Tribals in Kerala
Tribals in Kerala (Adivasis of Kerala) are the indigenous population found in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Most of the tribal people of Kerala live in the forests and mountains of Western Ghats, bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. According to the 2001 census of India, the Scheduled Tribe population in Kerala is 3,64,189 (lunas – 180,169 and felunas – 184,020). Wayanad has the highest number of tribals (1,36,062). [Idukki- (50973) and Palakkad (39665) districts are the next two that make the lion portion of the native tribal people groups in the state. The Paniya (Paniyar) are the largest of the 35 major tribes.
Tribal people groups who are food-gatherers, with diminishing population and very low or little literacy rates can be called as Primitive Tribes. Cholanaikkans, Kurumbas, Kattunaikans, Kadars and Koragas are the five primitive tribal groups in Kerala. They constitute nearly 5% of the total tribal population in the State. Cholanaikkans can be said as the most primitive of them and found only in the Malappuram District. Only a handful of families are living in the Mancheri hills of Nilambur forest division. Kattunaikans, another lower-hill community related to Cholanaikkans, are mainly seen in Wayanad district and some in Malappuram and Kozhikode districts. Kadar population is found in Trisur and Palakkad districts. Kurumbas are living in the Attappady Block of Palakkad district. The Koraga habitat is in the plain areas of Kasaragod district.
Major tribes
Tribals in Kerala are living on the hill ranges, mainly on the Western Ghat, bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. As a natural border, the mountain has branches in Kerala as well as in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The tribals on the Kerala hills are only listed here. It is estimated that there are about 4 lakh tribal people living in Kerala and about half of this population has made the interiors of Wayanad their home. The tribals were the original inhabitants of Wayanad region. But once the British era opened roads to this region and commercial plantations began to sprout, there occurred a migration of settlers to this region and during the 1940s this migration enhanced tremendously displacing the aborigines or adivasis of the area. The tribes lost their land and dwindled in numbers and now they constitute only 20 percent of the total population of the district.
The native Adivasis of the district belong to various sects like Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyars, Kurichyas, Ooralis, Kattunaikkans and Uraali Kurumas. They are mostly physically distinguishable with darker skin and stout built physique. They often live in houses made of thatched roof, mud, bamboo and brick houses set in swampy valleys and plateaus. Though many of them said to be primitive tribes, all of them have a story of migration to the hills. It is likely to believe that these tribes were living there for several centuries! “The story of tribes on the Western Ghat mountainous ranges have is less than 300 years”, says Philipose Vaidyar who had visited and stayed with several of these tribal groups. Cholanaikkan is said to be the most primitive and a vanishing tribe. “Discussions with them, and the history during the British times, the capture of local kings and their fights have much to reveal about their migration from the valley to the hills” he says. Read more about Tippu Sulthan and Pazhassi King and learn how some people were lost in the deep forests. The Irular people of Idukki districts complaint about the heavy taxes they had to pay to the kings which resulted in their exodus from the Kochi kingdom to that of an animal kingdom. History of British period approves this.
1. ADIYAN: ADIYANS (Adiyars, Adigals) are inhabitants of the Wayanad District. They are found in Edappady, Cherur, Mottonkara, Kuppathode and Mudiramula, Bavali and in the low lying lands of Thaliparamba and North Waynad Taluks. They are also to be found in Mysore State. The word ADIYAN connotes a slave or vassal attached to a person of standing. A dialect of Kannada is their mother Tongue and it is unintelligible to others. Those settled in Kerala can converse in Malayalam. The majority of Adiyans are low paid agricultural labourers and it is possible that in the early years they may have been agricultural slaves. The average daily wage of man is reported to be two seers of paddy and for a woman something less. Adiyans are Hindus by religion, but have no temples of their own. Those in Kerala celebrate Onam and Vishu festivals, and visit the Vallyoorkavu and Tiruneli Temples. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 11,526.
2. ARANADAN: ARANADANS are inhabitants of the Kozhikode District. Their name is the corruption of Eranadan, and connotes that they are a tribe of the Eranad Taluk. Their scattered settlements are in the low lying and undeveloped hill tracts of the Vazhikadavu, Karulai, Edakara, Shankerakulam and other remote locations of the Nilambur Amsom of the Eranad Taluk. They speak a very corrupt dialect of Tamil, Malayalam and Tulu. ARANADANS are included in the official list of Scheduled Tribes maintained by the Union, Kerala, Mysore and Madras Governments. Their principal occupation now, is cutting bamboo and collecting hill produce. Very limited numbers have started participating in agricultural operations. Aranadans have no religion, and not even a correct conception of animism and totemism. Some pretend to have good knowledge of the Hindu religion, and have no objection to be known as Hindus. Visiting temples is not popular. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 283.
