BENGALURU: A major new book titled ‘Who are the Kodavas (Coorgs)?’ authored by veteran journalist PT Bopanna sheds light on the long-debated origins of the Kodava community from Kodagu, Karnataka, driven by the community’s first comprehensive genetic study.At the heart of these scientific revelations is Coorg-born Professor Buttiyanda Kuttapa Thelma (BK Thelma), a pioneering figure in Indian genetics and genomics research.Her research team—comprising experts from the University of Delhi South Campus and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad—analyzed genomic signatures from Kodava samples to map their genetic distances and affinities with other populations.A Living Archive of South Asian GeneticsWhile the community presents a unified external culture, the genetic analysis uncovers a far more intricate picture. The study highlights three distinct subgroups within the Kodavas, each shaped by varying degrees of isolation, genetic drift, and admixture, rendering the community a living archive of South Asia’s complex population history.Complementing the scientific findings, sociologist Prof. Neravanda Veena Poonacha contributes a vital chapter emphasizing that Kodava socio-cultural heritage cannot be reduced to genetics or colonial race theories. Instead, she notes that their identity has dynamically evolved through centuries of trade, wars, migrations, and cultural interactions, remaining uniquely distinct yet deeply connected to broader South Indian cultural currents.A Comprehensive ChroniclePublished by Bengaluru-based Prism Books, this release marks the twelfth book by author PT Bopanna. The volume features a dedicated synopsis section covering his previous works, offering readers a ready-reference overview of Coorg’s history, culture, religion, tourism, economy, and its celebrated military generals.The paperback edition is currently available for readers on Amazon.
