures can also be seen inside the fort. The palace features a stone formation of a tortoise, which has initials of King Vijayarajendra engraved on it.

The palace is built in gothic style, and the church inside is known as the St. Mark’s Church which has been converted into a museum with historical artifacts, along with a section dedicated to Field Marshal Cariappa. Besides museum, this fort also houses a district prison, the Kote Mahaganapathi Temple and the Mahatma Gandhi Public Library.

source: http://www.folksden.com / Karnataka

‘Ekikarana’ movement: A timeline

About Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Uncategorized

The regions that make up for today’s Karnataka were under as many as 20 different administrative units with the princely state of Mysore, Nizam’s Hyderabad, the Bombay Presidency, the Madras Presidency and the territory of Kodagu being some of them.


* Under such circumstances, a need was felt among Kannadigas living in these various administrative units to form one state, which would unify all Kannada-speaking people in the various regions. This movement called the Ekikarana movement was led by litterateurs and thinkers.

* The Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha was established in Dharwad in 1890. This was an important phase in the history of the unification movement. The Sangha was started by R H Deshpande who strove for the revival of Kannada in a region which was part of the Bombay Presidency where Marathi was the language of administration.

* It was later that the Kannada Sahitya Parishat (Bangalore) was set up (1915), which was another driving force in the unification movement.

* Alur Venkata Rao was the leading light of the unification movement. The publication of his Karnataka Gatha Vaibhava in 1912 gave a huge push in terms of a mass movement. He was known as the Kannada Kula Purohita or the ‘High priest of the Kannada family.’

* The States Reorganisation Commission was constituted by the Central government under the States Reorganisation Act and consisted of Hon. Fazal Ali, Kavalam Madhava Panikkar, and HN Kunzru.

* The recommendations of the Fazal Ali Committee was ratified by the Parliament, which meant that several disparate Kannada-speaking regions would now come under the Mysore State.
n The State was formed on November 1, 1956.

n It was on November 1, 1973, under Devaraj Urs as chief minister that the Mysore State was renamed as Karnataka.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com /by DHNS / Home> Supplements> Spectrum / Tuesday, November 01st, 2011

Of loyalty & betrayal

About Kodagu / Coorg, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All
Kodava King Lingarajendra was assisted by his trusted soldier Thathanda Subbayya on several hunting expeditions to please British officers. A famous painting, depicting the king offering Subbayya a gold bracelet, a gun and a sachet of gold coins, is still in the ancestral home of the Thathanda family, discovers C P Belliappa
Lingarajendra was not meant to be king. However, a series of lucky breaks landed him on the throne of Kodagu in 1811.

It was a combination of luck and chicanery that propelled him from being the timid younger brother of Dodda Veerarajendra to finally usurping the kingdom of Kodagu by cleverly dislodging the eleven-year-old daughter of his brother who had been named successor to the throne.

After the demise of Dodda Veerarajendra, Lingarajendra started asserting himself, and within a short time took complete control over his domain.

He was wise in maintaining good relationships with the powerful British who had established a strong presence in neighbouring Mysore after overthrowing Tipu Sultan.

One of the attractions Lingarajendra offered the British officers was organising elaborate hunting expeditions in the dense forests of Kodagu, which had abundant wildlife. As a protectorate of the British, there was no external threat to his kingdom. He diligently presented two elephants every year to the East India Company as a tribute.

Lingarajendra had a very loyal and trusted lieutenant in a young Kodava soldier called Thathanda Subbayya. Lingarajendra, though short in stature, was physically very tough. Also, he was very agile and athletic. He was an excellent horseman, a sharp shooter and an able archer. Subbayya was one of the few who could match him in marksmanship. This brought the two closer and Subbayya was Lingarajendra’s constant companion on every hunting trip of the raja.

Thathanda Subbayya rose rapidly in the court of Lingarajendra and was promoted to the post of kariakara which was equivalent to the position of an Army Commander. In a well-documented hunting trip of Colonel Welsh and Lieutenant Williamson in March 1811, it was Thathanda Subbayya who was in charge of all the arrangements for the elaborate shikari. Colonel Welsh who later became a General was extremely pleased with the sizeable booty of trophies he collected after the hunt. He promised all support for Lingarajendra and also requested the raja for another hunting adventure during October the same year.

After the departure of the guests, an immensely pleased Lingarajendra presented Subbayya with a gold bracelet, a gun and a sachet full of gold coins. He then announced a gift which was awarded only to very special subjects. It was to be painted in a portrait along with Lingarajendra.

This painting depicting a reverential Subbayya in front of Lingarajendra is still in existence at the ancestral home, or the aynmane of the Thathanda family in Kukloor village near Virajpet. When I visited the aynmane, the present residents allowed me to take a photograph of the painting which is placed in a recess of the wall next to the traditional hanging lamp known as thook bolucha. This is a sacred place in Kodava homes meant for offering regular obeisance to ancestors.

