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.