3. CHOLANAIKAN: CHOLANAIKKANS are inhabitants of the Malappuram District. Cholanaikkans are divided into ten territorial groups, each one having a particular area demarcated by natural boundaries. The territories are known as Karimpuzha, panapuzha, Kuppan maele, Pucappara, Thalipuzha, Korampuzha, Alakkal, Amblimaele, Olikkatodu and Manjakkadavu. They speak among themselves. It does not have a script. Some of them speak Malayalam. In their dialect, we can distinguish words from Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam. The forest is the major economic resource for the Cholanaikkan community. Foraging, fishing and hunting are the three major activities. Rice and other commodities are available to them through exchange of minor forest produce at the Girijan Co-operative society. Fishing is seasonal. They are able to fish mostly during summer season only. Forest produce such as dammer, cardamom, ginger, pepper, turmeric, astringent fruit, medicinal roots and barks, oilseeds and honey are collected for barter. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 124.
4. ERAVALLAN: ERAVALLANS are inhabitants of the Palghat District. They are seen settled in the Government Colony in the low lying lands adjoining the high mountains of the Moolathara village, Chittoor Taluk, and in the neighbouring Coimbatore District of the Madras State. They speak a poor dialect of Tamil and to a visitor in Malayalam. Eravallans are either agriculturists or farm labourers. A few own land which they cultivate successfully. The early occupations of hunting and food picking, and the restrictions regarding entering service have disappeared. Eravallans were animists and totemists of the highest order. Even now there are many who practice primitive animism, and worship animals, trees and stones and claim origin from them. They celebrate Onam, Vishu, Mattu Pongal festivals. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 4,797.
5. IRULAR: IRULARS are inhabitants of the Palghat District. They are seen at Pothupara, Mayamudi, Palakapandy and Kunapalam of the Nelliampathi hills, Chittoor Taluk, Koravan Kandi, Kavundikkal and Mattathukad of Agali Amsom, Attapady Valley, Perinthalmanna Taluk and in the Wayalar forests of the Palghat Taluk. The dialect of those in Kerala include quite a lot of Malayalam Phrases and a visitor with knowledge of Malayalam or Tamil can fare well. Irulars are preserving and clever agriculturists. A few are still Ponam cultivators. What is cultivated depends on the soil and environment. Paddy, raggi, dhal, plantains, chillies and turmeric are grown in large quantities. Both men and women take an active part in agricultural operations, hunting, rearing and vending goats and poultry. A small number of Irulars continue their animistic practices, treat the tiger as their visible god, and worship its footprints. The majority worship Vishnu under the name of Rangaswami and Siva without differentiation. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 23,721.
6. HILL PULAYA: HILL PULAYAS are inhabitants of the Kottayam and Idukki District. They are seen at Kummithankuzhi, Thattikkad, Nachivayal, Malakkad,and Chavakkalam in the Chinnar and Marayoor villages of the Devikulam Taluk. This community have three sub groups, viz. Kurumba Pulaya, Karavazhi Pulaya and Pambu Pulaya. They are also known as Mala Pulaya. The Hill Pulaya’s dialect is both of Tamil and Malayalam influence dominated by Tamil words and phrases. With others they speak either Malayalam or Tamil language and use its script. The major economic resource of Hill pulaya is land. The community is mainly land holding. The government had allotted a minimum of one acre of land per family in each hamlet, and they have taken settled cultivation. Nonskilled daily wage labour, animal husbandry, petty shop and collection of minor forest produce are their subsidiary occupations. The Hill Pulayas are Hindus. They worship and revere the entire Hindu pantheon deities along with their own deities. Kali, Mariamma, Kannimara, Karuppan, Chapalamma etc. are some of their deities, represented by stones. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 2,959.
7. KANIKKAR: KANNIKARS (Kannikarans) are inhabitants of the Trivandrum and Kollam Districts. They are seen at Nalayadi, Ponmudi, Vithurai, Kalla, Nedumangad, Aryanad, Agastier Peak and Aruvikkara in the Nedumangad Taluk and at Kulathupuzha and Chitra in the Kollam District. They speak a dialect of Malayalam with an admixture of Tamil. Kanikkars have the most elaborate division of exogamous Pharties (clans). Originally they had only the clans known as Mutti-illom and Mer-illom. Later two more, Kayy-illom Pali-illom came into existence. Modern kanis may be described as Hindus. They revere and worship the entire pantheon of Hindu Gods. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 21,251.
