The Kodava people are indigenous to the southwestern region of India, which corresponds with the modern state of Karnataka.

During the colonial period, the British named the region "Coorgi", a corruption of the Kannada word "kodaga" or "kodagu" meaning "hilly, steep".

[2] The Kodavas were known as tough warriors, establishing many wars against the neighboring nations to protect the sovereignty of their land.

These parts of the pichangatti are usually heavily-decorated in precious metal carvings e.g. brass, silver, gold, or a combination of these; in a very sophisticated design.

Attached to the chain are up to five implements used for cleaning and maintenance e.g. a toothpick, tweezers, ear-pick, a piercer, and a nail cleaner.