Tribes are mainly concentrated on the hilly tracts of Kerala in Kasargode, Kannur, Wayanad, Palakkad, Malappuram, Thrissur, Idukki, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram Districts. Wayanad District is having the largest number of tribal communities. Palakkad Distrct stands next.  Generally the tribes of Kerala belong to Negroid and Astraloide class.  Anthropologists have grouped the tribes of Kerala into four types. They are (1) those that worship nature, called Animist; (2) those that worship supernatural beings and ancestral worshippers; (3) those that worship Hindu deities; and (4) those that converted into Christianity.

All the tribal communities are non-vegetarians.  A very few consume all kinds of meat including carrions. However, many of them do not eat carrions as well as beef.  A few take meat of wild fowls, rats etc.

In the past, many tribal groups used to ware cloths made out of leaves, grass or bark of trees. Later they began to use cotton cloths. The general clothing was a short loincloth reaching up to their knee. Women used to wear another loincloth to cover their breast. However, traditional dressing pattern is slowly disappearing from among tribes and they now started to wear modern type of attire.

The ornaments made of palm leaves, wood and many tribal groups use beads from wild plants.  They make and wear earlobes out of rolled palm leaves, neck ornaments out of beads and bangles from grass. Recently, they also used modern metal ornaments.        

Most tribal groups are forest dwellers and prefer to settle in hamlets. Cholanaickan is the only tribal community who still reside in caves. One or two groups like Kurichiar and Kanikkar prefer to live in separate families.

DIFFERENT CASTES

ADIYAN

Adiyan means slave in Malayalam. The Adiya is one of the slave tribal sects in Kerala. The Adiyan community is seen in Wayanad and Kannur districts of Kerala. The community belongs to Scheduled Tribe. As the name indicates, they were the bonded labourers of landlords.  The State Government rehabilitated many Adiyan families after the enforcement of Bonded Labour (Abolition) Act. In Wayanad District of Kerala they were rehabilitated at the Sugandhagiri Project. However, there exist some kind of bonded labour as they still observe a ritual known as Kurugettupani, in connection with the festival of Vallurkavu temple. At the festival they take a pledge that they would work for the landlord for the next year with meager wages. They are excellent agricultural workers.   Their language is a mixture of Malayalam and Kannada. The Adiya tribal community is divided into 20 classes called Mandu. The head of the Mandu is called Chemmakkaran or Peruman. The Adiyan females are experts in body tattooing.    Their folk songs known as Sopanappattu and Poigavanappattu are very famous.  Thudi (drum) and Koyal (flute) are their important musical instruments. Dance and music are an integral part of their life. Gadhikamadal is a ritual dance form of them and they believe that the Gadhika, the performer has super human powers to heal diseases. Vattakkali, Malakari, Pookkari Magatheyyam are certain other art forms. They belong to Hindu religion and worship Hindu gods. Kali, Bhadrakali, Bhagavathy, Vallooramma, Chikkamma, Kariyathan, Mallappan, Adili Sasuvappan are their gods.

ALLAR

Allar is a small community found only near Perinthalmanna in Malappuram District of Kerala.  The word ‘Allar’ is an amalgamation of two words viz., all (man or people) and ala (cave).  The community is included under Other Backward Classes by the Government of Kerala.  Their traditional occupation is foraging, hunting, collection of minor forest products etc. They live in settlements of their own. Their language has no script and known as Allar Bhasha.

Nature of their family organisation is nucleus.  Marriages are taken place through mutual consent or by elopement. If marriages are performed, it will be at the bride’s residence. Divorces are quite common and both sexes can divorce the spouse at any stage of life. They observe puberty rites. They do not observe post delivery pollution.  They bury the dead in a far away place from their colonies.  Last obsequies is performed on the seventh day after death and after the function, the house of the dead man is demolished and erected over his grave.

The ‘Aranadan’, otherwise known as ‘Eranadan’ is a tribe of Eranad Taluk of Malappuram District of Kerala.  The community is very small.  They speak in their own language, which is a mixture of Malayalam, Tamil and Kannada.  They are categorised under ‘Scheduled Tribe’. Their position in the social hierarchy is low and they consider themselves equal with the Paniyan and Pathinaickan, two local tribal communities.

They follow Hinduism.  The community is mainly landless.  They seldom interact with other communities of the vicinity.  Their traditional occupation is collection of forest products and unskilled labour under local landowners.

