Nuggets from Coorg History [Jan 01, 2008] Belliappa, C.P.

by C.P. Belliappa

Nuggets from Coorg History encapsulates the history of Kodagu from 1600 to 1956 in twenty engaging stories. The prominent community of this landlocked province-the Kodavas, or the Coorgs though fiercely independent and of warrior class never ruled the land under one of their own rulers. They were fractious which made them an easy target for domination by forces outside their domain. Kodavas, now a progressive community were unlettered until the British introduced education in 1834 and hence their is an oral history passed down over generations. In this book, Belliappa brings to life the dramatis personae who influenced and shaped the destiny of Coorg.

Genres: India

173 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Varun Nayak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beginning from the late sixteenth century when the Haleri Kings from Ikkeri ensconced themselves on the throne of Kodagu to the merger of the region into Karnataka post independence, the book is a journal on Coorg's history over the last four centuries, told in the form of 20 short stories.

C. P. Belliappa is, without a doubt, an authority on Coorg's history. Instead of focusing only on kings and battles, the stories also give the reader, wonderful insights into the culture of the Kodavas, the traditions they uphold, the festivals they celebrate and so on.

History is a difficult topic to write on; books on the topic seem to be monotonous and boring for the average reader. However, Professor Belliappa must be credited for his style of writing that makes the book a delight even for those of us who are not particularly interested in the past.

[Sharada M P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very interesting & informative, & throws a lot of insights into the culture & attitudes of our ancestors, which has never been discussed or told by our elders, Belliappa has painstakingly collected relevant manuscripts & with his excellent story telling ability has made the book highly readable.
The suffix" Nayaka" , a word from Sanskrit also give us some idea about their ancestry & was obviously replaced by Appa, Anna & Ayya later on to blend with the local population. Its a pity that though the Kodavas were such excellent warriors they allowed themselves to be ruled by outsiders. I recommend this book to be read by all the Kodavas.

[Ruturaj Yadav · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy and interesting read about the lesser known history of a wonderful state, now district, of Kodagu - Coorg. While traveling to Coorg, picked up this book at the homestay and couldn't help but complete it within my short stay there. The author has managed to blow life into the history by the way of his story telling approach. Really think this is how history should ideally be taught to ensure knowledge and retention to the fullest.

[Deepika Cauvery Appaiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book summarises the history of Kodagu in a few pages. The language is simple and helps the reader take one step ahead in knowing a brief history of Kodagu and the people of Kodagu, the Kodavas.

[Chandan Pandey · Rating 4 out of 5]

These kind of book should be available to large section of Indian to understand the real history and diversity of the nation.

[Thash · Rating 4 out of 5]

A jist of the origin of coorg and the description of how the coorgs safeguarded and evolved the culture of the homeland irrespective of the outsiders rule shows their courage , valor and patriotism. If the haleri rulers were ambitious and wanted improvement, probably the growth and development of the place would be tremendous. The author C P Belliapa has done a beautiful work of putting all the nuggests into a series of events that unfolds into the current scenario. However, I thought there was one part of the history missing as to the origin of coorg gowdas who are also a major ethnic group with similar customs and traditions. If that was added I think it would be a complete history. Apart from that I loved the book and it's a good read for those interested in the history of this beautiful place.

[Amit · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful little book. It brings alive the past of one of the most exotic regions of India. Coorg today is known for its contribution to Indian army, hockey and most of all robusta coffee. But, as CP Belliappa's portrayal shows, it has had a fascinating and often violent history, perhaps paling in comparison with the larger undercurrents in the country for the historians but making for a compelling reading for the lay reader.

[Deccancoffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you planning to spend on vocation in Coorg? This book helps you see the beauty of Coorg better. The Coorg know as Scotland of India has aromatic, chilling environment with nice coffee plantations and water streams to cheer all kind of tourists.

[Priya]

Interesting

Brief and informative. The first of its kind on the history of Kodagu that I have read. The writing does get a bit repetitive in parts, but I still recommend it.