‘Coorg is a coffee producing area in Karnataka State of India. It is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. This land is famous for its rainforests and spices. The writer seems to be fascinated by the beauty of the place and says that it must have come from the Kingdom of God. It is the smallest district of Karnataka.
Important Question and Answers
Q. Where is Coorg situated? What type of place is it?
Ans. Coorg is situated between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It is a very beautiful place and appears as a piece of heaven as if it is drifted from the kingdom of God.
Q. Why is Coorg called the land of rolling hills?
Ans. Coorg is called the land of rolling hills because the city is situated on the gentle sloping hills. The entire area is covered with these hills. Brahmagiri hills has a panoramic view.
Q. What is the story about the Kodavu people’s Greek descent?
Ans. According to one story, the Kodavu people are of Greek descent because a part of Alexander’s army moved south and finally settled there when returning became impractical. These people married amongst the locals.
Q. Why are the people of Coorg known as descendants of the Arabs?
Ans. The people of Coorg are also known as the descendants of the Arab people because of the long black coat worn by them with an embroidered waist band. This is called kuppia in Coorg which resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs and Kurds.
Q. Which season is the best to visit Coorg?
Ans. The season of joy that commences from September and continues till March is the best to visit Coorg as some showers make the weather perfect and the air becomes fragrant with the aroma of coffee.
Q. The people of Coorg have a tradition of courage and bravery. How has it been recognized in modern India?
Ans. The people of Coorg are known for their high energy, courageous and adventurous sports like canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking, trekking, etc. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated regiments in the Indian Army. The first Chief of Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi, Even now Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a license.
Q. Why has Coorg been referred to as ‘a piece of heaven drifted from the kingdom of God’?
Ans. Coorg is often referred to as a small piece of heaven because of its natural beauty—of its evergreen forest, rolling hills, coffee plantations and spice trees. The freshness of the natural surroundings is further enhanced by the aroma of coffee.
Q. What legacy have the colonial powers left to the district of Coorg?
Ans. Colonial presence in Coorg region is evident from the legacy of bungalows and coffee plantations that the region has inherited from them. It is believed that Coorgis are descendant of the Greek or Arab and the culture of these regions is strongly evident in the martial traditions and their marriage and religious ceremonies.
Q. What do you know about ‘‘Bylakuppe’’ as mentioned in the lesson, ‘Coorg’?
Ans. Bylakuppe is India’s largest Tibetan settlement of Buddhist monks. They can be seen here dressed in red ochre and yellow robes.
Q. Throw some light on the vast bio-diversity of Coorg.
Ans. The evergreen forests of Coorg enclose vast treasures of flora and fauna. It is a home to squirrels, langurs, kingfishers, elephants, slender loris bees and butterflies. Its river Kaveri abounds in Mahaseer—a large fresh water fish. The spice and coffee plantations, further add to its vast biodiversity.
Q. Write a brief note about Coorgis.
Ans. Coorgis are also known as Kodaves and they love their independence. These are two school of thought about their ancestors. One school believes as per the dress worn by them. A long black coat with a designed waist-belt similar to the one worm by the Arabs. The other theory believes that a part of Alexandar’s army decided to stay back and subsequently moved to south to Coorg. They spread their family tree by marrying the local girls. These Greek descendants have their own tradition and culture. Apart from the, Coorgis are very friendly and also expert in marital art.