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As Karnataka celebrates Rajyotsava, the merger of Kodagu with Karnataka in 1956 under the States Reorganisation Act serves as a stark reminder of a region’s rich heritage that has been sidelined.
Kodagu, or Coorg as it was then known, was not just a district but a state with its own legislature and a chief minister until 1956. The transition from being an independent administrative unit to merely a district within Karnataka has not only diluted Kodagu's political identity but has also constrained its development and representation.
Kodagu's merger was part of a larger national effort to reorganise states based on linguistic lines. However, the cultural and historical uniqueness of Kodagu was overshadowed by its assimilation into the larger Mysore State, which eventually became Karnataka.
In its heyday, Kodagu had a Legislative Assembly formed in 1924, with 24 seats across 18 constituencies, making it a significant political entity in its own right. In 1951, Kodagu held its first and only election as an independent state before the reorganization. By merging with Mysore, Kodagu lost its legislative independence and the ability to directly influence policy-making at the state level.
Over the decades, this loss of statehood has been felt deeply by the people of Kodagu. The 2008 delimitation exercise further diminished Kodagu’s political influence, reducing its representation to only two assembly constituencies. To add to this, Kodagu's representation in the Lok Sabha has been merged with the Mysore constituency, effectively minimizing the district's voice in both the state and national arenas. Local issues specific to Kodagu often get overshadowed by the larger priorities of Mysore and other areas.
This reduced representation has impacted Kodagu’s infrastructure, development, and socio-economic growth. Kodagu grapples with severe environmental issues like deforestation, illegal encroachment, and degradation of its unique ecosystem, which includes the birthplace of the Cauvery River. Unchecked real estate activities and illegal encroachments have intensified the occurrence of floods, landslides, and other natural disasters, posing a significant threat to the lives and livelihoods of the people of Kodagu.
In the foreword to Rise and Fall of the Coorg State, written by senior journalist P.T. Bopanna, C.M. Ramachandra, the former head of The Hindu newspaper in Karnataka, lamented that on November 1, 1956, Kodagu “vanished, unsung and unwept, from the political map of India.” This powerful quote resonates deeply with Kodagu’s current plight, as many in the region feel a sense of alienation and a longing for the return of their distinct identity.
A growing number of Kodagu residents and local organizations are now demanding the restoration of Kodagu's statehood or at least more autonomy to address their unique challenges.
As Karnataka celebrates its statehood, it is essential to reflect on the regions within it that have been left behind. Kodagu, with its rich heritage, deserves more than just a commemorative nod; it needs recognition and empowerment.
The Karnataka government should take concrete steps to address the developmental needs of Kodagu and give its people a stronger voice in the governance of their land. A genuine commitment to preserving Kodagu’s heritage and addressing its environmental and socio-economic concerns is the need of the hour. Without this, Kodagu will remain a forgotten entity, one with a lost legacy that deserves to be remembered and revitalized.
Corrections & Clarifications: In the second paragraph of this article, it was previously stated that Kodagu was a princely state. This is incorrect. Coorg State was abolished on 1 November 1956 as per the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, and its territory was merged with Mysore State (later renamed Karnataka in 1973). We apologise for the oversight and have updated the article accordingly.
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