8. KADAR: KADARS are inhabitants of the Palghat, Trichur, Calicut and Kannur Districts. They are seen at Pooyamkutty, Orikombankutty, Muthirachal, pothupara and Kollengode forests of the Chittoor Taluk, Palghat District, and at Poringalkuthu, Ittiyani, Annakkayam and Chandanthode of the Mukunnapuram Taluk, Trichur District. Kuthirottom Kunnu and Vellamunda Amsom of the Wayanad District. Kadars have a proverb that the way to the heart is through the mouth, and a wife who is a good cook can be very successful in life. They are also seen in the Madras State. A visitor with knowledge of Malayalam or Tamil can fare well with them. Pathies are on slightly raised mud and on all sides with flattened bamboo and grass. Usually they consist of one room, a corner of which is used as the kitchen. Modern kadars like to known as Hindus and to use Hindu names. Primitive polytheism and the worship of invisible gods have considerably disappeared. Their favourite deities are Ayappan, Kali and Malavazhi. A few elders still worship the rising sun. Their customs and conventions indicate that they had been strong animists not long ago. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 2,949.
9. KATTUNAYAKAN: KATTUNAYAKANS are inhabitants of the Kozhikode and Kannur Districts. They are seen in the deep forests of high mountains of Kidaganad, Purakadi, Pulpalli, Noolpuzha, Maruthenkara, Tharuvana and Nallornad Amsoms of the Vythiri Taluk; Kattikulam Vemom, Chempara Peak and Nathapuram. They speak Malayalam and Tamil. Some of them are conversant with Kannada language. Kattunayakans have the most disappointing type of huts. They are long, but very low, and the floor is level with the ground. The sides are of flattened bamboo, and the roof covered with straw or grass. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 18,199.The kattunaickan are in different stages of development and based on their source of livelihood, they can be classified into four categories such a:
1. Food gatherers and landless labourers who work on the land and nearby forest regions.
2. Temporary cultivators who own less fertile land which is insufficient for their living.
3. Cultivators who own fertile land.
4. Employees as mahouts in forest departments and Devasoms.
10. KARIMPALAN: KARIMPALANS are inhabitants of the Kannur and Kozhikode Districts. They are seen at Kakur, Nanmanda, Chelanoor, Poonoor, Thamarasseri of the Kozhikode District, Thaliparamba, Alakode of the Kannur District and Wayanad District. Karimpalans speak a corrupt dialect of Malayalam with a few Tulu words and phrases. Karimpalans have better type of illoms than the Paniyans and Cherumans of the same districts. The structure is about eight feet square, made exclusively of bamboo and thatched with grass or straw. It has a clean and attractive appearance. There is usually only one room which used as a kitchen, bedroom, and sitting room. Karimpalans were principally ponum cultivators but deforestation and the opening up of new plantations have stopped it. There are now small groups who do independent cultivation on lease hold lands. Preparing and vending charcoal is another important occupation that is now facing serious setbacks. Karimpalans were animists and totemists, but now they like to be known as Hindus, visit temples and make special offerings to Kali and Siva. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 14,098.
11. KUDIYA: The KUDIYA inhabit the hills and foothills of Kasargod District and its adjoining areas South Karnataka. The Kudiya’s mother tongue is Tulu although school going children learn both Kannada and Malayalam. The major economic resources for the Kudiya’s are forest and land. Hunting and gathering from the forests used to be their mainstay along with labour work. After the Kerala Land Reforms Act was passed, many of them got their own land which they cultivated. The Kudiya women are active in agricultural operations and animal husbandry. They collect fuel and potable water. They go for work at construction sites. They have important roles in rituals. The Kudiya profess the Hindu faith and worship village and regional deities besides the wider pantheon now. Festivals are of religious significance and the main one is Sivaratri. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 785.
12. KORAGAR: KORAGARS are inhabitants of the Kannur District. They are seen at Hosbettu, Mudibidri, Puttur, Uppiangandi, Narampadi, Perdol, Bela, Manjeshwar, Mangalapalli of the Kasargod Taluk. They speak Koraga dialect within the family kin group and with others they speak Tulu, Malayalam and Kannada languages. The major economic resources for the Koraga are forest and land. The forest resources are controlled by government and land by individual proprietors. In the community, only a few own land. Their traditional occupations are hunting, gathering, basket making and labour. In the past, they were also engaged in collecting animal bones, skin and medicinal plants. The Koraga profess Hinduism. They are nature and sun worshippers. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 14,098.
