ELIMINATING HA (WORD/SOUND) IS SURE WAY OF DISTORTING AND DESTROYING BADAGU LANGUAGE OF ITS ORIGINALITY AND PURITY
Badaga or Badagu, is a ‘classic‘ and independent language spoken by Badagas of the Blue Mountains or the Nilgiri hills, in north -west Tamil Nadu, bordering Karnataka and Kerala.
Though it is unique by itself, it can be said to be akin to Halaiya (old) Kannada more than any Dravidian language. But due to the geo – political reasons, it is being identified more with Tamil.
Unfortunately, some ‘over enthusiastic scholars’ and a few elders have been trying to eliminate the sound ‘ha -ஹ ‘ (which is an integral part of the Badaga language and) replace it with ‘ah- அ ‘ with some unacceptable justification that these letters (as well as letter like Ja ஜ, Sa ஸ, Sha ஷ ) do not form part of pure/classical Tamil though they are very much in day to day usage.
Let me elaborate and justify why ha and other letters, like ஜ, ஸ, ஷ etc should remain as core letters/sounds in Badaga.
A Badaga village is known as Hatti (ஹட்டி) and not as அட்டி.
Our deity/ Goddess is Hethe – ஹெத்தே and not Athe எத்தே
If we have to name some Badagas who have done a great deal of research on Badaga, people and language, Dr.Haldorai’s name will , probably, be on the top. Though his writings have a distinct Tamil slant, let us not forget that he is a recognised Tamil Pandit and has been honoured by the Tamil Nadu government. He is proficient in Kannada also.
Based at Chennai, he is the main trustee of Nellikolu Trust and published many books.. He is from Mel Kauhatti and married to a lady from Hubbathalai (Ooru). I have interacted with him a few times, he is very simple, honest and unassuming. Great pleasure to share some of his recent articles sent to me by Dr.Haldorai himself. – Wg.Cdr.JP
சிக்குவார
படகுமொழியில் ஆதிவார, சோவார, மங்கவார, 0பொதவார, சிக்குவார, 0பெள்ளி, சநிஎன்பன வாரத்து ஏழு நாள் பெயர்கள். பொதுவாக, வாரத்து நாள்பெயர்கள் ஞாயிறு (Sun), திங்கள் (Moon), செவ்வாய் (Mars), புதன் (Mercury), வியாழன் (Jupitar), வெள்ளி (Venus), சனி (Saturn) ஆகிய கோள்கள் அடிப்படையில் பெயர் பெற்றனவாக இருக்கின்றன.
ஆனால் படகுவில் வியாழனுக்குரிய நாளாக வரும் சிக்குவார என்பது வியாழன் கோள் அடிப்படையில் பெற்ற பெயராகத் தெரியவில்லை. மாற்றாகச் சுக்கிரன் என்னும் பெயர் அடிப்படையில் பெற்ற பெயராகத்தான் தோன்றுகிறது. வெள்ளி, சுக்கிரன், என்பன ஒரே கோளுக்கு அமைந்த இரு பெயர்கள். படகுமொழி 0பெள்ளி என்பதை வெள்ளிக் கிழமைக்குக் கொண்டுள்ளது. இது லையாளம், தமிழ் ஆகிய மொழிகளில் உள்ள வெள்ளி (Friday) என்பதுபோல் உள்ளது படகுமொழி வியாழனைக் குறிக்க வெள்ளிக்கான இன்னொரு பெயரான சுக்கிரன் என்பதைக் கொண்டுள்ளது. சுக்கிரன் என்னும் பெயர் அடிப்படையில்தான் கன்னடம் (சுக்ரவார), தெலுங்கு (சுக்ரவாரம்) ஆகிய மொழிகளில் வெள்ளிக்கிழமை குறிக்கப்படுகின்றது. கன்னடம், தெலுங்கு ஆகிய மொழிகளில் வெள்ளியைக் குறிக்க வரும் சொல் படகுவில் வியாழனைக் குறிக்க வந்துள்ளது என்பது கவனிக்கத் தக்கது.