They observe puberty rites.  Marriage rituals are taken place at the bride’s residence. Marriage through negotiations is rare; and mates are acquired by elopement. No specific marriage rites are there.  A black globular chain known as Kallu, tied around the bride’s neck is the marriage symbol.  Divorce and re-marriage are permitted. Post delivery pollution lasts for 15 days.  The naming and first feeding ceremony is held at the fortieth day. The Aranadan bury their dead.  Death pollution prolongs for seven days.

CHOLANAICKAN

Cholanaickan are the king of the forest. Chola means forest and naickan means the king. The community was unknown to other till 1970s. They live in the Eranad Taluk of Malappuram District. They are also known as Pathinaikan.They have separate dialect having no script.  They come out of forest rarely. They are the only group of people who live in caves and the only typical ‘food gatherer’ in India. There are more than 300 caves in the forest where they dwell.  They have been treated as Scheduled Tribe. They

are divided into different territorial groups and each group is marked with natural boundaries known as jenmam. Each jenmam has a leader known as jenmakkaran, who is said to have divine powers. He is the custodian of idols of their deities and represents holy spirits. He finds reason for illness of a person and suggests remedy.  He also acts as a judge and takes decisions, which shall be binding to all.  

They marry outside the jenmam. According to their custom, the young man has to find his mate and if they wish to live together they appeared before the jenmakkaran and their parents for their approval.  Some times, the girl may be carried forcibly by the man and resulting in sexual union and if they living as husband and wife the ritual of marriage are completed. They use no marriage symbols.

Cholanaikkan used to share a portion of gathered food, a barter object, a gift and cooked food to other families.  This method of sharing ensures food for every body in the territory. They follow no social ritual or other ceremonies connected with birth, marriage, and death.   

ERAVALAN

Eravalan are also known as Villu-Vedan, who were migrated from Tamil Nadu. They are forest dwellers. They speak Tamil and Malayalam. They are included in the Scheduled Tribe list by the Government. They are Hindus. They worship deities known as Karupparayan, Valiyamoorthy, Kali and Kanni.

They observe post delivery pollution for 15 days. Children were named only after 2 years in the past, but now naming ceremony is conducted after 3 months. They observe therandukalyanam. Marriage with murappennu (daughter of maternal uncle) is common but only after negotiations. Exchange of betel leaves and areca nuts, eating together, feeding one another are the important functions of marriage. Thali tying was not done in the past, but now they used to tie thali as the symbol of marriage. They bury their dead. Before burial they used to massage the dead body with oil. They observe death pollution (pula) for seven nine or fifteen days.

HILL PULAYA

The Hill Pulaya is also known as Mala Pulaya.  There are two groups of Mala Pulaya viz., Karavazhi Pulaya and Kurumba Pulaya.  It is believed that they are emigrants from Tamil Nadu while Tippu Sultan invaded south.  They are the most backward type of tribes among the clans staying in the Idukki District of Kerala. Their dialet is Tamil and Malayalam dominated with Tamil words. The community is categorised under Scheduled Tribes. The Hill Pulayas are landless people and their traditional occupation is agricultural labour.  They do manual labour and collect forest products. Hilpulaya are traditionally skilled in the art of weaving. They follow Hinduism.  Kali and Mariamman are their deities. They have a tribal council, Panchayam, headed by Kudumban or thalaivar.

There is no ceremony in connection with pregnancy. However, birth pollution lasts for 15 days. They observe puberty ceremony known as thanni ootharuthu. The girl is secluded for 15 days.  Marriage rituals are taken place in bride’s residence, which long for two days.  The bridegroom with his relatives reaches the bride’s residence on the first day night. There will be music and dance on the day. After prayers, the bridegroom ties the thali known as Karukumai pasi (black beaded chain) around the neck of bride. The second night they again engaged in music and dance and before dawn, they left for bridegroom’s house.  In the morning the marriage party again meets and exchange seven finger rings and with this rite, marriage functions will come to an end.  The Hill Pulaya buries the dead. The eldest son is the chief mourner. A grave in the north south direction is dug and the body is lowered into the pit as the head turned to southwards.  Death pollution lasts for 3 days.

IRULAR

The word Irul means darkness.  The name of the community might have originated from the dark colour complexion of their skin.  One story, which tells the origin of the community narrates that the ancestors of Irular were those who escaped from a flood in a canoe.  The canoe, which reached the Western Ghats where they clung to a branch of Irul tree and at the end of flood, they got down and settled there. The persons who came down from the irul tree were later known as Irular. The Irular are Scheduled Tribe of Kerala. They

KADAR

Kadar are the most ancient group of tribes of South India. They were hunters and food gatherers of forest products. Now they have settled cultivation in addition to their traditional occupation. They are living in Palakkad and Thrissur Districts. They speak Tamil and Malayalam.   They are registered under Scheduled Tribes. They follow tribal religion. However, they also adore Lord Ayyappa and Kali, the Hindu god and goddess.  The Kadar-comb is an ornament for decoration. Korangattom (monkey dance), anattom (elephant dance), manattom (deer dance) are some their folk-dances.

