KUDLA Art & Kodial Guthu History

  •   Sun, Mar 09 2025
  •   Compiled with Inputs by: Ivan Saldanha-Shet


March 5, 2025

Showcasing Mangaluru city’s rich Tuluva heritage, the Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), along with Art Kanara Trust, has come out with a state-of-the-art, attractive pictorial book, Combing Kudla with Pens and Brushes. In this regard, visiting the pictorial exhibition at Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture, Ballalbagh, Mangaluru, brought a flood of appreciation and awe; this will be felt by any sensitive visitor to this ancient Kodial Guthu Mane and the facts of history lying dormant.

The specially selected artworks featured in the book were exhibited at the Kodialguthu Centre. The participating artists—Harish Kodialbail, Jeevan Salian, Santhosh Andrade, Syed Asif Ali, and Wilson Souza—have meticulously illustrated Mangaluru’s architectural and cultural legacy. Architect Subhas Basu, who is the convener of INTACH Mangaluru Chapter, has also contributed a few sketches. The 72-page book, enriched with well-researched narratives by Deekshith Pai, is both a collector’s item and a tribute to the city’s historic charm. The project has been well supported by various sponsors and well-wishers. A copy of this book will enhance the cultural blessings of every individual.

Showcasing Kudla’s Heritage

This book is the culmination of an artistic journey that began on World River Day in September 2022, when INTACH Mangaluru invited artists and school students to document the vibrant life of Bengre’s fishing villages. Over the next two years, more sketching events unfolded across the city—at the Srimanthi Bai Memorial Government Museum in Bejai, the historic Bunder precinct, and during a communal harmony rally at Mahila Sabha. Each event saw artists capturing the essence of Mangaluru’s evolving urban landscape, preserving its fading stories through intricate strokes and vivid watercolors.

In May 2024, a curated collection of about 50 sketches of over 40 heritage sites was showcased in an exhibition under the same title, Combing Kudla with Pens and Brushes. The overwhelming response from visitors, who shared personal anecdotes linked to these heritage sites, reaffirmed the power of art in community storytelling. The collection was later displayed at the historic Old DC Office during Heritage Week, organized by the DK District Administration in November 2024, and was also transformed into a successful postcard series.

This initiative not only documents Mangaluru’s changing cityscape but also fosters an appreciation for its rich past, ensuring its cultural footprint remains etched in memory. As rapid urban transformation unfolds, Combing Kudla with Pens and Brushes stands as a poignant reminder of the city’s unique architectural and cultural identity, contributing to the preservation of Mangaluru’s collective memory.

For details on book sales, contact:
Subhas Chandra Basu (Convener): 87623 68048 | Email: subhasbasu1960@gmail.com
Rajendra Kedige: 94800 14812 | Email: intachmangaluru@gmail.com

Legendary Kodialguthu Mane

The stunning history runs deep. The Tuluva Vijayanagara Empire is a paramount part of South Indian history, going back centuries. Kudla (Mangaluru) must be aware and proud that the Vijayanagara dynasty was rooted on this coast, precisely here. Our folks and many scholars are barely aware that several palatial structures we see today are the unassuming, humble monuments of the Guthu system of representative rule in many regions, instituted by the Vijayanagara emperors, mainly Krishnadevaraya.

This is actually the Kudla main throne house, the authority given to the Pata Shetty clan to collect dues and taxes from the common people and ensure they receive their rights and peace in ample measure. This is in the vicinity of Kudla Sangama and thus represents the main regent of the Kudla area. A visit to this place and an understanding of its basic glory, maintained even amidst neglect, highlight the grandeur of the old feudal system.

This may not be the platform or occasion to delve into the deeper aspects of history, but knowledgeable and interested readers may be inclined to gain a deeper exposure to the historical significance held within these ancient relics and monuments. Please look at the pictures provided here for a glimpse of what is just the tip of the iceberg.

Kodialguthu Mane, a historic residence in Mangaluru, is currently owned by sisters Jyoti and Dr Pratibha Karanth. Jyoti Alva resides in the main house, which has been preserved to maintain its traditional architecture—her pictures here shed light on the Guthu Mane. Dr Pratibha Karanth, while primarily based in Bengaluru, has restored a portion of the property known as the hebbagilu building, transforming it into the Kodialguthu Centre for Art & Culture. This center serves as a venue for art exhibitions and cultural events, collaborating with organizations like the INTACH Mangaluru Chapter to promote the region’s heritage.

Kodialguthu Mane, also known as Kodial Guthu House, exemplifies the traditional Guthu Mane architecture of the Bunt community, who were prominent landowners in the region. These homes were typically situated at the center of the family's land holdings and served as symbols of prestige and social status.

The architectural layout of a Guthu Mane includes several distinctive features:

  • Tudame: A bamboo gate that slides into wooden posts, marking the entrance.
  • Jaal: An open space shaded with dried coconut leaves, providing relief from the sun.
  • Kall Chapadi: A stone bench for visitors to rest.
  • Kalla Marai: A rock-cut container used for washing feet before entering the main house.
  • Mogasale: A sit-out area leading to the main door.
  • Hebbagilu: The grand main door opening into the Angala, a covered courtyard with intricately carved walls.

Over time, many Guthu Manes faced challenges due to land reforms and urbanization. However, efforts have been made to preserve their heritage. Dr Pratibha Karanth, for instance, undertook a restoration project to return the Kodial Guthu House to its former glory, sourcing period-specific materials and preserving traditional architectural elements. Today, the Kodialguthu Centre for Art & Culture stands as a testament to this rich heritage, serving as a cultural hub in Mangaluru.

The Guthu Mane Culture and Vijayanagara Connection

The Guthu Mane culture of the West Coast (Tulu Nadu) and its connection to the Vijayanagara Empire are deeply rooted in the region's social, economic, and administrative systems.

Guthu Mane Culture:

  • Guthu Mane (?????????) refers to the traditional ancestral houses of dominant families in Tulu Nadu (present-day coastal Karnataka and parts of Kerala).
  • These were landholding families (Guthu families) who controlled vast lands, local administration, and social order.
  • The Guthu houses followed matrilineal (Aliyasantana) inheritance, meaning property passed through the mother’s lineage.
  • The head of the family was called Guthu Patra, assuming the name Devu Shetty, and the household was central to village governance.

Connection with the Vijayanagara Empire:
During the Vijayanagara period (1336–1646 CE), the empire had a significant influence on the West Coast, including Tulu Nadu. The Guthu Mane system thrived under Vijayanagara rule due to:

  • Military & Administrative Ties: The Vijayanagara Empire relied on local chieftains (Nayakas) and wealthy families (Guthu families) for administration and military support.
  • Some Guthu families acted as local governors or provided soldiers for the Vijayanagara army.

The Guthu Mane traditions are a worthy experience in Mangaluru city and nearby regions.

 

 
Compiled with Inputs by: Ivan Saldanha-Shet
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