இது படகுமொழியில் காணப்படும் ஒரு குறிப்பிடத்தக்க மாற்றமாகும். வியாழக்கிழமையைக் கன்னடம், தெலுங்கு ஆகிய மொழிகளில் முறையே குருவார, குருவாரமு என்றழைக்கின்றனர். குரு என்பது வியாழனுக்கு அமைந்த பெயர். வியாழனைத் தேவகுரு (The planet Jupiter, as the priest of the gods) என்றும் வெள்ளிக்கு அமைந்த பெயரான சுக்கிரனை அசுரகுரு (Venus, as preceptor of the Asuras) என்றும் அழைக்கின்றனர்.
படகு மொழியில் சிக்குவார என்பதைச் சில இடங்களில் சிக்கவார என்றும் அழைக்கின்றனர். சிக்குவார, சிக்கவார ஆகிய இரண்டும் சுக்கிரன் என்னும் சொல்லோடு பொருத்திப் பார்ப்பதற்கு இடம் தருகின்றன. இச்சொற்கள் சுக்கிரன் என்னும் பெயர் அடைப்படையில் பெற்ற பெயர்களாகத்தான் இருக்க வேண்டும் எனத் துணிய வேண்டியுள்ளது. அப்படியானால் வியாழன் கோளுக்கான பெயரைத் தவிர்த்து வெள்ளிக்கோளுக்கான வேறொரு பெயரை வியாழனுக்குக் கொண்டதற்கான கரணத்தை ஆராய வேண்டியுள்ளது. வியாழனுக்குரிய தேவ குருவைத் தவிர்த்து அசுரகுருவான சுக்கிரனுக்கு முன்னுரிமை அளிப்பதற்காக இவ்வாறு அமைந்துள்ளனர் போலும்.
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0பாநுந மீநுகொ கூட்ட (நட்சத்திரக் கூட்டம் Lunar constellation) -27
Received an interesting email from Anand Raju about whom I had written about as one of the creators of Badaga script in the post (https://badaga.co/language/badaga-script/)
Dear Anna, Badugu Place Names hitherto posed a difficulty for interpretation. I have made an attempt to decipher them in this video.
This video gives you fascinating insights into the topography of the Nilgiris.
Place names speak of the long history of the Badugas, a flourishing tribe and one of the indigenous peoples of the Nilgiris.
My object in producing this video is to revive and promote the Badugu language, one of the oldest of the Dravidian languages.
This is a must for every Baduga who wishes to learn the Badugu language afresh.
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/1b1TmjJj7m8 This is a must for every Baduga who wishes to learn the Badugu language afresh. I wish every Baduga subscribed to this channel.
Warm Regards, R. Anandhan
Very interesting and educative information, Anand. The Badaga ‘name’ you have for ‘video’ is also very appropriate. Congratulations and please keep it up. Looking forward to your follow-up videos on the origin of Badaga hatti names. – Wg.Cdr. JP
Malliga from Kagguulla, Kotagiri has become the First Badaga girl to have cleared the UPSC (IAS) exam.
(Info courtesy HN SIVAN)
—-+++++++++++——
D.Radhakrishnan in Covai Post Kaggula, a village of about 150 houses near Kotagiri is in a celebratory mood. Why not! A daughter of the village has done it proud and in the process brought laurels to the Nilgiris,the likes of which this district in general and the Badaga community,in particular, have been yearning for,for a long time. Sheer perseverance of S.Malliga, daughter of a small tea grower Sundaran and Village nurse Chithradevi of Kaggula,has put her on the road to becoming the first woman IAS officer of the Badaga community. A student of the Saint Joseph’s Convent in Coonoor,Malliga, the only child of the couple moved to Coimbatore to get a Bio tech degree from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University before seeking training in an IAS coaching academy at Chennai to crack the Union Public Service Examination. Undaunted by the faltering in the initial stages,Malliga clung on to climb the peak. With this her long standing dream of becoming an IAS officer, has come true .Echoing the sentiments of her village,her cousin Sathish told The Covai Post that going by her track record,”we were certain that she will make it”. She now carries the wishes of the people of the hills to excel in her career and inspire many more Malligas.
Malliga from Kotagiri has become the First Badaga girl to have cleared the UPSC (IAS) exam.
So far the only IAS officers from Badaga community have been M.Devaraj and N.Sundaradevan.
Malliga, we are proud of you.
