KODAGU AINMANES BOOK HITS THE STANDS
By P.T. Bopanna
The much-awaited book on ‘Ainmanes of Kodagu’, authored by Boverianda Chinnappa and Nanjamma Chinnappa, researcher couple, has hit the stands.
The authors wrote the book after extensive fieldwork in the Kodagu district (Coorg) of Karnataka, to record for posterity the way of life that the ainmanes symbolise.
In a chat, the couple told www.coorgtourisminfo.com, the first news portal of Kodagu, that the book was unique, because it traces the origins and antiquity of the ancestral homes of all the native communities in Kodagu. “It also describes the social and cultural significance of these ancestral homes, which are important elements of the rich heritage of the native communities of this area.”
The focus of the book is on the traditional ainmanes of Kodagu that are functional. A ‘traditional’ ainmane has a verandah in front with carved square wooden pillars tapering upwards and wooden seats between the pillars, ornately carved windows and door frames, and specific areas within the ainmane for the performance of rituals. A ‘functional’ ainmane is where all the members of the okka gather to celebrate important ceremonies.
The book describes the ainmanes (ancestral homes) of the native communities in Kodagu (Coorg) and their socio-cultural significance. Ainmanes are architectural symbols and expressions of the heritage and culture of the people living in this distinctive district of Karnataka in South India. They bear testimony to the strength and vitality of the okkas (patrilineal clans) of Kodagu and their culture. These ainmanes and the traditions associated with them continue to play a significant role in the lives of the people of Kodagu to this day.
According to the authors, the traditional ainmanes that are still standing today account for only about 40% of the ainmanes that were built in Kodagu. Many of them are currently in a state of disrepair or are in a dilapidated condition; many have been altered and modernized as simple houses. The Chinnappas expressed their apprehension that if this trend continues, these heritage buildings and the unique traditions, customs, festivals and rituals that are associated with them will probably vanish in the not too distant future. “If they vanish, so will the heritage of a people, their way of life and their collective memories,” they added.
The authors said their aim was to raise awareness of the cultural significance of the ainmanes of Kodagu and of their current condition, and hopefully encourage efforts to maintain and preserve these heritage buildings for generations to come.
The cover illustration for the book was painted by well-known cartoonist, Nadikerianda (N.S.) Ponnappa. The book has been published by Niyogi Books, Delhi.
As far as individual ainmanes are concerned, information collected and photographs of each ainmane visited by the couple are on the website www.ainmanes.com that complements the book. The work on the website is in progress.