Sandooka The Living Museum of Kodava Culture

21/12/2023

‘Sandooka - The Living Museum of Kodava Culture' is live - to explore, experience, enjoy!

Brought together through field research and diverse material contributed by the Kodava community, this interactive online museum brings alive the rich, multidimensional cultural narratives of the Kodavas of Kodagu, Karnataka and the manner in which these have evolved over time.

Explore the integral experience of the culture, with stories curated around nine categories:

Architecture | Art & Craft | Clothes & Jewellery | Community Histories | Cuisine | Customs & Rituals | Festivals | Landscape | Literature & Folklore

We welcome you to enjoy these vibrant living traditions here: https://sandookamuseum.org/

Sandooka - The Living Museum of Kodava Culture is made possible with support from Recaero India Pvt Ltd and Anuraadh, and managed by India Foundation for the Arts (IFA).

Image Credits: Aiyuda Prasad Ponnappa | Clare Arni | Darshan Ganapathy | Kalpit Gaonkar | Kumbera Vidwan Chengappa | Niran Shantheyanda

18/12/2023

Sandooka The Living Museum of Kodava Culture is now live!

An interactive online space of the rich, multidimensional cultural narratives of the Kodavas of Kodagu, Karnataka, the museum has been brought together through field research and diverse material contributed by the Kodava community.

Experience the culture through stories in this dynamic and interactive space here: sandookamuseum.org

Sandooka - The Living Museum of Kodava Culture is made possible with support from Recaero India Pvt Ltd and Anuraadh, and managed by India Foundation for the Arts (IFA).

Image Credits: Kalpit Gaonkar

Lina Vincent Nitin Kushalappa M P Oona Upasana SWITCH

17/05/2023

https://www.deccanherald.com/spectrum/tales-of-temple-festivals-1211310.html

Mookonda Kushalappa describes Kodagu temple festival traditions and the unique stories behind them

14/04/2023

Bisu Changrandi (Edmyaar Ond)
EDMYAAR OND IS THE KODAVA NEW YEAR

By Mookonda Nitin Kushalappa

(Image credits Kodagu Connect on twitter)

Edmyaar Ond (the first day of the Kodava month of Edmyaar) is the New Year for the Kodavas. This year, the day falls on April 14. It marks the commencement of the Kodava calendar and the agricultural cycle in Kodagu. On this day prayers are said and cattle are yoked and made to plough the paddy fields.

Bisu Changrandi, the Kodava New Year’s day, corresponding to Vishu in Kerala and Vaisakhi in North India, is observed in mid-April. Also called Edmyaar Ond, Bisu commences when the sun seems to enter the first Zodiac sign of Aries. In Tulunad (Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasaragod), the festival is called Bisu Parba.

Kodavas follow the solar calendar, which was the same as the Tulu, the Malayalam and the Tamil calendars, although the month names differed. While Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada followed the solar calendar, the rest of Karnataka followed the lunar calendar. The months of this lunar calendar begin and end with a new moon.

There is a reason as to why Kodavas now celebrate Ugadi (in 2017) and not Edmyaar Ond. The Rajas of Kodagu (c.1600 – 1834) came from the Shimoga region to Haleri in Kodagu. They followed the Hindu lunar calendar and implemented it in Kodagu for all administrative purposes during their reign. Their chief festivals were Ugadi, Shivarathri and Ayuda Pooja (Dasara). Thus these Hindu festivals were popularised in Kodagu.

Ugadi, when Bevu-Bella (neem leaves and jaggery) is eaten and mango leaves are hung upon doors, also happened to be a major festival in neighbouring Mysore. The event is showcased well by the present-day Kannada media. The influence of the neighbours and of the media has increased the popularity of the festival. As Kodavas moved out of Kodagu to live in the cities, Edmyaar Ond, observed in the fields, is no longer celebrated by them. The disappearance of paddy fields and oxen has led to the further neglect of the festival by Kodavas. Therefore, the significance of Edmyaar Ond faded while Ugadi gained prominence. Presently Kodava political outfits have been trying to popularise Edmyaar Ond in Kodagu once again.