Dr.Rajma Comments:
Congratulations dear Malliga. We are very proud of you my dear. You are crowned with a title “First Badaga Woman _ IAS” Indeed it is moment of glory. Get ready to serve the nation. The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Take a step forward with confidence, determination and dedication. You have miles to go .” Strong women aren’t simply born. They are made by the storms they walk through”. Bring pride to womanhood. At any day Woman power is super power. All the best to you. Special thanks to JP for posting this.
Your words are always inspirational, Dr.Rajma. – JP
MN Trust Old age and Orphan home, known as Anbalayam, is a laudable venture started by Ramamurthy and his wife Rajeshwari from Denalai Village under Ketti Panjayat, closer to Coonoor (via Hubbathalai ) in memory of his mother late Mitchiammal and father late Nanja Ayya, a retired Headmaster, in 2005. Mrs.Rajeshwari is the Managing Trustee.
It is an approved Senior Citizen Home by the government. It started with one Badaga old lady but now has 46 inmates, half of whom are Badagas.
Ramamurthy
Rajeshwari
This old age home and orphanage is run by the savings, from salary, of Ramamurthy and on donations. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the donations have dwindled a lot. It requires about Rs.5000 per day for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with three times tea and biscuits.
While we greatly appreciate the social work being done by this couple Rajeshwari and Ramamurthy, we request you all to donate liberally to sustain this great endeavor.
Donations may be sent to.
Account Number : 1235101015677
Account Name : MN Trust
Bank : Canara Bank
Branch : Yellanalli
IFSC Code : CNRB0001235
Since this Trust has been given 80 G, Income tax exemption is available.
Kallakorai Sanjeev has been posting many inspirational and motivational videos in YouTube and I have written about him and his friends Deepak and Nishant recently.
Concerned with the spreading of Corona Covid -19 pandemic among our hattis, he has started an initiative to spread awareness in the form of a video competition for Young Badagas.
We are aware that Corona Virus – Covid 19, is a deadly disease that can kill people if proper precautions are not taken. Like wearing face mask or keeping social distancing and, put ourselves in self quarantine when warranted.
But unfortunately, in our Badaga Hattis, with the houses being in rows or in close proximity to each other, we seem to be very casual about taking care of ourselves and the community as the spike in Corana positive cases in the hattis indicate.
The main reason is, we still mingle with others freely and follow the traditional customs of inviting many people for weddings or more importantly, follow the rites in our funerals, in which we express our sorrow and grief with close contact with each other (Mandai Koottodhu) or sitting around the cot where the body of the deceased is kept, as if these are normal days. No masks, no social distancing. we forget that this disease can spread fast and can kill us.
We have to modify these customs/traditions/rites to suit the present difficult days to save our LIVES. As well as save our near and dear ones.
If we do not take care about our own lives, nobody else can.
I find the following video ( Bandara, aaley bara) of Kallakorai Sanjeev, very timely and useful. A must watch video
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(PS; Watched the ‘live’ interview of the Nilgiris Collector with Ramakrishna on Nakkubetta TV yesterday (14Jul2020) in which she clearly cautions the people in hattis that punitive measures like imprisonment will be taken if precautions are not followed, and the hatti Gowdas or committee members would be held responsible. Let us wake up atleast now)
Remembering Mrs.Idyammal Bellie Gowder on her ninth death anniversary
Idyammal Bellie Gowder
You were everything for us in all those glorious 99 years and 10 months when you were ‘here’.
As we were preparing to celebrate the ‘century’, you chose to leave this earth just a couple of months earlier…seven years ago.
How time flies!
Elle idhale’yu engava harachu
[Bless us all from where ever you are]
Idyammal Bellie Gowder
Born
September 02, 1912 Hubbathalai, The Nilgiris
Died
July 13, 2011 (aged 99 years 10 months)
Parents
Rao Bahadur HJ Bellie Gowder and Nanji Hethe
Sister of
Rao Bahadur HB Ari Gowder
Spouse
B.K.Bellie Gowder [Bearhatti]
[Autographed pencil sketch of Mom by JP in 1968 while she was reading an issue of Femina ]
“I know my mother looks much older than what she is but those wrinkles have the charm of their own. They indicate the signs of her great endurance; and the hard life she has to lead through to bring her children to lead a life that is respected and regarded by others” – JP (24Jan68)
Dear Hands
[Grace Noll Crowell]
My mother’s hands were beautiful, They are not always smooth and white They were so busy making dull And lusterless things clean and bright.
