It is believed that Kodavu people are of Arabic origin. It is said that some of Alexander's armymen moved to south and settled there. Their costume, martial practices and marriage rituals also point to the fact that they are from Arabic origin.
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It might be a possibility that the people of Coorg are of Greek or Arabic descent. The theory of Greek origin is supported by the fact that the Greek culture is apparent in their various traditions. Alexander's army inhabited this place for a while and married local people.
The theory of Arab origin is supported by the fact that these people wear a long, black coat with an embroidered waist belt known as kuppia. Kuppia is similar to the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.
According to the author, the fiercely independent people of Coorg are descendants of Greeks or Arabs. A part of Alexander's army moved South along the coast and settled there only when they were unable to return to their country. These people married amongst the locals and their culture remains alive even to this day. Secondly, the Kodavus wear a traditional garment called ‘kuppia’ which resembles the ‘kuffia’ worn by Arabs. This suggests the Arab origins of the Kodavu.
