Palanjol – Proverbs ( Gaadhe ) in Kodava

Many Proverbs and wise Sayings exist in Kodava Culture too. While it is unique to Kodava language the message it conveys has a universality in its meaning.

Compilation 

Gummattira Kishoo Uthappa

Bachamanda Pooja 

Statements pertaining to okkas

Chathalliyu  budule maathanda  maanu

This Saying is used to refer to people who continue to cause trouble and nothing stops them from creating problems.

     

Legend has it that Maanu, hailing from the Mathanda family, was notorious in the village, often causing trouble and earning the ire of society, which eventually shunned him. Years passed, and as Maanu neared death, he sought forgiveness from the village head and expressed his desire to repent for his wrongdoings. He asked that his body be dragged thrice around the kaimada, the village gathering place, as a form of penance. Reluctantly, the village head agreed after consulting with the community.

Maanu then approached the village elder, expressing his concern that his own okka, or kin group, might not honor his final rites due to their disdain for him. He pleaded for assurance that he would receive proper funeral respect.

Upon Maanu’s demise, despite his troubled past, his okka members decided to fulfill his last wish. They began the ritual of dragging his body around the kaimada. Learning of Maanu’s passing, the village elder recalled his request for assurance regarding the funeral proceedings. Investigating, he discovered Maanu’s kin performing the ritual.

Viewing this act as a sign of disrespect towards the deceased, the village elder deemed it a grave mistake on the part of the okka. He declared that they would face consequences for their actions, as showing disrespect to the departed was unacceptable.

 And thus came about the Saying Chathalliyu  budule  maathanda  maanu; even after he died he continued in causing trouble to the okka

Kokkandavanda kolik koruvandavanda koru

In a patronizing situation, one person acts superior and tells another what to do, making them feel small and unimportant.

 

Addada bandhoru poliyada deva

This statement is made when some people keep interfering during certain important discussions or activities,

This observation arises from the Bodokali festival, a tradition in many Kodagu villages. During this event, Kodava Kalikaras engage in ritualistic begging. However, Poliya Kalikaras also participate, allowed by the rituals but causing irritation to the Kodava Kalikaras. These individuals are revered as divine figures during the festival, adding to the significance of their role. Thus, the intrusion of Poliya Kalikaras disrupts the sanctity of the Kodava Kalikaras’ revered position.

Odi pona ajja kumbala kethnannake 

This is usually told when people hurry and do things in haste.

Kaangath naai kadambut thindannake 

This Saying is used to refer to people who behave greedily and grab stuff as if they have never seen or eaten before

Punje paro kaivathachak kool ittandiye

This Saying is used with sarcasm when someone has served a heap of rice on the plate. Even a cat can’t jump over the heap

Makka kali okkak keed

Some childish and stupid mischief could tarnish the name of the okka and may even cause differences in the family.It is used to warn people about careless behaviour

Thodra neer porathe samudrak ponanake

This Saying is used to refer to people who are not contented  with what they have and seek more and more. Translated meaning is : the water from the stream doesn’t seem to be  enough, that he went to the sea seeking more.

Eeth  kadikele  padchad  tutangalath  buduvo

The Saying is similar in meaning to the English one, old habits die hard. What one learns as a child is given up only on the funeral pyre.

Teeta thimba naina sarota pathchitta thengi theeta kambaka parva

This is like if you give importance and prominence to a person who is not deserving. He will show his true colors whenever he gets a chance

Yethathe kombeke poliyatha kokke

Yettathe kombeke poliyatha kokke Is like in Hindi “ naach na jaane aangan Teena”  it is told when a person does not put efforts  to do for something he has to. It’s told like as if he is blaming the kokke and claims that he cannot pick the fruits form  a tall tree 

Umbak gothillathe yelakanda keectianth

It is Usually told when a person commits a mistake deliberately and regrets later by losing all that he had. Literal meaning is you land up tearing the banana leaf on which the meals is served and waste the food as it lands on the floor.

Mook illatha naadk mori mooka bombo  

This is usually told when some people try to take the leadership with  limited knowledge and act as if he knows everything.

Koda chatha korambandannake  

This is usually told when someone is putting a long face as if the world has come to an end. It’s interpreted as if the monkey busker ( the one who has street games with monkeys ) is feeling sad as his monkey is dead and he has no other means of income going foward !!  

Attha notok ponava Peeliyaatek ilanjeth

This is referred to when one intends to do a particular thing, instead deviates to doing something completely different. The literal translation is that the one who went to graze cows ended up doing peeliaat (a popular form of dance).

Appanda pole makka, naai’ra pole baal

This one speaks of genetic traits passed on from father to children & can be compared to the Hindi proverb ‘Jaisa Baap, waisa Beta’. The literal translation is Children go by the Father & the Dog’s tail goes by the dog itself.

Arpavan arku, kudipava berchidondu

This is in reference to not trust someone blindly. It means anyone can put together a potion & say it is good or tasty or medicinal but the one who drinks it must be cautious.

Andh polandandh aane polche

This is usually referred to people who do not worry about the future & spend every penny at any given moment.

Andhitiri bechith kettavan ille, bendh kaaki kootith nandaanavan ille

This means that, he who lights the lamp (worships) has never been ruined & he who is always partying (having many people come over all the time) has never flourished.

Aagatha boddira more’l kall

When you don’t like someone, you always want to find faults in them. lieral meaning is you will find a pebble(stone) in curds if you hate the person who got the curds

Thaandha Beelik Chouto jasthi

People tend to look for easy ways always. literal meaning is when a person wants to cross over a fence he will cross over the area where the pole has broken stamping it further.