13. KURICHIAN: KURICHIANS are inhabitants of the Kannur and Kozhikode District. The Kurichian are one of the Scheduled Tribes of Kerala and stand fourth in number of members. The Kurichian are segmented into four subdivisions, viz. Kurichian of Wayanad, Kunnam Kurichian of Kannavam forest, Anchilla Kurichian of Tirunelly and Pathiri Kurichian. The Kurichian speak and write Malayalam within family and with others, though with a distinctive accent and intonation. The economy of Kurichian is based on agriculture. The cultivation in the lands made available by the forest department. They are very disturbed about the ever increasing population and scarcity of land. The Kurichian are Hindus tribal religionists. They worship Bhagawati, Malakkari, Athiraplan and Munnan daivam as their family and Kulam deities. The Kurichians have a reputation for fearlessness and trustworthiness. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 35,171.
14. KURUMAN: MULLU KURUMAN: The community is spelled as Mullu Kuruman, Mulla Kuruman, Mullu Kurumba or Mulla kurumar. KURUMANS are inhabitants of the Wayanad District and also the adjoining Gudalur Taluk of Tamilnadu. They speak a dialect of their own called Kurumaba which is an unintelligible dialect of Kannada with a good admixture of Tamil and Malayalam words and phrases and that they have no script of their own. The Mullu Kurauman have four kulams, namely Villappa, Kathika, Vadakku and Vengage, which regulate marriage alliances. There is no hierarchy among the kulams. The land is the main matural economic resource of the Mullu Kuruman community, which is controlled by individuals. The traditional occupations of the Mulla Kuruman were hunting, gathering and shifting cultivation. At present, they are mainly engaged in agriculture and government jobs. Women help their men in agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing and poultry. Some of them have their own agricultural land. The Mullu Kuruman follow Hinduism now and the remnants of tribal religious practices are almost gone. All modern civic amenties are enjoyed/availed of by the Mullu Kuruman. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 24,505.
15. MAHA MALASAR: MAHA MALASARS are habitants of the Palaghat district. They are seen at Sungam,Thekkadi and in the Parambikulam and adjoining forests of Coimbatore District of Tamilnadu. They speak a dialect of their own, and use a mixture of Tamil and Malayalam with others. The major natural resources of the Maha Malasar is the forest. It is controlled by the government. At present some small plots have been allotted to them by government on which they raise some tapioca. The main occupation was collection of minor forest produce. It can be categorized into two; one meant for consumption and subsistence and the other for barter. The Maha Malasar is not specialized in any form of art and craft. Their material culture is rudimentary. They have oral tradition in the form of folk songs, sung by both men and women. Maha Malasars have yet to have a definite conception about God and religion. An enthusiastic group of young men when asked about religion wanted to know where the gods reside and emphasised that they could disclose what they wanted only if they know their location and environment. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 154.
16. KURUMBAR: KURUMBA live in the dense forests of Attappadi Valley, Palakkad District. They are popularly known as Kurumba Pulayans, Mala Pulayans, Hill Pulayans and Pamba Pulayans. The Kurumba have dialect of their own, locally called Kurumba Basha. The patios seem to be a debased form of Kannada. Except a very few who can converse in Malayalam. The Kurumba are foragers and shifting cultivators. At present also their economy is mainly revolving around their traditional occupation of collecting forest produces like honey, wax, soapnut, turmeric, ginger and wild cardamoms. The Kurumba know the art of body tattooing. Skill in the manufacture of baskets and mats reveals their craftsmanship. Kurumbas are animists and totemists and there has not been much change in their early forms of worship. Their knowledge of Hinduism is disappointing. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 2,586.
17. MALA KURAVAN: MALA KURAVANS are inhabitants of the Trivandrum, Kollam and Kottayam Districts. They are seen in Chittar, Kattachira and Rajampara in the Ranni range, Pathanamthitta taluk, Nottakal in the Pathanapuram Taluk, on the banks of the Pamba river and in the low lying undeveloped forest tracts of the Nedumangad taluk, Trivandrum district. They speak corrupt dialect of Malayalam with many words and phrases from Tamil. The 2011 Census recorded their population as 175. Mala Kuravans subsist by agriculture, hunting and collecting hill produce. A few have small holdings of leasehold or proprietary lands which they cultivate. They hunt with muzzle – loading guns, bows and arrows, traps and snares. Women work with men and supplement their family income by collecting and selling firewood. Mala Kuravans were animists and totemists of the highest order. Worship of the spirits of ancestors is very popular.