They reached so often to caress A hurt child crying in the night They moved as quick as fluttering birds Among the cups and spoons at tea
They did a thousand lovely things And did them all so graciously There is no way to sum them up The countless things she did for us.
[photo of Idy Hethe’s hand by her grandson Abhi Ari -2010]
And, there is much information on Badagas available on the net with many websites and (youtube ) videos. Social media like FB, Whatsapp etc have plenty of Badaga related information.
There is an exclusive Badaga TV channel – Nakkubetta TV
But, What has impressed me is the effort of a few talented Badaga youngsters in high lighting the positive sides of Badaga community by posting about ‘Role Model’ videos of great Badagas, which are inspirational and motivating,
One such talented person is KALLAKORAI SANJEEV RAMESH
He writes about himself : Born on-11/05/1995, I hail from kallakorai village near Melur Palada. Parents are Ramesh and Sagunthala. My younger sister is Jayshree ( working in MNC company)
I did my schooling and college from Ooty and Coimbatore . Two years back I started my professional career from Byjus.
Growing up , our culture had always fascinated me . For instance the simplicity and mutual bond which we all share with each other , if emulated could bring in harmony and peace every where. Then there was always this thought that I donot know enough about my culture , this is the state in which most of the people of my age are currently at so, I decided to do something from my part .
I and my friend Deepak have started making videos about our community in our own language . To make a short crisp informative video I have to do proper research which inturn helped me immensely to know about us in a better way . It’s been a very short journey which I have travelled , but the learning and exploration had been wonderful .
Lastly, I’m really grateful to your initiative ayya . Your website http://www.badaga.co has been a gem to know about our community. Thank you.
நீலகிரி கூட்டுறவு விற்பனை சங்கம் NCMS -ன் நிறுவனரும், படுக சமுதாயத்தின் முதல் பட்டதாரி மற்றும் முதல் சட்டமன்ற. உறுப்பினருமான அய்யா.தெய்வத்திரு.எச்.பி.ஆரிகவுடர் அவர்கள் 28-06-1971 -ல் தெய்யத்துள் தெய்வமாகி 49 வருடத்தின் நினைவஞ்சலி தினம் இன்று என்.சி.எம்.எஸ் வளாகத்தில் உள்ள அய்யா.ஆரிகவுடர் சிலைக்கு மாலை அணிவித்து, ஆரிகவுடர் நினைவு விழாக்குழு சார்பிலும், என்.சி.எம்.எஸ் நிர்வாகத்தின் சார்பிலும் இன்று 28-06-2020-ல் அனுஷ்டிக்கப்பட்டது. நினைவுநாள் நிகழ்ச்சிக்கு நீலகிரி ஆதிவாசிகள் சக்தி அமைப்பின் தலைவர்,பேராசியர்.குள்ளாகவுடர் தலைமை வகித்தார்.
நீலகிரி கூட்டுறவு விற்பனை சங்கத்தின் பெருந்தலைவர் திரு.பி.மணியட்டி.ராமன் அவர்கள் சிறப்பு விருந்தினராக கலந்துக்கொண்டு, மாலை அணிவித்து நினைவுநாள் சொற்பழிவாற்றி சிறப்பித்தார்.
முன்னதாக நினைவு நாள் நிகழ்ச்சிக்கு வந்தவர்களை ஆரிகவுடர் நினைவு விழாக்குழுத் தலைவரும், படுக தேச பார்ட்டி யின் நிறுவன தலைவருமான திரு.மஞ்சை.வி.மோகன் அவர்கள் வரவேற்றார்.
முடிவில் என்.சி.எம்.எஸ் நிறுவன செயலாளர் திரு.ஐயப்பன் நன்றியுரையாற்றினார்.
இந் நிகழ்ச்சியில் காத்தாடி மட்டம் மேற்குநாடு மெட்ரிக்குலேஷன் பள்ளியின் தளாளர். திரு.பூபதி, என்.சி.எம்.எஸ். அலுவலர்கள் திரு.போஜன், திரு.ரவி.திரு.அலெக்ஸ் உட்பட பலர் நினைவஞ்சலி நிகழ்ச்சியில் கலந்துக்கொண்டனர்.
