GLIMPSES OF INDIA
COORG
Q/A
1. Where is Coorg situated? What are its main attractions?
Coorg is situated midway between Mysore and Mangalore. It is a
beautiful place often called a drifted piece of heaven. Its main
attractions are its rich flora and fauna. It also has various
entertaining tourist spots like Nisargadhama and Bylakuppe.
2. Why are Kodavus allowed to carry firearms without a license?
The people of Coorg, known as Kodavus, are recognized for
their martial skills and fighting spirit. They have the most
decorated army regiment and are well-known for their discipline.
Due to these reasons, they are allowed to carry firearms without a
license.
3. What shows Coorg might be of Arabic descent?
The people of Coorg wear a peculiar traditional dress known as
the kuppia, which is very similar to a dress worn by people in Arab
countries called the kuffia. This similarity is the basis of this
theory.
4. Why has Coorg been referred to as a place drifted away from
God?
Coorg is full of natural beauty. It is home to evergreen rainforests,
rich flora and fauna, and various tourist attractions. The air of
Coorg smells of coffee, and the sense of calm and beauty often
makes people believe that it was once a part of heaven.
5. What does the author say about the people of Coorg?
The people of Coorg, or Kodavus, are known to be very
welcoming and hospitable. The men of Coorg are known for their
martial skills, and they enjoy sharing stories of their valor. The
women of Coorg are very beautiful and homely.
6. Coorgis are hospitable in nature. Explain.
Yes, Coorgis are hospitable by nature, as they welcome their
guests and tourists with open arms. They enjoy sharing stories of
the valor of their fathers and sons. They have a lot to offer as a
community to people visiting them.
7. Describe the story of the Greek descent of Coorgi people.
It is often said that when Alexander invaded India and his return
became impossible, some of his soldiers decided to settle in
Coorg and married local people. Their traces are still found in
marital ceremonies and religious rites, which are different from
mainstream Hindu practices.
8. Describe about flora and fauna of Coorg?
Coorg is really rich in its flora and fauna as it has every green
rainforest covering 30% of its districts. Various animals like
mahaseer fish, Squirrels, macaques, elephants, slender loris are
found in Coorg adding to its beauty.
9. Coorg has a lot of offer to its tourist. Do you agree?
Yes, Coorg has a lot of offer to its tourist apart from its rich flora
and fauna it has various adventure activities for tourist like river
rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climibing etc. It also has various
tourist places like Nisargadhama, Brahamigiri hills and byllakuppe
to witness.
LONG QUESTIONS-
1. Discuss the stories regarding the descendants of Coorg.
There are 2 fascinating stories about the ancestors of the
people of Coorg, suggesting connections with both Greek and
Arab cultures. One story claims that when Alexander the Great
invaded India with some of his soldiers, they were unable to
return home and decided to settle in Coorg. These soldiers
married local women, and their descendants are believed to
reflect Greek influences in their customs, particularly in their
marital ritual, religious practices and marital rites.
Another story links the Coorgi people to Arabs, based on their
traditional dress, the kuppia. This long black coat, worn with an
embroidered waist belt, resembles the kuffia worn in Arab
countries. These theories highlight the unique cultural blend of
Greek and Arab influences in the Coorgi community's heritage.
2. How do Coorg’s location, people and natural features add to
the diversity of India?
Coorg, located in southern India between Mysore and
Mangalore, adds to the country's diversity with its unique
landscape. Surrounded by coffee plantations, forests, and hills,
it has a cool climate and natural beauty that makes it look like
a part of heaven drifted away on Earth. The people of Coorg,
called Kodavus, have their own language, traditions, and
martial culture. They are also known for their hospitable
nature. They wear a traditional dress called kuppia, has
resemblance with Arab culture. Coorg is also known for its rich
plants and animals, including elephants and the Mahaseer fish.
Tourists can enjoy activities like river rafting, trekking, coffee
plantation tours, and visiting spots like Nisargadhama and
Bylakuppe. Overall, Coorg’s location, people, and nature
contribute to the diverse cultural and natural beauty of India.