18. MALA ARAYAN: MALA ARAYANS are inhabitants of the Peerumadu, Devikolam and Thodupuzha taluks of the Idukki District and Kanjirapally and Meenachil taluks of the Kottayam District. They speak and write in Malayalam among themselves and also with outsiders. The educated members are able to speak in English and in Hindi. The Malai Arayan were dependent on shifting cultivation, hunting and food gathering. Now the conditions have significantly changed. The forests have been reserved and hence food collection, hunting and shifting cultivations have been prohibited. The Mala Arayans are now engaged in different kinds of occupations such as agriculture, agricultural labour, whitecollar job and business.
19. MALA PANICKAR: MALA PANICKARS are habitants of the Kozhikode District. They are seen at Badavuram, Mambad Amsom, Ramachanpotti, Vambad Amsom, Vadapuram Desom, Vadakumpadam and Kaliara, Nilambur Amsom and Karikad near Manjeri in the Eranad Taluk. Land is the major natural resource of the Mala Panickar community and is controlled by individual proprietors. Traditionally, their main occupation was agriculture. Animal Husbandry, collection and selling of firewood and wood cutting were subsidiary occupations. A few of them are engaged in the petty business and in government service abandoning the traditional occupations. The Mala Panickar is Hindus and profess Hinduism. They worship and revere the entire Hindu pantheon. These also visit the temple frequently, make offerings to this deity. The 2011 Census recorded their population as 1,023.
20. MALA PANDARAM: The Malai Pandaram or otherwise termed as Hill Pandaram is a scheduled tribe. They are settled along the Pamba river, Achan koil river and in Pathanapuram and near Shencotta ranges in Kollam District. Some have migrated now to Srikrishnapuram in the Palakkad District. The reason for migration, according to this group, is that Christians had moved into the Achan Koil area, as a result of which it became difficult for them continue to their own occupations and hence they migrated to Palakkad area. They are mainly distributed in the high range areas of Kollam and Pathanamthitta Districts. The 2011 Census recorded their population as 2,422. In the Travancore region they have a patios referred by others as Pandaram Basha. With others they converse in Malayalam and educated use the Malayalam script for writing. The Malai Pandaram’s economic life is overwhelmingly forest based. The resource is controlled by government. They are landless. Presently, the government have allotted plots of forest land to groups in which they have erected their huts and in the remaining area some individuals engage in cultivation, mainly tapioca. The major traditional occupation is hunting and gathering. The Palakkad branch continue to be engaged in their traditional occupation of making and selling of rudrakshamala, tulasimala, glass beads necklace and bangles. Some of them have traditional knowledge in herbal medicines. The medicinal herbs are collected from forests of Sabarimalai, Irali (Idukki) and Wayanad. The Malai Pandaram follow Hinduism. Satha or Ayyappan is their principal deity. Most of their settlements in Travancore are also located near the Sastha temples like Aryankavu, Achankovil and Sabarimala.
21. MALA VETTUVAN: MALA VETTUVANS are habitants of the Kannur District. They are seen at Prapoyil, Thirumani, Thadikadavu and Padiyur, Vayakara Amsom of the Thaliparamba Taluk. The 2011 Census recorded their population as 17,869. They speak a very poor dialect of Malayalam with many Tulu words and idioms. Mala Vettuvans are agricultural labourers and have a through knowledge of agricultural operations in the taluk they inhabit. Whenever land is available they have their own cultivation rice and pepper. They are good hunters and trackers, and are often seen assisting a visiting sportsman. Basket making provides occupation for a large number. Rice is their principal diet and when it is not available they eat whatever can be had, specially roots and herbs collected from the forests. They are very clever in catching rats for consumption. The Mala Vettuvans are Hindus. They make image of Gods, and ancestors in metal or wood for worship. They visit Hindu temples.
22. MALA VEDAN: MALA VEDANS are habitants of the Kottayam and Quilon Districts. They are seen at Kadimeenchira, Narayanamuzhi, Kumarapuram and Katachira of Pathanamthitta taluk. Ottakkal, Orukunnu, Thenkashi, Thenmalai and Achankovil of Pathanapuram Taluk. The Mala Vedans speak a dialect of Tamil and Malayalam, which is unintelligible. The primitive Vedans, as the name indicates, subsisted exclusively by hunting. A part of the kill was consumed and what could be spared was sold or exchanged for essentials. Piscatorial pursuits provide an important occupation during certain seasons of the year. Some collect hill produce and derive an income from that. A great number are farm and plantation labourers. The income they earn is disappointing. Mala Vedans have no objection to be known as Hindus. They have no temples of their own, but whenever possible they visit Hindu temples and make offering to popular Hindu Gods. At present they celebrate Onam and Karkada Sankaranthi. The 2011 Census recorded their population as 8,149.