Homage paid at Ari Gowder’s bungalow by his granddaughter Tara her husband and Ari Gowder’s nephew Wg.Cdr.Bellie Jayaprakash
Mr.Ramakrishna of Nakkubetta TV broadcast a special programme on Air Gowder ‘Has Ari Gowder’s dreams been realised?‘ in the evening
In his book, THE GOLDEN BOUGH – A STUDY IN MAGIC AND RELIGION (1922) Sir James George Fraser (1854 – 1941) mentioned the following :-
Among the Badagas of the Neilgherry Hills in Southern India, when a death has taken place, the sins of the deceased are laid upon a buffalo calf.For this purpose the people gather round the corpse and carry it outside of the village. There an elder of the tribe, standing at the head of the corpse, recites or chants [known as - "KARU HARUCHODU"] a long list of sins such as any Badaga may commit, and the people repeat the last word of each line after him.
The more I listen to the song 'Kappu Uttileyu', the more fascinated I become. All the 12 Badaga months starting with Koodalu [given in Capital Letters] are beautifully integrated within the song.
Bugiri Music Academy presents Videos/Songs to bring about mindset change to Badagas
Hethegu Dhukkaththa - by Porthy SJ Mani
A great song that describes the evil practice among a few Badagas who despise other Badagas, known as Nattaru, settling in a village which is not native to them but probably have married from that same hatti (Vilage). Great lyrics, haunting music and a video with mainly Thooratti Village people in the cast.
Sholur G Raman is one of the greatest Badaga singers. Gifted with a golden voice, he composes his own songs and adds a lot of punch to the lyrics. His dance number " Mele Kerioge" is the hottest song for atta in any Badaga Function. A great singer and a simplton, music is in blood and has done a a yeoman service to spread Badaga songs far and wide,
Badaga dance is all about grace and style. It is a wonderful sight when a group of ladies dance together. During the funeral, the ladies of the parental village [hatti] of the deceased woman, dance going around the cot [kattalu] to the music provided by the 'host' hatti musicians.
English Translation of the above poem by Bellie Jayaprakash
My Mother
Even when I was down with poverty and sat at the front court yard,
Even when the near and dear ones despised and deserted,
My mother who gave birth, cared for and brought me up,
Did not blame me and did not reject me- her son, as bad
Even when I toiled as a Cooli with a bent back,
Even when I sat down with my looks dulled and dirty,
Even when I wore patched up old clothes,
My mother never said that I was down ; never rejected me as poor!
Even when I entered the stables and cleaned the dung,
Even when I sat on the rock and tendered the cows,
Even when I lifted loads to earn so as to suppress the hunger,
My mother never found any fault ; never scolded me as ignorant.
Dhoddaru Shloka
Some Badaga Proverbs [Dhoddaru Shloka]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1.Akka Ghandana koda dhukka hegile, Makka maria buttu baa ennana (When
sadness is shared with elder sister’s husband, his advise is to
come to him) 2. Aandama ellade Haandi Beya, Ullama ellade Gulla
beya 3. Kiviga elladadu kombuga aeththaga 4. Guttige [Kuttige?]
bathavu arai aaga beda, kunna thammanu mella aaga beda 5. Kumbala
kaaya [Kumbakkeya] saaki handiga kottenge (Growing pumpkins only to feed wild boar) 6. Gumboonda Mola edda enge [like a hare jumping out of the bush -element of surprise] 6a.Eragi holaga mola hugga enge [ like a rabbit getting into a wheat field -destruction by deceit] 7. Sadiga madi elle 8. Saththu biththa kaaye 9.Saththaduga hinde etha holae eana? (After death, how does it matter where you go?) 10.Saththa Koyee, baththa mukkirava ? (Can a dead hen feed on grains?) 11. Gollaru mada kattida enge 12.
