.png)
Madikeri: The Codava National Council (CNC) has urged the Indian government to rectify historical census records and officially recognize Codavas as a distinct ethnic and racial group. The memorandum, addressed to multiple Union ministries, highlights concerns over Codavas being misclassified as a caste in census records from 1941 onwards, a move CNC describes as a "historical injustice."
CNC President N.U. Nachappa Codava, in the petition, emphasised that British-era census records (1871-1931) correctly identified Codavas as a separate ethnic community. However, from 1941 onwards, they were grouped under the broad Hindu category, erasing their distinct identity. "This misrepresentation must be corrected, and references to caste in connection with Codavas should be removed," the memorandum states.
The CNC’s demands include:
Nullification of incorrect census records from 1941 to 2011.
Reinstatement of Codava racial identity, acknowledging their unique customs, traditions, and language.
Amendment of the Constitution to protect Codavas from marginalization and assimilation.
The CNC has called upon the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation to take necessary action. The petition has also been sent to the President and Prime Minister of India, as well as international bodies such as the United Nations Population Science Department and the UN Statistics Division.
Codavas, the indigenous people of Kodagu (Coorg), have a distinct martial heritage, unique language (Codava Thak), and specific cultural practices that set them apart from other communities. The CNC argues that the lack of formal recognition has led to marginalization, loss of identity, and exclusion from policy frameworks.
Anthropologist Dr. M.A. Kalam, in support of the CNC’s claims, stated that Codavas were never part of the Hindu caste system and were listed separately in pre-1941 censuses. "It is high time Codavas reclaim their distinct identity in census records," he said.
CNC leaders stressed that failure to recognize Codavas as a distinct race could lead to the gradual erasure of their unique culture and identity. "Our numbers are dwindling, and without legal protection, our existence is at risk," said Nachappa Codava.
To advertise on The Kodagu Express website, kindly call us at 9108795369 or mail us at thekodaguexpress@gmail.com
Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Group: CLICK HERE
Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter)
Comments