23. MALASAR: MALASARS are habitants of the Palakkad and Thrissur District. They are seen in the Nelliampathi hills of the Nemmara Taluk, Thuthanpara and Pothumudi Villages, Kollengode private forests and Sungam in the Chittoor Taluk. The 2011 Census recorded their population as 3,195. They speak a poor dialect Tamil and Malayalam. The chief economic resource of the Malasar community is the forest. It is controlled by government. The community is mainly landless. At present some hold land allowed by the forest department on which they raise some crops, mainly tapioca. Their main occupation was collection of minor forest produce, which can be categorized into two: one for consumption and other for barter. They have also taken to animal husbandry. The Malasar claim that they are Hindus; in fact, it is found that they are trying to imbibe the Hindu religion. Kali and Mariamma were described as their favourite deities.
24. MALAYAN: MALAYANS are distributed in the Malabar region comprising Kozhikode, Kannur and Malappuram Districts. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 5,917. Their mother tongue is Malayalam which is used as spoken and written language among themselves and with others. The major natural economic resource of the Malayan is land. They are mainly landless. Traditionally, they are excorcists, spirit dancers and mendicants. Their primary occupation, at present, is agricultural labourer. Animal husbandry, midwifery, non –skilled wage and casual labour and their secondary occupations. The Malayan profess Hinduism. Folk deities like Pottan Daivam, Vishnu Murthi, Gulikan, Raktha Chamundi, Mauthappan and Kummati are also worshipped by them.
25. MANNAN: The MANNANS are distributed throughout Kerala, in the plains and coastal regions. They speak a dialect of Tamil and Malayalam with a very peculiar acent and converse it is difficult to understand. The economy of Mannan is centered around cultivation. Land is the main natural resource. Independent agriculture and service as labourers are the important occupations at present. They are conversant with all aspects agriculture in the mountains they inhabit and are successful cultivators. Collecting, vending, hill produce provides occupation for many. The traditional occupation is washing cloth and providing mattu, literally, change of cloth to the communities like the Brahman, Kshatriya, Ambalavasi and Nayar for wearing before going to bathe on the day on which they are to be freed from pollution. The Mannan are Hindus and worship Gods and goddess such as Siva, Vishnu, Bhagawati, and Sastha. Bhagawati is their family deity. They visit Sabarimala temple during Mandalam period. They also visit Guruvayur, Kodungallur or Bhagawati temple. Onam, Vishu, Sivaratri and Sankranti are their major festivals. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 9,780.
26. MARATI: The Marati are also called as Maratha or Marathi. The Marati is derived from the language that they converse. Marathi as a caste name, is somewhat open to confusion and it is probable that many people of various castes, who speak Marathi, are shown as being of that caste. The true Marathi caste is said to have come from Goa, and that place is the head quarters. Present day are distribution as perceived by the community is in Kasargod district of Kerala and in other states. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 27,824. They speak Marati, Telugu and use Kannada script within the family. With others, they speak Kannada, Malayalam and Tulu, and scripts used are Kannada and Malayalam. Land is the Marati’s major economic resource which is controlled by individuals. Primary occupation of the community is agriculture. Some of them are also engaged in animal husbandry, business, government and private sectors. A few them are engaged in basketry and carpentry. The Marati profess Hinduism, they worship Guondolu, their favourite deity. Ammanora devi and Mariyamma are their family deities. Mahalingeswara is teh village deity of the community. They also worship Hindu gods like Siva, Parvati, Vishnu and Ganesha.
27. MAVILAN: MAVILANS are habitants of the Kannur district. They are seen in the Vayakara, Thadikadavu, Padyoor, Kalliat, Nidyanga and envessy Amsoms of Thaliparamba Taluk. They speak Tulu and have a good talking knowledge of Malayalam. The Mavilans are divided into two distinct groups known as Tulumans and Chingattans. They speak Tulu and have a good talking knowledge of Malayalam. They use Malayalm script for written comunication. Land is the major economic resource, which is controlled by individual proprietors. Traditional occupations of the community are collection and vending of medicianal plants, basket makinng and farm labour. Their primary occupation is agriculture. They are also engaged in animal husbandry, petty business, government/private service and agricultural labour. The Mavilan community members profess Hinduism. They worship Virabadra as their community deity. They also worship Siva, Bhagwati and Vishnu. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 14,972.
