Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 8.djvu/88

COORGS. when quelling an insurrection. In the Photograph it is worn by the old Soobadar. The ornament of the young man is called kokatadi, it is made of gold and jewels, and may also be worn by females. Some men wear, on festive occasions, the peculiar komnba topi, or horn shaped hat, a precious gift of the late Rajahs to distinguished warriors; it is made of red cloth, and has a double band round it, the two horns and the cockade are of solid gold.

The Coorg women are decently dressed. Over a white or light blue jacket is the blue or white sari, tied together over the left shoulder, and a cross bound red kerchief of good size, lightly knotted at the back, forms a pretty head dress. Gold and silver chains, ear rings, nose and finger rings, and bracelets, are the common ornaments.—Report.

In the war against Tippoo Sultan in 1799, Coorg had materially assisted the Bombay forces proceeding to Seringapatam; and the utmost cordiality was continued with the Rajah as long as he lived. The late and last Rajah, Veer Rajendra, succeeded his father in 1820, and was well affected for many years. Subsequently, however, his conduct and proceedings became outrageous, and the western portion of Mysore was materially disturbed by him. Being called upon by the Governor General, Lord William Bentinck, to reform, and give satisfaction for outrages committed, he grew defiant and utterly intractable, and was deposed by the Governor General: and the country was taken possession of; after some resistance, by an English force, under the political direction of the late General J. S. Fraser. The capital Meräara surrendered on April 6th, 1834, when the Rajah surrendered himself to General Fraser. He was removed to Benares, and a pension allotted to him; but was ultimately allowed to reside in England, where he died, leaving a daughter, Gouramma, who was kindly adopted and .brought up by Her Majesty the Queen. The affairs of Coorg were at first administered by a special commission, but the territory was afterwards incorporated with Mysore. The province has materially improved, and is now celebrated as a coffee producing locality.

The ethnology of the Coorgs has not been defined, but it is evident they are a peculiar people and race, unconnected with the ordinary population of Mysore. It is strange perhaps that the Coorg knife or bill hook should be identical with the kookry of the Goorkhas, to whom, in martial spirit and general habits, the Coorgs bear a strong resemblance.

The admirable Photographs of Coorg characters are by the Rev. G. Richter, of the Basil Mission, Mercara.