Taming the tiger
All the attention that kariakara Subbayya was receiving generated great envy amongst other members in the court of the raja. They felt threatened, and feared Subbayya would soon be promoted above some of the senior officers.

Few of his rivals waited for an opportunity to damage the reputation of Subbayya in the eyes of Lingarajendra. A few months later, Lingarajendra received an appeal from nearby villagers about a tiger that was terrorising the area and they wanted the raja to help them eliminate the beast.

Lingarajendra asked Subbayya to make all the arrangements and also set up a machaan (platform on a tree) for him to stalk the tiger. A live bait was tied in the vicinity to attract the big cat.

Subbayya who was an expert in setting up machaans immediately got on to the job and made all the necessary arrangements for the hunt. His foes took advantage of this event to discredit Subbayya. They surreptitiously sent their men to sabotage the machaan on which Lingarajendra was to camp overnight. The ropes used to tie the machaan were cut half-way to make it weak and unsafe.

Subbayya’s sacrifice
Lingarajendra got on to the machaan and Subbayya sat on another machaan set up atop another tree. A little after midnight, the tiger made its appearance where Lingarajendra sat waiting. There was no escape for the tiger with Lingarajendra’s accurate gunshot.

But, with the recoil of the powerful gun, Lingarajendra’s machaan gave way as the weakened ropes snapped. It was entirely the agility of the raja that enabled him to hold on to a branch and get down using the rope ladder.

Lingarajendra was furious and wanted Subbayya to be brought to him immediately. Subbayya who heard the gun shot got down from his machaan and was walking towards where Lingarajendra camped. He met the soldiers on the way who were looking for him. The soldiers narrated what had happened.

Subbayya who knew the raja’s explosive temper was sure he would be killed on sight. He told the soldiers that he would follow them. He then sat under a tree and shot himself in the chest with the gun that Lingarajendra had presented him months earlier.

When Lingarajendra learnt about Subbayya having taken his own life, he was most upset. He had complete faith in Subbayya and had no intentions of harming his loyal kariakara. He vowed to investigate the incident and punish the culprits.

Subbayya was still a bachelor and was planning to get married soon. He was a rising star among Kodavas at the time. Lingarajendra bitterly grieved Subbayya’s untimely demise. He built a memorial (in Lingayat style) in honour of his trusted kariakara in Kukloor village. This monument is well-maintained by the Thathanda family even to this day.

Lingarajendra ruled Kodagu for nine years. The economy of Kodagu improved during his tenure and there was no threat of war. For the battle-weary citizens of Kodagu, this period of peace came as a great reprieve.

Lingarajendra, however, turned despotic during the later part of his reign. His son and the last raja of Kodagu, Chikka Veerarajendra succeeded him in 1820. In 1834, the British dethroned the unpopular Chikka Veerarajendra and Kodagu came under the direct rule of the East India Company. Chikka Veerarajendra was ingloriously exiled to Benares.

source: www.deccanherald.com / History > / September 20th, 2011

Kannada version of ‘Rise and Fall of Coorg State’

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“Coorg State: Udaya-Pathana”, Kannada version of journalist P.T. Bopanna’s book, “Rise and Fall of Coorg State”, dealing with the merger of the erstwhile Coorg (Kodagu) State with the then Mysore (Karnataka) State in 1956 has been released.

The English version of the book was published in 2009. B.K. Ganesh, a journalist, who also hails from Kodagu, has translated the book into Kannada, Mr. Bopanna said in a statement.

Commenting on the book published by the Press Club of Bangalore, Mr. Bopanna said when “Rise and Fall of the Coorg State” in English was first published, he was not sure how it would fare in the market.

There were reasons for his apprehension as he was publishing the book all by himself and no one had showed keenness in publishing it.

But to his surprise, the entire copies were sold out within two months of publication, mainly in Kodagu, he said. He felt the need for bringing out the Kannada edition of the book to reach out to the Kannada readers to make them understand the feelings of the people in Kodagu.

Even though Kannadigas were overjoyed by the integration of Kodagu with Karnataka, a large section of the people in Kodagu still felt that they would have been better off in the independent Coorg State, he said.

It was up to the policy-makers in Bangalore to try and remove the feeling of alienation by striving for the comprehensive development of Kodagu, he said.

Mr. Bopanna has authored four books, including “Discover Coorg”, the best-selling handbook on Kodagu which was translated into Kannada earlier. Mr. Bopanna also runs the website, www.coorgtourisminfo.com. The book is priced at Rs. 80 a copy.

source: http://www.theHindu.com / National>Karnataka> Mysore / September 17th, 2011 / by Staff Correspondent

Elizabeth Israel Announced as ADAM Architecture Travel Scholarship 2011 Winner

Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Uncategorized, World Opinion, , ,

 

Elizabeth Israel, a recent graduate of the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture, has been awarded the 2011 ADAM Architecture Travel Scholarship. Now in its sixth year, the scholarship enables ADAM Architecture, the UK-based firm specialising in classical and traditional architecture and urbanism, to support and reward outstanding research. 