The months of the Kodava calendar and their corresponding Indian zodiac signs are : Edmyaar (ram), Kadyaar (bull), Adare (twins), Kakkada (crab), Chingyaar (lion), Kanyaar (maiden), Tholyaar (scales), Birchyaar (scorpion), Dalmyaar (archer), Malyaar (crocodile), Kumbyaar (water bearer) and Minyaar (fish).

06/04/2023

Boverianda Muthanna, one half of the team which translated the Pattole Palame into English, visited 1720 Ainmanes of Kodagu and documented them, passed away last month. Mookonda Nitin Kushalappa from Sandooka Kodava Virtual Museum pays him and his maternal grandfather (Nadikerianda Chinnappa, compiler of the Pattole Palame) a tribute in the Deccan Herald. Photo courtesy of Boverianda M Pavan Poovaya.

11/03/2023

Boverianda Muthanna Chinnappa was an engineer, author, translator and researcher. He was born the grandson of Nadikerianda Chinnappa, compiler of the Pattole Palame (an extensive collection of Kodava folksongs sung during festivals and ceremonies), and the son of Boverianda Muthanna and Nadikerianda Gangamma.

He studied Mechanical Engineering from Guindy College of Engineering, Madras University. He did his Masters in industrial Engineering from Northwestern University, Illinois, USA.

He married his cousin Nadikerianda Nanjamma, another grandchild of Nadikerianda Chinnappa. After working as an engineer in India and various countries abroad, he became an entrepreneur in Canada.

After their retirement, Chinnappa and Nanjamma returned to India. Their translation of the Pattole Palame into English was published by Rupa & Co., in 2003. They visited nearly 1720 clans in Kodagu between 2003 and 2008 while researching on Ainmanes. Their work has been compiled into a book called Ainmanes of Kodagu published by Niyogi Books in 2014 and an online website also called Ainmanes.

Chinnappa passed away in the night on March 10th 2023. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and their families

13/02/2023

Beda Changrandira Nallame!

Photo courtesy: Pushpa Devaiah Kambeyanda Manju Chinnappa Kokkalemada United Kodava Organisation-UKO Manju Chinnappa Kokkalemada Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa United Kodava Organisation - U.K.O : The VOICE of Kodava

12/02/2023

Beda Changrandi, like most Kodava festivals, is connected to farming and nature worship. As per the Kodava calendar (akin to the Hindu Lunar one), the Bedha changrandi rituals are performed for three days; on the last two days of Malyar and on the first day of Kumbyar (ie, 11th, 12th & 13th of February).

The first day (Malyar 28) is called Suru Bedha, the second day (Malyar 29), Nadu Bedha, and the third day (Kumbyar 1), Kade Bedha.

Mother earth, who looks after all living beings by providing food and grain, is given her due respect for being a fertile woman & these three days are considered as her menstruation period.
During Beda Changrandi, Kodavas abstain from doing any work that may cause harm to mother earth and allow her to rest.

At daybreak on the day of Nadu Bedha, women of the household go to their paddy fields carrying water, caster oil, a comb and an earthen lamp with wicks. Facing east, they clean a portion of the field by sprinkling it with water, put rice on three thora leaves, place them on the ground and light an earthen lamp on it. A senior woman pours down the caster oil at the corner of the field; considering it to be the head of mother earth. Then, the wooden comb is kept on the spot. Thereafter, rice grains are sprinkled while facing towards the rising sun and a prayer is offered asking for timely rains and good crops. Rains in Kumbyar month are essential for all crops, including the coffee flowering; even though coffee was introduced in Kodagu much later during colonial rule.

On Kade Bedha day, the family's members, including the married women of the family (Taamane Moodiya), gather together and prepare food. The food is kept on banana leaves and offered as Meedi to the ancestors (Guru Karona) of the family in the designated areas. After this, the entire family assembles in the hall and pray with folded hands before the lit lamp (Nellakki Bolcha). The head of the family offers prayers for the well being and prosperity of the entire family (Okka) as well as the land.

