Four dudipatkaras (bards) sing the history of the clans. Kodagu's rich oral tradition was used to hand down the history, culture and social practices of the people. From the book The Vanishing Kodavas (Eminence Designs, Rs 7,500). Text by Kaveri Ponnapa, photographs by Sudeep Gurtu.
A spectacular vista of the northern hills of Kodagu (Coorg). From the book The Vanishing Kodavas (Eminence Designs, Rs 7,500). Text by Kaveri Ponnapa, photographs by Sudeep Gurtu.
Decorated votive terracotta dogs, offered at a village shrine to the God of the Hunt. From the book The Vanishing Kodavas (Eminence Designs, Rs 7,500). Text by Kaveri Ponnapa, photographs by Sudeep Gurtu.
Tere (oracle) of Kaliyatanda Ajjappa, a legendary sorcerer and hero, led by two Kodavas. From the book The Vanishing Kodavas (Eminence Designs, Rs 7,500). Text by Kaveri Ponnapa, photographs by Sudeep Gurtu.
Dancers take a break during kudi aat, an ancient war dance, in which the sleeve of the right arm is left empty in honour of the dead heroes of the land. From the book The Vanishing Kodavas (Eminence Designs, Rs 7,500). Text by Kaveri Ponnapa, photographs by Sudeep Gurtu.
Pariyakali is a stylised duel between two men, from the days when feuds and wars were a way of life. From the book The Vanishing Kodavas (Eminence Designs, Rs 7,500). Text by Kaveri Ponnapa, photographs by Sudeep Gurtu.
A wicker basket filled with symbolic offerings of food is exchanged at weddings, forging the bonds of alliance and friendship between clans. From the book The Vanishing Kodavas (Eminence Designs, Rs 7,500). Text by Kaveri Ponnapa, photographs by Sudeep Gurtu.
Udiyanda Ponnappa, 83 years old, still sings the songs of the land with the bards from his village. From the book The Vanishing Kodavas (Eminence Designs, Rs 7,500). Text by Kaveri Ponnapa, photographs by Sudeep Gurtu.
Dawn breaks over the forest shrine of Mythilappa, where men have sung and danced through the night in honour of the deity. From the book The Vanishing Kodavas (Eminence Designs, Rs 7,500). Text by Kaveri Ponnapa, photographs by Sudeep Gurtu.