Ghandu gundu, hennu helavu 13. Ghandu kulidu ketta, Hennu thirigi [hisithu] ketta (The boy wasted his life by idling/lazying around
(sitting), the girl wasted her life by smiling (turning around) at strangers 14. Ghanda thoorile, kandamanu thoorina [when the
husband neglects, everybody follows] 15. Ghanda ebbane buddi elle,
buddi bappane ghanda elle (Wisdom did not come when husband was alive, when wisdom came husband was not there) 16. Gana ellade
sande aaga, sangadhi ellade daari sameya (Evening does not end without gossip, way does not end without some news) 17. Koyigu
kothigu maake (Like a hen and a cat [always fighting]) 18.Koy(iy)a Kaethaa maasu arappadhu (Do you ask the hen [being
killed for dinner] for grinding the chilli paste?) 19. Kona neeruga baggiravo, neeru konaga baggiravo [Will the bull bend to
drink water, or, water bends for the bull? -Implying
impossibility] 20. Kothi aatta, eliga prana sangada (The antics of a cat are matters of death to a rat) 21. Kothi kaala baase
denge (Like the cat licking its leg) 22. Savi kanda kothi attalu hathidenege 23. Koduva cooli nodu, kathuva olaya nodu [keep a watch at the wages being paid (and hence get work done) and keep a watch at the burning embers in the kitchen] 24.Kodalia kaavu, kolava kedu maadira 25. Kotta hennu nela arige 26.Kotta saalava kaeyade ketta, bithida holava nodade ketta (Suffering
by not asking the loan to be returned, nor looking after the planted[with seeds] fields) 27. Kai yoge kannaadiya beethindu neerunamoga nodidha enge (looking for the reflection of the face on thewater when there is a mirror in the hand) 28. Kai eelu aaga guddili masiya [the implement not bend as per the shape of bones in the hand] 29. Kaiga bandadu bega elle (What came to the hand did not reach the mouth) 30. Ketta arasa buda beda mikka
kannava eda beda 31. Kulidhu athamaga kulidhu avvu, niddhu athamaga niddhu avvu (Cry sitting with the one who cried sitting
with you, cry standing with the one who cried standing - pay in the same coin- –
proper and equal reciprocation 32. Kuradaga hagalu ena er uena (How does it matter whether it is day or night for a blind
man?) 33. Sandhe jaamana meiyu, saaku hoththu bandha nattan uhoga (The evening rain and the guest who had come with a hessian
cloth[bag] covering will not go easily) 34. Sappodu saare, Haagottudoora 35. Chiikkavanaalayu Sivana buddi (Even though he is veryyoung, has lot of wisdom like Lord Siva) 36. Ollitha ethi hollava
thallu, olagodho ellava gellu (Take only the good leaving behind the bad and win all in this world) 37. Hallana neeru hattaleyu
baavi neeru hechu 38. Thaaya palichileyu neera pallicha beda (Even
if you [have to] show scorn to mother, never do it to water [the
source of life]) 39. Kasa aaleyu rusi maadi thinnu (Even if it
is rubbish, eat it after making it tasty) 40. Natta maneye
hattaleyu, ghanda mane hesara ethu 41. Kicha muttile attira (If
you touch the fire, it will burn you) 42. Hottiya kitcha beethale
kettara 43. Aaru kaasuna sambuva aaleyu, aranmaneya gelacha
maadu 44. Adhista mooru p(b)aala, harakke aaru paala 45. Kitcha
thindama karia Hedana (One who eats fire, excretes charcoal) 46.
Nanga belli holladale thattana koda horatta ena 47. Ghandana
ollithundhu undia dhottadhu ekka beda 48. Maneya nududhu mandhaga
hogu 49. Maathu hetchi mane ketta, bithu hetchi hola ketta 50.
Aadindu holae maathu, agadundu holae mannu [Agadhale mannu, Nudidhale
maathu] 51. Hanja theedhara(theegira) maathu niddara 52.
Thandeya koddamana paadhava hidi 53. Thindhu santhosha aappadhuna,
nodi santhosha aagu 54. Avvaiya halladha nodile magava nodudhuga
mane enaga 55. Huttone anna thamma, hoppane dhayada kaara 56.
Sandhe aappile endhu hoga beda, baaga aappile endhu era (oraga)
beda 57. Kathu potti, hethu baradi 58. Ethu elladhamaga edha
elle, makka elladhamaga mane elle 59. Nangaga bandhale allu
thundhu, Ooruga bandale opedha kai 60. Hasanooru haala
kudipadhuna, Neelagiri neera kudhi 61. Moladha kanna neera, bettai
kara aradhaneya 62. Hadadhe endhu hatta maada beda, kette endhu
kaeda thora beda 63. kette endhu kaeda thora beda, baddendhu bava
thora beda 64. Sikkanuna badakku batta baiyilu 65. Niri
chikkira, hari chikka 66. Huttu daridharaga kottu dhandodhu
daara 67. Thale thatty nela nodi nade 68. Aandama illade aandi
bethadava, ullama illadhe gulla bedharava 69. Hitta andhu kondu,
battaya nidhu kondu 70. Balla beethu baddiga hoga beda 71.
