Where the Hills Burned The Last Stand of Coorg

The story of Arjun and Devika, though fictional, is deeply inspired by the real history of Kodagu (Coorg) and its people. The Kodavas were renowned for their fierce independence, martial culture, and deep connection to their land. For centuries, they resisted foreign domination � first against Mysore under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, and later against the British East India Company.
One of the most significant historical uprisings occurred in 1834, when the British launched the Coorg War to annex the region. The Kodava warriors fought bravely, using their intimate knowledge of the hills to mount a formidable resistance. Though eventually overwhelmed by superior British numbers and weaponry, the Kodavas inflicted heavy casualties and preserved their identity and culture under colonial rule.
The image of Arjun standing on Naladi Hills is emblematic of this real spirit of defiance. The British themselves, after annexing Coorg, acknowledged the courage and discipline of the Kodava people. Unlike in many other parts of India, the Kodavas were allowed to retain certain privileges, including the right to bear arms, which speaks to the respect they earned on the battlefield.
This story seeks to honor that legacy � to remember not just the clash of armies, but the emotional and moral stakes of a small, proud community standing against an empire. The struggles of Arjun and Devika mirror the struggles of countless unnamed men and women whose courage ensured that the soul of Coorg would never be extinguished.
As you close this book, remember that the hills of Coorg are more than a scenic landscape. They are a living archive of resistance, where every winding path and mist-covered ridge whispers the same message:
Freedom is never given. It is fought for, kept alive, and passed on.