When you hear that possessing arms is a privilege that a person in the Kodava community is born with, you cannot help but look at them in wonder. However, for them it is a way of life, something that is a part and parcel of their existence and culture.

It is a special license that was bestowed upon them by the British, who exempted the community from the Arms Act. Today, the Kodavas or the Coorgs are among the few communities in India who can possess weapons without having to go through the formal procedure of obtaining a license. Under Section 3 and Section 4 of the Indian Arms Act, 1959, Kodava people who come under the categories ‘Coorg by race’ enjoy the privilege.

Squash champion Joshna Chinappa explains, “I have held the weapon, but never fired it. Having been raised in a family of army people, I have been aware of the privilege that Kodavas are entitled to. But we also know that the privilege comes with a lot of responsibility.”

Interestingly, the community also has a festival to celebrate the significance of weapons in their life. Kailpold, which is similar to Ayudha puja, involves festivities including shooting competitions.

Chennai-based Vilma Appaiah explains the ubiquitous role of arms in the life of a Kodava. “When a male child is born, the family fires in the air to announce the news. Arms are like heirlooms; every family displays the weapons they own in the hall.”

Zarina Uthappa, who originally hails from Ooty and has settled in Chennai for the last 12 years, acknowledges that she has never fancied firing, adding, “Everybody who comes home wants to know the make and the features of the arms that we have at our place. Invariably, the conversation is about single-barrel, double-barrel, pistol and revolver. However, for any Coorg household it is a legacy that we pass on to the next generation.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Janani Sampath / ENS – Chennai / April 15th, 2013