The Souls of Brown Folk

Most of you might have heard about Achilles or Hercules.Most probably because of the "Troy" movie or may be because most of the Indians are interested in western stories than Indian.

Now check out these two legendary twin brothers called Koti and Chennayya who revolted against social injustice and cast system roughly 500 years back.Koti,Chennayya,the twin heroes characterized in the Tulu epic are worshiped and remembered as protectors.

Koti Chennayya born to Deye Baidethi of Billava(I think billava is derived from Kannada word "Billu" which means Bow. The word Billava probably means Archers who were a warrior caste among the Dravidians who ruled most of India during ancient times) family.They both died while fighting against the enemy near Emmur in Sullia near Mangaluru where there is a memorial called Garadi which is also considered as temple for Billavas.Garadi which is derived from the Kannada or Sankrit(i am not sure about it) word "Garodi" which means gymnasium,as they both were body builders.Once in a year festivals called "Nema" is celebrated in the Garadi.There are still more than 66 garadies across Dakshina Kannada district.

Deyi Baidati who saved the life of King Permal dies during the child birth and the king takes responsibility of the children and Sayana Baida the maternal uncle takes the custody of the kids and gives them all the education under the supervision of the King.But everyone keeps them away mainly because they are from low caste and also they thinks they are threat to the King.The legend says in a battle between Panda Kingdom and Iayyanoor, Permal Ballal trickily kills Koti and Chennayya ends his life as he could not withstand the grief of Koti's death.It is believed that Koti-Chennaya were born in 1594 and died (During the Emmur War) in 1629 A.D. They were born in Padumale of Puttur taluk and died in Emmur of Sullia, where their old Gardi exists.Still you can see their Samadhi in Emmur.Their sister Kinni Daaru also being worshipped along with the brothers.

There are many "Yakshaganas"(dance drama popular in the coastal region of Karnataka),peoms,folk stories on them.A movie based on their life called 'Koti Chennaya' Bagged National Award.