28. MUDUGAR: MUDUGARS are habitants of the Palghat District. They are seen at Agali and Pudur Amsoms, Attapady Valley, Perinthalmanna Taluk and in the Walayar forests of the Palghat Taluk. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 23,746. They speak muduga bhasha which is a dialect of Malayalam and Tamil. The Mudugar have social divisions at kal(clan) level. Cheppila kal, Maniyam kal, Puliyam kal and Dechyam kal are some of these clans. Mudugars have very poor type of huts situated on hills. The floor of the hut is practically level with the ground, the roof is covered with straw and the hut consists of just one enclosed room which is used for cooking, sitting and sleeping. Mudugars of the Attappady valley are still food gatherers and hunters. Some are seen employed as labourers by the Irulars of the valley. They collect hill produce for sale or barter. The mudugar profess Hinduism. Their god is Siva of the Malleswaram peak and Sivaratri is observed by fast and arduous trek up the 2,000 metre high peak to light lamp, visible throughout Attappady.
29. MUTHUVAN: In Malayalam, the word Muthuvan means those who carry something on their back. It is said that they carried their children and belongings on their back during their migration to the Western Ghats, hence they were called Muthuvan. The Muthuvan are distributed in Idukki districts and in the adjoining Western Ghats of the Palakkad and Thrissur districts. They speak a dialect of their own. The patois is a debased form of Tamil. They speak to others either in Malayalam or Tamil. The Muthuvan have six matrilineal clans (Koottams), viz. Melae koottam, Kana koottam, Thushani koottam, Kanya koottam, Elli koottam and Puthani koottam with hierarchical order. Each koottam is again divided into six lineages. The functions of these divisions are mainly for marriage alliance, to keep up the social status and to indicate descent and ancestry. The Muthuvan are mainly a landowning community. In some areas, government has allotted agricultural land for them, but not on ownership basis. Traditionally the Muthuvans are nomadic agriculturists, hunters and trappers. Their primary cultivations are coffee, ginger, sugarcane and paddy. The Muthuvan are tribal religionists. The present day Muthuvans claims that they are Hindus.
30. PALLIYAR: PALLIYARS are habitants of the Kottayam district. They are seen in tribal settlements at Kumali, Periyar range, Chekupalam and Anakara of the Vendemedu Range in the udumbinshola Taluk. They are not now seen in their original settlements at sinnamala, Periyamala and Sinnasundam. Those in Kerala speak a poor dialect of Tamil with many Malayalam words and phrases. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 1,464. Palliyars of Kerala have no scope for hunting and collecting hill produce for the forests. Settled groups are clever agriculturists with good knowledge of the conditions of the mountains they inhabit. Much of the fertile land in the Cardamom Hills of Travancore was brought under cultivation by them. Settled palliyars have fairly satisfactory huts in or around the land they own or where they work. A few families have been provided with masonry houses in the Kumali Tribal settlement. Palliyars are animists and totemists. Some worship various deities and devils. Mariamma, Kuruppuswami and Kali are the popular deities.
31. PANIYAN: PANIYANS are habitants of Palakkad, Kozhikode and Kannur districts. They are also seen at Manantody and Vythiri taluks. They speak a very corrupt dialect of Malayalam with an admixture of Tamil and Tulu words and phrases which is difficult to understand. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 88,450. Paniyans have very poor huts near farms and Plantations where they are employed. Such of the m engaged in rice and cash crop cultivation are obliged to move from place to place with their families in search of employment. These tribes are clever agricultural labourers, especially for rice cultivation, and fare well even as plantation labourers and mazdoors. The remuneration that they receive is extremely disappointing and as such poverty continues to be a sad aspect of their life. A few are seen employed as mahouts and fire watchers by the Forest Department.
32. THACHANADEN: Thachanadens are habitants of the Kozhikode District. They are seen at Meppadi, Rippon, Ambalakunnu, Kallumala, Rotakolli, Idinzhkolli and Kaniyambetta in Vythiri Taluk of Wayanad district. The Thachanad Muppan are immigrants from Nilambur inn Malappuram district. The name is reported to have originated from their place of origin Thachanad. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 1,745. The Thachanad Muppan speak a dialect mixed with Malayalam and a particular intonation, and when speaking it is difficult to understand. Malayalam is the language spoken with others. Land is the major economic resource of the Thachanad Muppan which is controlled by individual proprietors. Their traditional occupation was hunting and gathering, bee-keeping, and basket making. Their present occupations are animal husbandry and labour. Link with market exists directly transactions are in cash. There is a rise in the number of agricultural and casual labourers. People also work in the estates as plantation labourers. Children drop out of the school in order to support the family. Children also work to supplement family income. The Thachanad Muppan profess Hinduism. Their folk deities are Gulikan, Bhagawati, Thamburatti, Kali, Kurikadaivam etc. These deities are represented by stones placed under a tree.
