Madikeri:
The Codava National Council (CNC) solemnly observed “Pathalodhi,” the 10th day following Talacauvery’s sacred Theerthodbhava, on October 26, 2025, at three emblematic locations in Kodagu: Mullusoge War Memorials, Madikeri Fort, and Naalnaad Palace.
Led by CNC Chairman N.U. NachappaCodava, the rituals honored valiant Codava warriors who repelled invasions and mourned the systematic genocide of indigenous Codavas under tyrannical regimes spanning 1633 to 1834.
At Mullusoge, near present-day Kushalnagar on the Cauvery banks, CNC paid homage to Codava fighters who clashed over 32 times with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan’s forces, triumphing to shield Codavaland from Mysore Sultanate incursions. Oblations (Meedhi) were offered, revering these defenders as guardians of homeland sovereignty.
Morning ceremonies at Madikeri Fort (9:30 AM) commemorated over 40,000 Codavas butchered within its walls by alien rulers, including the elimination of 842 clans by Tipu Sultan and Raja families. The fort, a 201-year testament to barbarism—chaining, dragging, and executions byChaadiSiddi (spies) enforcers—still evokes the stench of blood, the CNC asserted.
Tipu’sDevattparamb massacre under a false peace treaty exemplified this treachery, as did rulers’ betrayal of loyal Codava soldiers. Meedhi rituals sought eternal peace for these souls and strength for CNC’s pursuit of Scheduled Tribe (ST) classification and geopolitical autonomy.
At Naalnaad Palace in Yevakapadi (12:30 PM), floral tributes and oblations remembered Codava clans eradicated by the Keladhi/Paaleri dynasty. Women were abducted for royal lust, their infants hurled into “NagaariKund” pits to thwart succession claims. Disobedient clans faced beheadings by African Kaapala mercenaries imported via Malabar. The Puliyanda clan’s resistance to land seizure for the palace led to leader Karicha’s elephant-trampling execution. Dr.MastiVenkateshaIyengar’sJnanpith-winning novel “ChikaviraRajendra” chronicles these atrocities, the CNC noted.
The CNC condemned post-independence “democratic dictatorship” for perpetuating Codava marginalization, exploiting their mercenary legacy only to suppress them. Demanding repentance, the council urged the Government of India (GOI) and Government of Karnataka (GOK) to grant ST status, 6th Schedule autonomy, and constitutional protection for the “Gun-Thok” sacrament under Articles 25 and 26. A dedicated census code in the 2026–27 enumeration is essential to recognize Codavas as a mono-ethnic Animistic tribe, distinct from caste or religion.
Attendees alongside Nachappa included ChambandaJanath, Nandetira Ravi Subbaiah, Thennira Mina, Areyada Girish, Puttichanda Don Devaiah, ApparandaViju, Apparanda Prasad, NandineravandaBopanna, ApparandaPrakash, ApparandaVivek, MekeriraBabbu, AreyadaSavan, Kupadhira Rani Monnapa, and KupadhiraMonnappa, who participated in the reverent rites.