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The Coorgs
 The Coorgs form a distinctive group in
Karnataka. Their geographical situation
encouraged them to cling to old-world customs and manners. They are warlike and
lovers of freedom.
On ceremonial occasions, the Coorgs wear a traditional dress. Their rituals
require the use of both Kodagu language and Sanskrit. Their customs have been
under the influence of Hinduism for thousands of years. More recently, they have come under the
influence of Westernization. Thus, in speech, dress, and food habits, the Coorgs
show a fine blend of East and West. They worship Ketrappa and Ayyappa, local
variants of Aryan gods. They go on pilgrimages, bathe in sacred rivers and
worship ancestors. The source of the River Kaveri is the most sacred place for them.
It is called Dakshina Ganga. Coorg had its associations with the heroes and
sages of ancient legends and the Puranas. The Kaveri Mahatme is part of the
Skanda Purana. The Lakshmana Tirtha, a tributary of the river Kaveri, has its origin
in Coorg. The Brahma Giri is sacred to the seven sages.
Languages
Kannada is the main language of the region. The other languages are Telugu,
Urdu, Tamil, Tulu, Konkani, Coorgi, Hindi etc. The foreign languages spoken are English, Persian, and Tibetan.
Kannada script is derived from the Asoka script. It is identical with that of
Telugu.
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