The men then recite the traditional Balo Paat to the rhythm of the Dudi Kott. Lunch is served, and with this the ceremonies conclude.
- Pushpa Devaiah Kambeyanda.
Edited by Karthachira Nitya Devayya

Image credits: Kodagu Connect; Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa, UKO

01/02/2023

Rani Machaiah has been awarded the Padma Shri in 2023 for her contributions to art. The 79 year old ummathaat dancer extraordinaire has been instrumental in the preservation and continued practice of the dance form performed by women in the Kodava community. What started as a personal interest in the dance has taken her to places and positions that have supported the culture of the Kodava community. Apart from being a former president of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, Rani Machaiah’s most significant involvement has been her role as a teacher. Over the decades, she has trained thousands of students in ummathaat, and organised her troupes to showcase their talent in numerous states and union territories in India.

Ummathaat is the women’s dance performed during festivals. They dance in a circle around either an oil lamp or a young woman who represents goddess Kaveri. There are two or three singers as well. Each of the dancers hold a pair of brass cymbals which they beat in rhythm to the songs as they dance.

Rani has been founder of the Kaveri Kalavrunda Sangha, and continues as the chairperson of the organisation. She has been recipient of the Rajyotsava Award among other honours.

Though she doesn't dance anymore, she continues to be closely connected with the arts and literature; she is encouraging groups of Kodavas working on designing the alphabet or script for the Kodava language.

Photo of Rani: Courtesy of Deccan Herald
Dance images
Text
Ummathaat performed by Kodava Samaja Pommakkada Okkoota, Madikeri

28/01/2023

Birthday remembrance:

Born on January 28th 1899, Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, 'the Grand Old Man of the Indian Army', studied in the Madikeri Government Central High School and then in the Madras Presidency College. He gained admission at Daly Cadet College, Indore, in 1919 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in Bombay's 88th Carnatic Infantry, during World War I. The following year, he served in Mesopotamia (Iraq) and was promoted as a lieutenant.

He became the first Indian army officer to attend the Staff College in Quetta. He married Muthu Machia, a forest officer's daughter, had a son K C Nanda Cariappa, who later rose to the rank of air marshal, and a daughter, Nalini. During World War II, Cariappa was awarded the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). He became the first Indian to become a brigadier.

Cariappa also served as India's first commander-in-chief (C-in-C) between 1949 and 1953. Now this position rests with the President of India. He represented India as its high commissioner in Australia and New Zealand from 1953 to 1956. In 1986, he was made a field marshal. Thus, he became one of the two Indian army officers to hold this rank. He died in 1993.

Text: /Deccan Herald
Image 2, painting courtesy of Deccan Herald
Photos:
Courtesy of Air Marshal Nanda Cariappa
official

06/11/2022

Wonderful historical finds.

17/10/2022

“The Kodavas worship the river goddess Kaveri as their patron deity. Kaveri Changrandi which is around the middle of October every year is one of their three main festivals. On this day, the Kodavas visit the Thalakaveri, the source of the river Kaveri. On a specific time, decided by astrologers, water springs up from the holy pit which is considered to be the source of the river. This year the auspicious time for the water to spring out is at around 7.30 pm.

Kaveri Changrandi is also known as Kaveri Sankranthi, Kaveri Sankramana or Thula Sankramana. This is because it occurs when the sun seems to enter the zodiac sign of Thula (Libra). Sankranthi or Sankramana (or the Kodava word Changrandi) signifies a day when one zodiac sign makes way for another.

Before Kaveri Changrandi, Kodavas will place sticks of a certain plant each with a creeper around it in various places in their farms. This is out of respect to Kaveri who protects their lands. On Kaveri Changrandi, the Kodavas place a kalasa arrangement of a coconut (or in some cases a cucumber) in a brass pot between betel leaves neatly arranged along the inside sides and a necklace is placed over the arrangement. This is setup before the prayer lamp. Thirtha or holy water obtained from Thalakaveri on that day (Kaveri Changrandi) itself is placed alongside and taken in a few drops by the house members.”
Text - Nitin Kushalappa
Images courtesy of Clare Arni (1,2,3), Bhavani G.S (4,5)
Nitin Kushalappa M P Upasana Nattoji Roy Lina Vincent

03/10/2022

The rich heritage of the Kodava culture is evident in its land, its people, the architecture, and culture that is visible in so many forms. There are both tangible and intangible essences to experience.

