A living archive of Kodagu — objects, memories, skills and the voices of the people who kept them. See what's on display →
Udhi
Food & Kitchen · Everyday Life & Household Objects → Traditional Kitchenware

Udhi

Traditional Rope Hanging Holderka
Also written: Udhi ಉಧಿ
Virtual Museum of
Kodava Heritage

Help Preserve

This Piece of Kodava Heritage

Your support helps us preserve our heritage
for today and future generations.

Support as
a Custodian
₹1,500
per artifact
About the Object

Udhi is a traditional rope-made hanging holder used to suspend a butter pot or vessel

Udhi is a traditional rope-made hanging holder used to suspend a butter pot or vessel. Its suspended form keeps the vessel elevated and secure, and similar rope arrangements were also used for storing small household items such as cardamom It is made from strong rope arranged into a suspended framework with a loop or basket-like support at the lower end. The upper end is tied securely to a beam, hook or other overhead support, allowing the vessel or stored object to remain suspended above the ground. It represents a simple traditional method of storage using rope and vertical spac

How It Was Used

Cultural significance: Udhi is a small but significant example of traditional Kodava household ingenuity. Its simple rope construction demonstrates how everyday storage needs were met with locally available materials, practical knowledge and minimal resources.

Historical context: Udhi represents an older household practice in which everyday storage relied on handmade rope structures rather than modern cupboards, shelves and storage container

Material & Making
Clay

Lengths of rope are measured, joined and knotted to create the upper suspension and lower supporting cradle. The ropes are arranged so that the weight is distributed evenly when the holder is suspended.
The making of Udhi demonstrates knowledge of rope selection, knotting, weight distribution and secure suspension. Its construction reflects an understanding of simple but effective household storage using locally available materials.

Who Used It? / Where? / When?
OwnershipNot yet recorded
Period Ancient
Status of traditionNearly extinct
The Tradition Today

Reason for decline: The use of Udhi declined as modern kitchens and homes adopted cupboards, shelves, hooks and purpose-built storage systems.

Revival efforts: Its preservation as a traditional household object helps document earlier storage practices and the practical use of rope craftsmanship in Kodagu.

Sources
KodavaClan archive
Reference link