33. ULLADAN: In the Southern parts of Travancore, the Ulladan are also known as Nayadi and colloquially ass Nadi. The Ulladan perceive their distribution mainly in Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts.According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 16,230. Many of the older generation use literary Malayalam and its script. The major economic resource of the Ulladan community is land and forest. The resources are controlled by either the individuals or the government. The community is mainly landless. Traditionally, the Ulladan are foragers, Wood cutting, canoe making, bee-keeping, basket making, mat weaving etc., are also practiced by them. Till recently, it was common sights in the rural parts of Kerala to see Ulladan, both men and women, with a pole in hand wander in and around the fences and kavu in search of rats, tortoises and other animals. During their wandering, they collect honey, medicinal plants, canes, pandanus leaves, bamboo etc. The Ulladan are pure tribal religionists. At present they profess Hinduism. Sastha, Siva, Bhadrakali are some of their favourite deities. Sabarimala Satha temple is a popular centre of pilgrimage.
34. URALY: The word Uraly means the ruler of a village. The Uraly were formerly employed as soldiers, who eventually spread into the adjoining districts of Madurai. They are inhabitants of Idukki District. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 11,179. They speak and write in Malayalam within their family and with others. They speak Malayalam with peculiar accent and intonation. Land is the Uraly’s main resource. They enjoy the right of cultivating the forest land. Every family is given two to three acres of land. Right of ownership is not yet given to them. Very few of them are employed in government offices and private firms. Women make fine reed mats, winnowing fan, basket etc. The Uraly are Hindus. They worship Ayyappan and Bhagawati. Nediyathu Sastha is their kuladeivam. Ancestral spirits are worshipped during agricultural operations and festive occasions. Onam and Vishu is an important festival of the Uraly which is celebrated as an occasion for the propitiation of the spirits of the ancestors.
35. VETTA KURUMAN: VEETA KURUMANS otherwise known as Urali Kuruman. They are seen at Purakadi, Kalpetta, Kuppathode, Noolpuzha and Kidagad Amsoms of Vythiri Taluk of Kozhikode District, Attapady valley of the Palakkad District and the reserve forest areas of the Kannur District. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 739. Their dialect consisting mainly of words and phrases from Kannada and a few Malayalam, Tamil and Tulu, strengthens the general view that they are aborigines of Mysore and that those in Kerala and madras immigrants. Vetta Kurumans live in small scattered settlements to minimise food problems, and as protection against wild life. Their huts are made bamboo and thatched with grass. The floor is level with the ground and there is an open projection in front. When climatic conditions permit they sleep in the open round a lighted fire. Vetta Kurumans were cent per cent food gatherers and hunters. From dawn to dusk they were engaged in the battle for food to subsist. When regeneration centres are available for shifting cultivation they cultivate the land provided it is given free. Officers and social workers induce them to do so by providing seed and implements. Vetta Kurumans are outstanding devil worshippers and totemists. The members of a totem clan call themselves by the name of their totem, and commonly believe to have actually descended from it, and so consider themselves akin to it, and treat it with respect.
36. WAYANAD KADAR: The community name known as Kadars, are also known as Wayanad Kadar. The term ‘Kadar’ in Malayalam means one who lives in the forest – by implication, uncivilised. The Wayanad Kadar are found only in the Wayanad District of Kerala. They do not have synonyms, subgroups and title. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 2,949. The Wayanad Kadar speak Malayalam within the family as well as outsiders, and use the Malayalam script for writing. The major natural resource of Wayanad Kadar community is land. Their traditional occupations are hunting and gathering, basket making and wage labour. Those who own land, cultivate paddy, ragi, tapioca, plantain, ginger, jack, mango etc. Others are engaged in animal husbandry, preparing baskets such as vallakkotta and parambu from bamboo and few of them are working in government/ private service. The Wayanad Kadar profess Hinduism. They worship Kodungallur Kali and Kariyathan as their community deities. They also worship Malam Kali, Kulian Guligan, Siva etc. The major sacred centres are Kodungallur, Sabarimalai, Palani etc. Sacred specialisits are from the same community. Their role is to officiate inn all rites and perform puja in their village Kali temple. The major festivals of the community are Onam, Vishu, Sivaratri, Makam etc.
Source: Kerala institute for Research Training & Development studies of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (KIRTADS)