To celebrate this narrative, we have been exploring the adaptation and incorporation of various elements, like these intricate wooden carvings typically found as embellishments on the wooden structure in an ainmane (traditional Kodava home), as virtual elements in the making of Sandooka - the Living Museum of the Kodava culture.

Each design decision is elaborated through a deeply researched process, looking at the various components through a lens of connectedness to the community and the content.


o.y.studio

22/09/2022

Kodava hockey namme

Hockey is a sport that has become a celebrated part of Kodava culture. The Kodava hockey namme (which translates to “festival”) has been certified by the Limca Book of Records as the largest and longest hockey tournament in India. The first tournament was held in 1997 by the Pandanda family, with the efforts of Kuttani Kuttappa and his brother Kashi Ponnappa. Every year a different family is selected to carry the responsibility of organising and hosting the hockey namme, with that year’s cup being named after them. With kinship playing an important role in Kodava culture, the Kodava hockey namme is an occasion for the different Kodava families to form teams across ages and genders and compete against each other in friendly rivalry. Audiences gather to cheer their favourite teams and cultural performances as well as specially invited chief guests add highlights to the sporting event.

Featured here are glimpses from the 2016 Shanteyanda cup. Thank you to Niran Shanteyanda for the images.
The winners of the 2016 cup were
First: Kaliyanda family
Runners up: Palanganda family

15/09/2022

Thank you Shakthi Daily for this fantastic coverage of Sandooka- The Living Museum of Kodava Culture!

We at Sandooka are looking beyond the conventional definition of a museum as a gathering of objects, into an interactive, evolving space that is rooted in the breathing, living and integrated experience of culture. An experience that becomes a journey of discovery through the use of hybrid technologies and customised design.

07/09/2022

Coconut shooting during Kailpodh

Festivities can seem incomplete without some fun, so Kailpodh celebrations almost always involve games and competitions that people participate in. After the ritual ceremonies at the ainmanes, different families gather at the village mand, or common ground, where games that test prowess, strength and aim are played. One of the games that people look forward to the most is the coconut shooting game, in which a coconut is hung from a tree, or placed at a distance, and people take turns trying to shoot it with a gun. This game is even played in the different cities where Kodavas have settled. While guns are used in the countryside, in cities guns are not involved - a strong stone and decent aim can do the trick just as well! This game is a wonderful example of how Kodavas outside of Kodagu continue to adapt cultural practices to suit the places they now live in, and is a great opportunity to introduce and involve non-Kodava friends in the celebration. After all, who doesn't want to have fun?

Images 1, 2, 3 Coconut breaking games, Ashoka University Campus
P/c

Images 2, 3, 4 Coconut shooting and aiming games at Ammathi
P/c

24/08/2022

Windows:

The entrance of a typical Ainmane (or ancestral home) in the traditional architectural style of the Kodagu region consists of a verandah called a kaiyale which is enclosed by wooden pillars and the aimara (place between pillars where particular members of the clan can be seated). An ornamental, screen window, carved in wood, is usually seen inserted into the sometimes wooden, inner wall of the verandah, which allows the residents to discreetly view anyone outside.

These carved window screens are beautiful carvings on their own, seen as symmetrical designs in the wood from the outside, and as spectacular jaali forms creating fractals of light from the inside.

Image 1-2 are from the Kuttanjettira Ainmane in Bethu Village, Western Coorg. It is a graceful old construction of more than 400 years, with a narrow, walled lane leading up to the front-yard. The family does not live in the home, but maintains it and visits during festivals to worship their ancestors and keep their traditions alive.

Image 3-4 are from the ground floor of the Naalnaad palace in Kakkabe, that was once a residence of the Rajas of Kodagu. The Naalnaad palace is a two-storeyed structure built in the local Ainmane tradition.

Thanks to Ponnanna, Kuttanjettira Ainmane for his help and research inputs.

12/08/2022

CALL FOR INTERNS!

