River Kaveri and Kodagu Region: Flowing Myths and Kodava Sari

Abstract

Significant stories of some Indian myths and legends are based on these rivers. One such significant river in India is River Kaveri. There are various myths and stories which tell different aspects of the river’s origin and her course. This paper bids to bring out some of the mythological stories of River Kaveri, which interrelates her to the community of the Kodavas, who are the tribes of the Kodagu region, which is the origin place of River Kaveri. This research paper deals with the story of inter relationship between river Kaveri and the Koduva community, and the myth connecting this river and her course with the specific style of saree draping of the women in the community that is still in practice. It tries to connect the femininity of river Kaveri to that of the Koduva sheilas, and how they abide by culture and tradition proposed by river Kaveri long ago. It also pens down the origin history and her flow over the region and the myths behind those to have a better understanding on the river’s course and its connectivity to the heritage of the region. This paper is an attempt to bring out the prosperity of Indian myths down the ages and its prominence found till date with the lives of Indian people.