Arasana makkaga hurikallu muthu 72. Aeye pyla moyae nodu 73.
Anai koodi halla, theni koodi batha 74. Thitta thevara otha
beda 75. Anna thammana agala maada beda 76. Thaaya maatha kethu
nodadhey nyaya hadadheya, thandhya maatha kethu nodadhey handhi
hadadheya 77. Madi buddu maaruga sedhara, hennu buddu nattaga
sedara (Madi buddale maaruga, ele buddale meduga) Added :- 78.
Badagava makka huttu , Badegega Athu AAgha Beda 79. Hothu Banda
Kathiya , Ooruna ebba Kathe othara 80. Badavaga Badukku Bandale,
Thinguva Beesiluna Kode Hidithana 81.Bendhamana Hunna, Nondhama
Ariyakku 82.Usara Kotta Kothi , Nosala Nakkira 83. Thalaiyamana
Maathu, Mundhuga Uppu – Hinduga Bella 84.Appana Maathu,
Aneya Bala 85. Bae Aadileyu Bae ga Kedu, Seegi Aadile yu Bae ga
Kedu [A word play-pun- on Bae which means both the mouth and crop
[vellamme] 86. Mundhileyu Mookku Hagga, Hindileyu Kaal
Kanni 87.Akka Ellade Natto, Avare Ellade Uttavo
On your Mobile
Now you can access our website www.badaga.co on your smart phone.
Remember to access many multi media posts like Badaga Songs and Dance.
The beauty about Badaga community is not only the unique customs specific to the community but the steadfast belief with which atleast some of them are followed by Badagas. One of them is the loud chanting of ‘Athikkodhu – EAY AH HOW – on certain but specific occasions. It is said that in earlier days [hundreds of years back], when the Badaga villages [hattis] were separated by thick jungle forests , 'athikkindu Hoppadhu ' - traversing the forest with loud athikkodhu chant - kept the wild animals away.
Three occasions, when this loud chanting takes place, come to mind immediately,
1)During “Hethay Habba’ – both when from every village the devotees go to Hethay temples at Beragani and Peddhuva [as well as when the Hethay deity from Hethai Gudi is taken to ‘Madi Halla -river’ for change into new dress once a year].Also, and whenever a hatti temple deity is taken on procession during habbas in hattis],
2) During weddings when the bride and groom are brought to the ‘Madhuvay Mane – wedding house' and the newly weds are taken to the temple and
3) On funerals when the widow is brought for ‘olay Kattodhu’ and the ‘akki eththuva ‘ procession starts from the ‘dhodda Mane’ to ‘saavu hanay ‘ where the corpse/body is kept before being taken for burial.
This loud ‘chanting /cry’ is made from the bottom of the stomach by a few leading the procession and repeated by the rest following them.
I have given the ‘live’ recordings of this unique chanting (recorded during a wedding [the band playing in the background] at Thambatty
That is a lot of hits for a website [weblog] on BADAGA that is focused on a small community of the Blue Mountains - the Nilgiris, in the southern part of India. Is it due to...
the urge to know the unknown about ourselves....
to sift the truth from fiction....the satisfaction that we have a very unique history.....the mystery about the mistaken migration.....the traditions that are still steadfastly followed.....the great language that has survived for centuries without a script...
The simple fact that this site's motto of 'Proud to be a Badaga ; Proud to be an Indian' has become an accepted norm...
You all, my dear friends, have made me bow my head in gratitude.
Proud to be an Indian and proud to be a Badaga, indeed.
Hope to say - 'thanks a million' soon...
Wg Cdr Bellie Jayaprakash, is the 'All-in-One' of this site. He started this site as a hobby but now, it has become an obsession. This website crossed the milestone of 100,000 visitors on 8-3-2010, 150,000 visitors on 20-4-2011, 200,000 visitors on 6-4-2012 , 250,000 on 22-1-2013, 300,000 hits on 6-1-2014, 350,000 on 6-1-15 and 400,000 on 13 -11-2015550000 hits on 1 Jan 2018. Feel humbled but proud
Once in a way, we get to hear a song which instantly registers both in mind and heart. The golden voice you hear in this saavu [funeral] song is, beyond any doubt, excellent and haunting.