Calling Communication Design students and fresh grads from the Kodava community!

Be part of this community-sourced living museum and learn the aspects of design that go into creating such a virtual space.

The main focus of this Internship will be on the Sandooka Living Museum of Kodava Culture, a virtual museum project commissioned by India Foundation for the Arts.


The intern will work with the collaborative studios, and .o.y.studio to design, edit and upload the curated research material for presentation on the virtual platform.

Details on the image 👆🏼

02/08/2022

Coffee is believed to have first reached India with the help of a Sufi named Baba Budan, who smuggled a few beans from Yemen. The story goes that he encouraged its cultivation in the Chandragiri hills, although it was British colonialism that saw it expand as a major commercial resource.

John Fowler is said to have started the first coffee plantation in Coorg in 1854 and it wasn’t long before more were set up, with many Kodavas contributing to its increasing cultivation. The soft and delicate sweet-smelling white flowers, and red ripe berries are a beautiful sight as they stand out among the green leaves of the coffee bushes and other trees in the plantation.

November to January is the harvest season for the Arabica variety while for Robusta it is from December to the early months of the new year. Coffee is an extremely important aspect of the local economy, as India is the third-largest nation for coffee production and exporting in Asia.

So don’t be surprised if you look at the packaging of your favourite coffee powder and notice its origins in the district of Kodagu!

Images: 001 - View of a coffee plantation, Coorg 002, 003 - coffee blossoms 004, 005 - growing coffee beans 006 - coffee plucker 007 - drying beans
Image credits - Clare Arni
Text - Nitya Devaiah
.studio

01/08/2022

Cuisine Papera is a popular restaurant in Gonikoppal, over a decade old. Founded and run by Adengada Rajesh Achaiah, this restaurant is known not just for its food, but also for its display of traditional artefacts and antique heritage objects from around Coorg.

The objects were collected personally by its owner, and includes farm implements like ploughs, different kinds of pots, pans and baskets, fish traps, cradles, kitchen tools like rice measures, puttu presses, ladles, and even musical instruments.

According to Kodavaclan.com Rajesh had the pet name ‘pape’ during his college days. In Yarava Thakk or dialect, Pape means ‘Sir’. This title became the origin of the Restaurant’s name. It is an eye opening experience to see the different kinds of objects that were important for daily life in Coorg, some of which are no longer in use. The next time you're passing through Gonikoppal, don't miss out on engaging with this collection of local history!

India Foundation for the Arts
Nitin Kushalappa
Lina Vincent
Upasana
roy
SWITCH

28/07/2022

Oral tradition is an important way by which knowledge is passed on and this is especially true when it comes to folk traditions.

While orality is still a part of cultural transmission, it is useful to document it for future generations to learn from. The Pattole Palame is a collection of Kodava folk songs and traditions compiled by Nadikerianda Chinappa (1875-1931) that was published in 1924.

As mentioned in its second edition that came out in 1975 by University of Mysore, Pattole Palame is among the earliest collections of a community’s folklore that has been written in an Indian language. In this case, the script used was Kannada as it was the court language followed in Kodagu during the rule of the Lingayat Rajas.

The author’s grandchildren, Boverianda Nanjamma and Chinappa, took on the mammoth task of translating the text into English, which was published in 2003 by Rupa and Co. The text is a helpful introduction and guide to the different rituals performed by the Kodavas for births, weddings, festivals, and funerals, apart from including multiple folk songs that are sung at special occasions.

While the 700-odd pages may seem intimidating, the Pattole Palame is an invaluable text that many Kodavas refer to in their efforts to continue their ancestral traditions.

Featured here is the hard-cover book published in 2003, and images of an original version copied in handwriting by Bachiraniyanda Annaiah, artist and folklorist. The compilation continues to be safely preserved with Kunjalgiri Muckatira Smitha Cariappa, after being handed to her by the Chinappa’s.