Her research proposal on European-settled hill stations in South India was a clear favourite with the judging panel, which included Robert Adam and George Saumarez Smith, directors at ADAM Architecture, Prof Georgia Butina Watson, Head of the Dept. of Planning at Oxford Brookes University and WAN’s own Editor in Chief, Michael Hammond.

Elizabeth plans to investigate a regional network of hill stations for patterns in the urban morphology, particularly with regards to environmental and cross-cultural conditions. The Indian hill stations were high-altitude towns formerly developed by Europeans as summer retreats. She plans to explore what urban types evolved from the exchange between the European settlers and the local Indian peoples, as well as analyze how the urban space and architectural language engaged the topography, climate, local materials, and traditional building methods.

Her study will focus on seven hill stations in the South Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, including Srinagar, Coorg, Ooty, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Kodaikanal and Munnar. Other possible sites may include Wayanad, Nelliyampatti, Devikulam, Peermada and Ponmudi. These sites were chosen because of their historical significance, regional proximity and similarity in environmental conditions. She plans to travel to India during December 2011 and January 2012.

Elizabeth, a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, earned a Bachelor of Architecture in 2011 from the University of Notre Dame. She will be pursuing a Masters of Architectural History at the University of Virginia, beginning in fall 2011.

source: http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com

A Tiger Wedding in Coorg, India

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A Tiger Wedding in Coorg, India

The Illustrated London News,   Dateline: December 06th, 1873

A TIGER WEDDING IN COORG.
“The small province of Coorg, in Southern India, is situated among the mountains that separate Mysore from the Malabar coast to the west. Its late Rajah, being of cruel and treacherous misrule, was deposed in 1834, and the Coorgs, being put to the vote, unanimously desired to become complete subjects of the British Government. In 1852, the deposed Rajah visited England, accompanied by his daughter Gauramma, and paid his former enemies the compliment of seeking for her an English and Christian education. In June 30, 1852, she was baptized, the Queen herself standing sponsor, and giving her the name ‘Victoria.’ The Princess Victorian Gauramma, who was a constant visitor to her Majesty at Osborne and Windsor, eventually married an English officer of the name of Campbell. She died in 1864; her tyrant father lies buried in the Kensal-green Cemetery.
“A good description of Coorg will be found in ‘Eastern Experiences,’ by Mr. Lewin Bowring, late Resident or Governor of Mysore. The natives are distinguished for their fine appearance and warlike temper. They are skillful hunters, being trained for this from infancy; at the birth of a boy, the first thing done is to place a little bow and arrow in his hands, and to fire a gun outside the house, thus initiating his career as a huntsman and warrior.
“In the accompanying illustration there is abundance of music, feasting, torchlight, and dancers; and the owner of the mansion is brought in with triumph to graces the festival.
“A curious ceremony takes place when a tiger has been shot by a Coorg man. Tigers are not numerous in the country, and this ceremony has only occurred twice within the past four years. On the last occasion, March 9 of this year, the successful huntsman was Mr. Colovanda Carriapah, Head Sheristadar of the Mercara Talook. In this ceremony the man is wedded to the soul of the dead tiger.
“As shown in the Illustration, he is seated under a canopy in full warrior costume. On each side are placed his weapons and the household emblems of plenty, vessels of rice and milk, and burning lamps, analogous to the Masonic corn, wine and oil. So he sits, receiving the homage and congratulations of his relatives and friends. Each scatters a few grains of rice over his head, and gives him a sip of milk from a brass vessel resembling a teapot, and makes an offering in money, varying in value according to the means of the donor. The hero of the day is afterwards carried in triumph round the tiger, which is suspended to a high bamboo grame in the garden. The officers and ladies of the regiment stationed at Mercara, who reside in the late Rajah’s palace, were specially invited to attend.
“Mr. Carriapah is a native Coorg gentleman of high merit and distinction. He wears the gold Coorg medal, which was presented by the British Government to his father, for suppressing an insurrection in South Canara. Our correspondent would further testify to Mr. Carriapah’s unvarying support of English education among the Coorgs. A wealthy and influential man, he spares neither time nor money in this cause, and has, at his sole expense, erected schools for Coorg girls as well as boys, and has on several occasions received the thanks of the Government of India, as well as of the local Government of Mysore and Coorg.
“We are indebted to Captain Belford Cummins, of the Staff Corps at Mercara, for the sketch we have engraved.

source: http://www.harappa.com