Ainmanes of Kodagu

The book describes the ainmanes (ancestral homes) of the native communities in Kodagu (Coorg) and their socio-cultural significance. Ainmanes are architectural symbols and expressions of the heritage and culture of the people living in this distinctive district of Karnataka in South India. They bear testimony to the strength and vitality of the okkas (patrilineal clans) of Kodagu and their culture. These ainmanes and the traditions associated with them continue to play a significant role in the lives of the people of Kodagu to this day. (Info provided by P.T. Bopanna).

Ain-manés are the ancestral homes of the native communities in Koḍagu, and have an important role in their socio-cultural traditions. Each ainmané belongs to an okka (patrilineal clan) that is identified by its mané péda (name of the okka). The traditional ainmanés of Koḍagu have a unique architectural style. Those that are still standing today generally date from about 150 to 250 years ago, and have evolved from the simple balyamanés of earlier times. Currently there are about 1720 okkas in Koḍagu (including about 1040 Koḍava, 320 Gouḍa and 360 okkas of other communities). (Source: ainmanes.com)