The Story of Bengaluru’s Iconic Yet Forgotten 'Coffee Pudi' Sakamma

Bengaluru is a city where mornings often begin with the rich aroma of freshly brewed filter coffee, or 'kaapi' as it is locally known. The city’s love affair with coffee is evident in its numerous cafes, from historic spots like the Indian Coffee House to trendy new-age The Rameshwaram Cafe. But hidden within this love for coffee is the lesser-known story of a remarkable woman whose entrepreneurial spirit left an indelible mark on the city—D. Sakamma, affectionately known as 'Coffee Pudi' Sakamma. 

A Journey from Humble Beginnings

Born in 1880 in Bidare, a small village in Karnataka’s Tumkur district, Sakamma’s early life was marked by her family’s move to Bengaluru in search of better opportunities. As a child, Sakamma was known for her intelligence and curiosity, qualities that led her parents to enrol her in school—a rare opportunity for girls at the time. She excelled in her studies, becoming one of the few girls in Mysore Province to pass the secondary school examination.

However, life took a challenging turn when her family faced financial difficulties, leading to her marriage at the tender age of 16. Her husband, Savkar Doddamane Chikkabasappa Setty, was a wealthy coffee planter from Coorg, and Sakamma soon found herself in the role of a planter’s wife. Unfortunately, her happiness was short-lived as her husband passed away within two years of their marriage. Tragedy struck again as his other two wives also passed away in quick succession, leaving Sakamma, a young widow, to manage the vast coffee estate alone.

Rising to the Challenge

Despite the odds, Sakamma refused to be overwhelmed by her circumstances. Drawing on her education and innate resilience, she quickly learned the intricacies of running a coffee estate. With her strict yet fair approach to management, she revived the estate, turning it into a thriving business. By 1920, Sakamma decided to expand her ventures and moved to Bangalore, where she established her household in Basavanagudi and opened a coffee curing and powdering unit near Bull Temple Road.

The Birth of ‘Coffee Pudi’ Sakamma

Sakamma’s venture was an instant success, with her coffee powder quickly gaining popularity across the city. Her business acumen and quality products earned her the nickname ‘Coffee Pudi’ Sakamma, a title that became synonymous with high-quality coffee in Bangalore. As her reputation grew, Sakamma Coffee Works became a household name, even finding mention in the works of literary giants like Masti Venkatesha Iyengar and DV Gundappa.

A Legacy Beyond Coffee

With her business flourishing, Sakamma turned her attention to social causes. She was deeply committed to community welfare and played a significant role in the city’s development. Recognising her influence, the then-government of Mysore invited her to contribute to the planning of industrial development in the princely state. Sakamma generously invested in the founding of the Kuruhina Shetty Kendra Sangha and Hostel in Basavanagudi, along with several other institutions.

She also established a choultry (an inn for travellers) called Sakamma Bhavan, where her portrait still hangs today. The area in Basavanagudi where she operated her coffee curing unit continues to be known as Sakamma Garden, a testament to her lasting impact on the city.

Recognition and Breaking Barriers

Sakamma’s contributions did not go unnoticed. The Maharaja of Mysore, Sri Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, honoured her with the prestigious title of ‘Lokaseva Parayini,’ recognising her dedication to social service. Her achievements were also acknowledged by the British, who awarded her the ‘Kaisar-i-Hind’ medal, a rare honour for a woman in an era when opportunities for women in business and public life were severely limited.

In 1928, she, along with Kamalamma Dasappa of the Mahila Seva Samaja, became one of the first women to be nominated to the Mysore Representative Assembly. This was a remarkable achievement, considering the barriers women faced during that period. Kamalamma, who was the maternal grandmother of Rajeshwari Chatterjee (the first woman engineer from Karnataka), was herself a pioneering figure, and together, these women helped pave the way for future generations.

Remembering a Forgotten Icon

After living a life filled with groundbreaking achievements, Bengaluru’s ‘Coffee Pudi’ Sakamma passed away in 1950 at the age of 75. While the city of Bengaluru has often celebrated its founding fathers and modern pioneers, the stories of women like Sakamma have largely remained in the shadows. It is time to bring these stories to the forefront and honour the contributions of women who, like Sakamma, shaped the city’s history and culture.