Karnataka > Coorg >Kodava Language and Literature
Historically speaking, it has been proved that till the 17th century Kodava language(Kodava Takk)was spoken as the principal language in Kodagu, which was then a separate state. Kodagu had considerable Malayalam influence as its principal trade connection was with Malabar. The Haleri dynasty which took over the reins of administration of Kodagu adopted Kannada as the court language. The Kannada influence of about 230 years changed many shades of the original language of which adoption of Kannada script for writing is the most important. Appaneranda Appachcha who wrote many Kodava plays and Nadikeriyanda Chinnappa compiled 'Pattole Palame' and translated 'Bhagavad Gita' were pioneering writers in Kodava language.
After the merger of Kodagu with Karnataka, there is a great literary awakening. Dr. I.M.Muthanna who is the author of 'A Tiny Model State of South India' and many other books has published a collection of poems in Kodava language. B.D. Ganapathy has written two books in Kodava Language called 'Nanga Kodava' and 'Kuttambolicha'. His Kannada book on Kodava culture 'Kodagu mattu Kodavaru' has won him the State Academy Award. Recently, effort are being made to foster Kodava literature and the Kodava Thak Parishat was established in 1978. It is working to bring out a Kodava lexicon. The first conference was presided over by the noted writer B.D.Ganapathi. It is holding conferences every year, the last being the one held in April 2000. Mekerira K. Kariyappa, now the President of Kodava Academy, presided over the conference. 
Kodava has a very rich folk tradition. Kodava folk songs depict the facets of their colourful life and the poems are both robust and humorous. In these songs, we can see the Kodava language with its pecularities. These songs seem to be very old, being of a bygone age and their authors are unknown. The difference between the language used in these songs and the present spoken language is striking. The Kodavas, above all, loved their land and we find their songs begin with patriotic praise of their land. Thus, Kodavas have a unique language, culture and tradition. 
I.M.Muthanna, noted writer from Kodagu has completed a 'Kodava-Kannada Nighantu' in Kannada. Starting of 'Brahmagiri' weekly in Kodava language (1980) from Virajpet and 'Jamma Nangada' (1983) from Gonikoppal gave a great fillip to writing in the Kodava language apart from the publication of books, but all these publications are in Kannada script. A feature film titled 'Nada Mann Nada Kool' made in Kodava language and directed by S.R.Rajan was released in 1972. In 1994 Kodava Akademy was founded by the State
Government. The Academy have honoured 68 persons with Annual Awards upto 2003. Among them mention may be made of Ichettira Muttanna, B.D. Ganapathi, V.S. Ramakrishna and Ulliyada M. Poovaiah.
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