Images:
001 - Portrait of Boverianda Nanjamma and Chinappa by Clare Arni
002 - Photo of Bachiraniyanda Annaiah 003 - Pattole Palame 2003, Rupa and Co, along with the handwritten book by Bachiraniyanda Annaiah 004 - View of page spread, Pattole Palame 005 - View of page spread, Pattole Palame

Credits:
Images : Lina Vincent;
Text : Devayya,
book reference : Smitha Cariappa
India Foundation for the Arts Nitin Kushalappa M P 'OBJECTSPEAK' SWITCH

15/07/2022

A thundering build up of the chenda drums usually heralds the start of a ritual performance.

The vibrations of drums can often change the energy of a place and serve to generate a meditative state.

Traditionally, the dudi or the small drums native to Kodagu, were used in these practices. However, the chenda, a larger drum popular in Kerala is now prominently seen across Kodagu (over the past decade or more) and in other neighbouring southern states. The Chenda and the Dudi both come into play during different parts of a ritual.

Seen here are a group of drummers playing a rhythm in preparation of the arrival of the Theray performer, who is about to take on the persona of the deity Vishnumurthy.

The troupe usually includes the Theray performers – those who wear elaborate costumes and painted faces and are sometimes of Kerala origins; and the Thirale performers, who are Kodavas wearing traditional costumes.

The beating drums, sometimes slow, at other times reaching a frenzy, match the trance-like actions and movements of the Theray and Thirale performers.
Shree Makki Shastavu temple festival, Bethu, May 2022

Courtesy of Lina Vincent

.studio

14/07/2022

This verse is part of the Kaarana paat (ancestor song). Many of the folk songs reiterate the beauty of the native land, and liken it to a garland of gold.

Most of the folk songs have seven syllables in each line which is followed by a pause. The songs are usually not memorised, and singers often improvise versions when they perform.

The Kaarana paat (a song in praise of a clan’s ancestors), sung by Palandira Devaiah and his fellow clansmen at the Palandira Ainmane of Parane village, and recorded by Dr. John Napier on 8th September 2008
.studio

25/06/2022

The different Kodava clans are recognised by their distinctive family name, which form part of the regional identity of the community. The various clans, some of whom are spread across the globe, carry forward riveting family lore, often passed down to younger generations through oral histories told by the elders. There are objects and photographs, bits and pieces of memorabilia, documents and public artifacts attached to fascinating stories that bring to light underlying nuances of collective memory. If you have come across any intriguing, scary, ridiculous, inspiring, or rib-tickling stories, please share these Community Histories with us by filling out this form: Link in bio or write to us at [email protected]

07/06/2022

There have been many outstanding contributions by the Kodava community to the field of the armed services in India. Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa (1899 – 1993) was independent India’s first Indian Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C). He was commissioned into the British Indian Army in 1919 and went on to serve in postings like Peshawar, Quetta, Mesopotamia (today in Iraq), and Burma (present-day Myanmar) as an officer of the Rajput Regiment. His commendable service during the Second World War and after proved his abilities and defied the notion that Indians were incapable of handling the responsibilities that came with larger commands. In 1949, he was appointed as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C), a post that would later be renamed as the Chief of Army Staff. He retired in 1953 but took up the post of High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand, completing his tenure in 1956. In recognition of his commendable service to the nation, he was conferred the rank of Field Marshal, the highest rank in the Indian Army, in 1986. He passed away in 1993 in Bangalore. Gen. Kodandera Subayya Thimayya (1906-1965) served as the Chief of Army Staff in the Indian Army from 1957 to 1961. A member of the Kodandera family, he was one of the few Indian cadets to undergo training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, before being commissioned into the Army in 1926. His service during the Second World War was recognised by the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O) that was awarded to him. After receiving the Padma Bhushan in 1954 for his service, he continued to rise up in rank in independent India as well, eventually being appointed as the Chief of Army Staff. He retired in 1961. He was then asked to work with the United Nations as the Commander of UN Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP) in 1964, where he eventually passed away during his term. Today, his residence at Madikeri, Sunny Side, is now home to the General Thimayya Museum which commemorates his remarkable life.

(Images include a tableau of the achievements of Field Marshal Cariappa, and the statues of Field Marshal Cariappa, General Thimmayya and Major Mangerira Muthanna who was martyred in 2000 in Kashmir)