There is opposition to releasing the findings of research
Blood samples of 100 couples to be drawn for DNA tests Kodava tribe is said to be 2,000 years old Research team asked to be cautious while dealing with sensitive issues There is apprehension that research findings may divide the community
Virajpet (Kodagu Dt.) :
Kodagu Natural Sciences Society has launched a unique initiative to trace the origin of Kodavas by ascertaining the ancestry, customs, culture, language and a study of genealogy by the Kodagu Natural Sciences Research Society.
A research professor from Delhi University has drawn 150 blood samples of selected Kodava families for conducting the DNA test. This was revealed at a seminar organised by the Akhila Kodava Samaja here on Friday, attended by representatives of various Kodava Samaj units, prominent Kodavas and office-bearers of society. The significance of the research will be to carry out DNA tests on Kodavas to trace their origin and roots.
Society president Lt. Gen. B.C. Nanda said Kodavas inhabited Kodagu 2,000 years ago. The first recorded instance of Kodavas was found in 1174 AD during Hoysala dynasty in the State. Kodava was the only community that accepted the “gotra” system other than non-Muslim and non-Christian communities, he said.
Speaking in favour of tracing the origins of Kodavas, Gen. Nanda said modern scientific inputs gave ample opportunities to take up research work. Along with the DNA test, socio-cultural aspects, somatometry (physical measurements on various attributes) and demography should go hand-in-hand to corroborate the theory. The final report will be submitted to Akhila Kodava Samaja president Matanda.C. Monnappa.
Gen. Nanda said the pilot project started involving nine couples aged between 20 and 40. As many as 100 DNA samples will be drawn from Kodavas living in all parts of Kodagu. The outcome of the study will be kept confidential.
The former president of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy B.P. Appanna, who did not approve of the idea, said a report on the scientific study on Kodavas can turn out to be sensitive. The principal investigator of the study team is M.A. Abdul Kalam, Department of Anthropology, University of Madras, Chennai, and the project coordinator is Xavier Raj from the Social and Environmental Research Centre, Chennai. The cost estimated for carrying out the study is Rs. 11.80 lakhs.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Jeevan Chinnappa / February 18th, 2006
