Ainmanes

Ainmanes are ancestral houses of clans in Kodagu, known for their cultural significance and historical roots. The term 'ainmane' derives from 'ayyangada mane', meaning 'house of the elders'. Each ainmane serves as a communal hub for family groups called okka, which are patrilineal clans sharing a common ancestry. With over 1000 okka names, these houses traditionally housed all clan members and were central to village life. Rituals, such as honoring the clan's founder at holy shrines called Kaimadas, and celebrations like the Huttari harvest festival, highlight the rich traditions associated with ainmanes. The Ainmanes Project, initiated by Boverianda Nanjamma and Chinnappa, documents these ancestral homes and their stories, contributing to the preservation of Kodagu's cultural heritage.