Kodaga in India

The Kodaga have only been reported in India
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Subgroups: 2

Subgroup Name Population
Kapali 14,000
Amma 2,000

Introduction / History

The Kodagu (also known as the Coorg) live in the Coorg district of Karnataka State, southwestern India. The word kodagu literally means situated to the west, and their district, Coorg, stands in the ridges of the Western Ghat Mountains. The forested area is rugged and hilly with a high annual rainfall. They speak a South Dravidian language that is also called Kodagu.

The Kodagu, known as a "little nation of warriors," have been praised for their courageous nature, honor, and loyalty. They have always been involved in political movements and fought bravely on the battle fields, gaining much respect for these efforts. It is said that war and agriculture are their twin occupations. For their bravery, the Kodagu have been honored with medals, swords, land, and money, both by the Indians and by the British. They are rugged, athletic, war-like people, who are proud of their lands and their ancestry.


What Are Their Lives Like?

In times past, every Kodagu village was self-sufficient. They had workers in many occupations, such as potters, blacksmiths, carpenters, goldsmiths, and barbers. Their prosperity waned, however, and they have since sought other jobs, such as working on coffee plantations or doing other types of agricultural labor. Both men and women are industrious and disciplined. In addition to their work in the home, the ladies also bear the brunt of the labor on the farms.

Modern individualism is adversely affecting the unity that was once found in Kodagu families. Traditionally, families were led by the fathers. However, today the discontented younger generation is continuing to breakdown this system by becoming more individualistic. It is also becoming more common for families to sub-divide their property in order to help maintain the land and pay the land taxes. In an effort to restore the "community spirit" that once existed, the Indian government has sponsored many community development projects.

Kodagu houses are typically situated beside the rice paddy fields and are surrounded by plantain, orange, and other trees. Their homes are raised off the ground and are always built facing the East. Large family houses, where families gather for rituals, are built of stone and mortar, with solid, carved wood work. High-walled lanes lead up to these buildings.

The Kodagu traditionally wear long coats with silk sashes tied around their waists, sheathed swords at their sides, and turbans on their head. On ceremonial occasions, knives are also worn at their waists. The women wear scarves on their heads. Kodagu women have a reputation for being industrious and hospitable.

There are innumerable castes within the Indian society, of which the Kodagu are a part. There are different families and ethnic tribal groups in every village that have formed strong ties with one another. Nonetheless, the Kodagu strictly observe the caste hierarchy and do not form relationships with those of other castes. Even food that has been cooked by someone of a lower caste is considered off limits.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kodagu, like all Hindus, believe in the law of karma, which states that every action influences how the soul will be born in the next reincarnation. If one is born into a higher caste, it is believed to have been caused by his good works in a past life. They also practice ancestor worship, particularly the first member of their family who is known as the Karanova. They believe that the Karanova is God himself and that by worshiping him, they are worshiping God directly. In addition, each village has a presiding god to which animal sacrifices are offered.


What Are Their Needs?

There only a few known Christians among the Kodagu. Prayer is the key to reaching these people with the Gospel.


Prayer Points

Ask God to encourage and protect the few known Kodagu Christians.
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Kodagu towards the Gospel.
Pray that God will raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the soil through worship and intercession.
Pray that the Lord will raise up long term workers to join the few who have already responded.


Scripture Prayers for the Kodaga in India.


Profile Source:   Bethany World Prayer Center  

People Name General Kodaga
People Name in Country Kodaga
Alternate Names Coorg; Coorgi; Kodalagiri; Korava; कोडावा
Population this Country 135,000
Population all Countries 135,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 3
People ID 17228
ROP3 Code 112594
ROP25 Code 304092
ROP25 Name Kodava / Kodaga
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Karnataka, Coorg (Kodagu) District, around Mercara, bordering on Malayalam to the south   Source:  Joshua Project
Total States on file 3
Largest States
Karnataka
134,000
Maharashtra
200
Andaman and Nicobar
70
Districts Interactive map, listing and data download
Specialized Website South Asia Peoples
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Karnataka, Coorg (Kodagu) District, around Mercara, bordering on Malayalam to the south.   Source:  Joshua Project
Total States 3
  Karnataka 134,000
  Maharashtra 200
  Andaman and Nicobar 70
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
100.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Kodava (102,000 speakers)
Language Code kfa   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
Kannada
8,900
Malayalam
2,500
Primary Language Kodava (102,000 speakers)
Language Code kfa   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
  Kannada 8,900
  Malayalam 2,500
People Groups Speaking Kodava

Primary Language:  Kodava

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1873)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (2017)
Bible-Complete No
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
General Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Kodava YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Kodava YouVersion Bibles
Photo Source Pavan Muthappa 
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.  
Profile Source Bethany World Prayer Center 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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