Thomas Chandy (thomaschandy@gmail.com) writes:-
"This is my first visit to this site and was surprised to know how ignorant I have been about the Badaga community. All that I have read makes me hang my head in shame for I have been growing up in the Nilgiris, among the Badagas and I was so ignorant about their origin,culture and so on. This write up is very informative and useful and may the Badaga community grow and spread through the whole world and prosper".
"Thank you Thomas. I am humbled at your kind words. May I hope that the Badagas will live up to your hopes, and thank you once again on behalf of the Badaga community – Wg Cdr JP"
Learn Badaga
” Ollenge iddiya ? - How are you ?”
‘Suddi saddha ella olliththa ? (Roughly) Hope everything is ok ‘
1. Are you a Badaga ? - Nee ondu Badagana?
Yes, I am a Badaga - Ha, Na ondu Badaga
2. What is your name ? - Ninna hesaru aena ?
My name is .... Enna hesaru .....
3. Which is your village ? - Ninna Hatti edhu ?[3a. Amme / Thamma, nee ai hatti ? - Girl/ Boy, which is your village?]
My village is Bearhatti - Enna Hatti bandu Bearhatti
4. Whose son/daughter are you ? - Nee dara maathi / hennu ?
This is the the first time I am visiting this site.... It took 5 hours to go through this site, you have done a fantastic job. Its just like a bible for our next generation. Thanks for your commitment!
Badaga
From the heart
Do you feel very strongly about any issue concerning Badaga Community? Have the urge to pour your heart out ? Feel free to express yourself without any inhibition and send them tobjaypee@gmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Save the TIGER
Tiger is HULI in Badaga Lanuage
Read any Indian Newspaper
Read any Indian Newspaper. [ In all Indian Languages]
CLICK HERE
------------------------
Bhuvaneshwari R writes :- This website is one of the best I have seen. Didn’t think I would find so much detail about our culture.
The history of origin of Badagas is quite fascinating. Photos are also really great.
Really good to see someone do an effort to spread awareness.Thank you…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Learn Badaga
Welcome, one and all!, Baarivi, Ollengay Iddhara?
Ninna hesuru aena?- what is your name?,
Nee Ae hatti? - which is your village?,
Appana hesuru? - Father's name?],
Maduvey aai buttava?- [Are you] married?,
Ganda,Elliya gelcha gheedhana?- where is [your] husband working?,
Here's a question that was posed to the Dalai Lama:
"What thing about humanity surprises you the most?"
His answer is : "MAN - Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices his money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he doesn't enjoy the present,
And as a result he doesn't live in the present or the future. And he lives as if he's never going to die and then he dies having never really lived".
Once in a way, we get to hear a song which instantly registers both in mind and heart. The golden voice you hear in this saavu [funeral] song is, beyond any doubt, excellent and haunting.
Dedicated to my mother Mrs.Idyammal Bellie Gowder [1912-2011] who gave everything to me
That is a lot of hits for a website [weblog] on BABADAGA that is focused on a small community of the Blue Mountains - the Nilgiris, in the sosouthern part of India. Is it due to...
the urge to know the unknown about ourselves....
to sift the truth from fiction....the satisfaction that we have a very unique history.....the mystery about the mistaken migration.....the traditions that are still steadfastly followed.....the great language that has survived for centuries without a script...
The simple fact that this site's motto of 'Proud to be a Badaga ; Proud to be an InIndian' has become an accepted norm...
You all, my dear friends, have made me bow my head in gratitude.
Proud to be an Indian and proud to be a Badaga, indeed.
Hope to say - 'thanks a million' soon...
Wg Cdr Bellie Jayaprakash, is the 'All-in-One' of this site. He says that he started this site as a hobby but now it has become an obsession.This website crossed the milestone of 100,000 visitors on 8-3-2010, 150,000 visitors on 20-4-2011, 200,000 visitors on 6-4-2012 , 250,000 on 22-1-2013, 300,000 hits on 6-1-2014, 350,000 on 6-1-15 and 400,000 on 13 -11-2015550000 hits on 1 Jan 2018.600000 hits on Sep 2018 Feel humbled but proud
Mookuthi 
Chinna 
==
Badagas of the Blue Mountains 