New Book Explores the Origins of the Kodava Community

The book marks the 12th publication by Bopanna, who has spent much of his post-journalism career documenting and promoting Kodagu’s heritage, landscape, cuisine and people. Photo Courtesy: PT Bopanna

Bengaluru/Madikeri: A new book examining the origins of the Kodava community has been released by senior journalist and author P.T. Bopanna. Titled Who are the Kodavas (Coorgs)?, the publication draws on the community’s first genetic study to explore questions surrounding its ancestry and historical evolution.

According to a statement issued by Bopanna, the book examines scientific findings that offer fresh perspectives on the origins of the Kodavas, a close-knit community native to Kodagu district in Karnataka.

The research was led by Professor Buttiyanda Kuttapa Thelma, popularly known as B.K. Thelma, who hails from Kodagu. Her research team included scientists from the University of Delhi’s South Campus and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad.

Bopanna credited Thelma and her team with providing important scientific insights into the long-standing questions surrounding the community’s ancestry.

The genetic research also contributes to the broader understanding of population genetics in India. It highlights how communities with relatively small populations can possess complex genetic histories shaped by migration, geographical isolation and social practices over several centuries, Bopanna said.

The book marks the 12th publication by Bopanna, who has spent much of his post-journalism career documenting and promoting Kodagu’s heritage, landscape, cuisine and people.

After completing his journalism studies at Bhavan’s College of Journalism in Mumbai, Bopanna began his professional career in 1981 as The Hindu’s Coorg correspondent.

He subsequently spent 12 years with The Times of India in Bengaluru, joining as a reporter in June 1984 and leaving as principal correspondent. In August 1996, he joined The Pioneer as a special correspondent in Bengaluru, covering predominantly political developments for 13 years.

From 1998, he also worked for six years as the Associated Press’s Bengaluru stringer, reporting general news, with a particular focus on human-interest stories.

Following four decades in journalism, Bopanna retired in 2010 and has since dedicated his efforts to highlighting Kodagu’s identity, traditions and distinctive cultural heritage.

To advertise on The Kodagu Express website, kindly call us at 9108795369 or mail us at thekodaguexpress@gmail.com 

Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Group: CLICK HERE 

Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter)