Opinion|Entering ‘Codava’ in Census: A Step Towards Statutory Recognition

Entering  CODAVA in the CENSUS document is a Significant milestone for Statutory/ Constitutional ratification

1) The Codavas' Animistic beliefs are deeply rooted in their connection with nature and the reverence they hold for various elements of the natural world. Their spiritual practices encompass a wide range of aspects, including:

* Nature worship: Revering Mother Earth, Mother Nature, and the divine River Cauvery.

* Sacred sites: Honoring burial grounds, sacred Mandh, divine forests, and holy mountains.

* Ancestral reverence: Paying respects to departed souls and ancestors.

* Symbolic elements: Valuing sacramental weapons and the significance of flora and fauna.

2) These elements are essential to the Codavas' Animistic worldview, reflecting their profound respect for the natural world and their place within it.

3) The Codavas are indeed a unique ethnic community with a distinct identity, culture, and history. Their Animistic beliefs and warrior traditions have been recognized in British-era documents, including the first national census in 1871–72, which documented them as a separate race or ethnic group. This historical recognition is significant in understanding the Codavas' identity and their place within the broader cultural landscape of India.

4) The historical records, including Lingaraja's "Hukumnaama" from the 18th century, further solidify the Codavas' distinct identity as a separate racial or ethnic group. These documents provide valuable insights into the community's history, culture, and traditions, highlighting their unique characteristics and contributions to the region's heritage.

5) The Codava community's call for recognition of their distinct identity in the upcoming caste censuses is aimed at securing constitutional protection and preserving their unique cultural heritage. By asserting their identity, the Codavas seek to ensure their rights and interests are safeguarded, while also contributing to the rich cultural diversity of the nation. This effort is not intended to disrupt the religious fabric of the country but rather to promote understanding and recognition of the community's specific needs and concerns.

6) The Codava community's assertion of their distinct identity is a testament to their pride in their heritage and their commitment to preserving their unique cultural traditions. As indigenous Animists, they bring a valuable perspective to the rich tapestry of Indian culture. By recognizing and respecting their identity, we can foster greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity that makes India so vibrant and resilient. Long live the Codava community and their enduring legacy!

7) The Codava community's call for recognition is about preserving their unique identity, culture, and heritage while ensuring their rights and interests are protected. As indigenous Animists, they contribute to India's rich cultural diversity. Their effort aims to promote understanding and recognition, not disruption. By asserting their identity, Codavas seek to safeguard their place within India's diverse cultural landscape.

8) This sense of dual pride can foster a strong sense of belonging and community, allowing individuals to celebrate their distinct traditions while being part of the larger Indian fabric.

9) Just like the significance of the Jordan River in Christianity and Judaism, the River Cauvery holds a sacred and revered position in the Animistic beliefs of the Codavas. The reverence for natural elements and sacred sites is a common thread across various cultures and faiths, highlighting the deep connection humans have with the environment and their spiritual practices.

10) In Islam, the Zamzam Well in Mecca is considered a sacred site, and pilgrims often drink from its water or take it back home as a blessing. The water is believed to have spiritual significance and is revered by Muslims worldwide. Just like the Codavas' reverence for the River Cauvery, or Christians and Jews for the Jordan River, the Zamzam Well holds a special place in Islamic tradition.

11) The Kurds, like many other cultures, have a deep connection with the natural world and consider the Euphrates and Tigris rivers sacred. These rivers have played a significant role in the history, culture, and livelihoods of the people in the region, and their reverence reflects the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the environment. The connection between communities and their natural surroundings is a universal theme that transcends geographical boundaries.

12) The Dharmasthala Temple, a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Manjunatha, has been managed by the Jain Bunt family, specifically the Pergade dynasty of Digambara Jains, for centuries. Veerendra Heggade, the current Dharmadhikari (hereditary administrator), belongs to this family and has been overseeing the temple's activities since 1968. Despite being Jains themselves, the Heggade family has been entrusted with the responsibility of managing the Hindu temple.

13) Dr. Veerendra Heggade, the Dharmadhikari of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, is a Jain by religion. Despite managing a prominent Hindu temple, his personal faith remains Jainism. In the caste census, it is likely he will identify as Jain, reflecting his religious affiliation rather than the temple's Hindu tradition.

14) The Codavas' religious ritual cycle indeed revolves around the holy River Cauvery, which is considered sacred and lifegiving. Similarly, the Sarna religious group of the Santhal tribe in Jharkhand has its own sacred sites and rituals. Like the Codavas, the Santhals have their religious cycle revolving around the holy River Damodar.

15) The Himalayas are sacred in Tibetan culture, and several elements within this majestic range hold deep spiritual significance. While Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are particularly revered, Kanchenjunga is also a notable peak with cultural importance.

* Mount Kailash: Considered the center of the universe by many, it is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Bonpo practitioners.

* Lake Manasarovar: A sacred lake near Mount Kailash, it is a site for spiritual purification and renewal.

* Kanchenjunga: While not as directly associated with Tibetan spirituality as Mount Kailash, Kanchenjunga is a revered mountain and a significant cultural symbol.

16) These natural wonders are integral to Tibetan heritage and continue to inspire spiritual growth, cultural identity, and a deep connection to the natural world.

17) The common elements in religious rituals and practices across different ethnic groups, races, and faiths reflect shared human experiences and cultural exchanges. However, these similarities do not imply that all religions are the same or that they should be merged into one.

18) Each religion has its unique:

* Beliefs: Distinctive tenets, doctrines, and philosophies shape the identity of each faith.

* Practices: Rituals, customs, and traditions vary significantly across religions.

* Cultural context: Religions are deeply rooted in specific cultural, historical, and social contexts.

19) Recognizing and respecting these differences is crucial for fostering interfaith understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

20) Diversity in religion and culture is a hallmark of human society. While different faiths and ethnic groups share common elements in their rituals and practices, such as reverence for divine rivers, sacred mountains, rituals of birth and death, or the use of symbols and sacred spaces, these similarities do not imply a single, unified religion. Each faith and culture has its own distinct beliefs, practices, and historical context that give it a unique identity.

21) The Animistic Yezidi people hold Mount Ararat in the Middle East as sacred.

22) All the three Sufi Dargas in Kodagu— Kurikmaad Darga in Kuthnaad, Painary Darga in Kunjila of Paadinaad, and Emmemaad Darga in Nelajinaad—have been hereditarily managed by indigenous mono-ethnic Codavas for hundreds of years. But that does not mean that we Codavas should adopt or imbibe Sufism.

23) Codavaland is surrounded by Tulunaad, Malabar and Mysore. Many shrines in Kodagu of these regions are managed by indigenous Codavas. That does not make these Codavas as Tuluvas or Malabarians or Mysorians. Administration is different from their own customs and beliefs and ethnicities.

24) Now it is time to rejuvenate and reverberate our unique space, to be statutorily ratified by entering as "CODAVA" only in all the columns of caste census enumeration by the State Government. This will be the stepping stone for Codavas to further solidify our authentic entry in the 2026–27 National Population Census along with the first-ever All India caste census after independence initiated by the Union Government of India. This recognition will determine the Codava claim for political reservation in the electoral delimitation exercise and ensure all-round politico-economic empowerment.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Kodagu Express. The publication assumes no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or the validity of the information presented.

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