They observe birth pollution for 15 days. When a girl attains menarche, they observe puberty rile (nanachudukkal).  The betrothal ceremony, which is known as niyamickal, is held at the bride’s residence. Marriage ceremony is also held at the bride’s residence. Thali tying is the important function. The Kadar bury the dead body. The pollution continues for 7 days after burial.

KANIKKAR

Kaani youth, Kaani women making baskets,Idol worship,Earmadam(treetop house)

The Kanikkar is settled in hilly regions of Western Ghats in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam Districts.  Kanikkar means the owners of the land. Their language is an admixture of Tamil and Malayalam.  The land occupied by them is known as Kani lands, owned by the Government.  Their traditional occupation is cultivation, hunting, collection of forest produce etc. They also make baskets using bamboo and cane. Their folk song known as chattu pattu, which is sung during death ceremonies, is famous.

The rituals followed by Kanikkar are known as Koduthy.  They observe pre-delivery ritual in seventh month of pregnancy known as Vayathy. On the occasion, they cook rice in seven pots and the pregnant woman has to take and eat rice from all the seven bowls.  Birth pollution is for seven days.  Naming, Choroonu and Irupathiettukettu rites are held on the 28th day of birth.  They believe that the baby should cry while performing Choroonu They also perform thereandukuli rite. Marriages by exchange, service and elopement are in vogue. Marriage ceremony includes giving new clothes to the bride (pudavakoda/mundukoda) and it is held in the bride’s residence. They observe a peculiar rite at the time of marriage that the heads of the bride and bridgroom should hit together.  They bury their dead. Pollution lasts for 16 days.

KATTUNAICKAN

The Kattnaikkan are residing in Wayanad district.  They belong to Scheduled Tribe. The name is derived from the words Kattu (forest) and nayakkan (leader), which mean the leaders of the forest. Legend says that they are the sons of Bhima, one of the five Pandavas and Hidumbi of Mahabharatha. They have their own language; but they speak Malayalam with others. They are labourers, food gatherers, employees in forest department and devaswoms, and temporary cultivators. They follow tribal religion and related practices. They worship ancestral spirits and nature. They adore deities called Bhairavan, Kariyathan, Gulikan, Villundi, Karriri, Mariyamma etc.Birth

pollution lasts for 45 days.  They observe puberty rites very elaborately.  Marriage (known as mude) by capture, by elopement, by negotiation are the practices for acquiring wife. In the case of elopement, the boy should send betel leaf and areca nut to the girl. If she accepts it, she is willing to marry him and if not she does not like him.  In an arranged marriage, the bridegroom gives clothes, rice and cash to bride in the presence of mudali (leader of the clan). The boy is permitted to sleep in that house and if he is not fell ill, the marriage is performed.  If he fell ill, he has to find out another bride to marry. Mudathali (thali) is the symbol of marriage.  Kattunaikkan bury the dead bodies. It is buried in a deep pit having another cavity and the dead body is pushed into this cavity. The pit is then covered with stones. Death pollution ends when the body is buried and relatives are taken pacificator bath.

KORAGA

The word Kora, which is the former part of Koraga, means the sun and the name of the community might have originated from their practice of sun worship. They live in Kasargode District. They are classified under Scheduled Tribes. Their traditional occupation is hunting, basket making and labour. Though they belong to Hindu religion, they worship the sun and the nature. They also worship Mariamma, a Goddess. Vattakkali is their ritual art form.They observe pre-delivery rite known as bayake. Birth pollution is observed for five days.  Naming ceremony is held on the seventh day.Koraga

observe puberty rite known as ponija atana. Elders arrange Koraga’s marriages.  Marriage is performed at the residence of bridegroom. Usually marriages are held on Sundays.  The bridegroom ties thali round the neck of bride. They bury their dead. Death pollution lasts for 13 days.

The Kunduvadiya claim that they werethe soldiers of Kottyam and Chirakkal princes and they belong to Nair community, who held key positions in the garrison. Their mother tongue is Malayalam. In olden days they practiced thalikettukalyanam and followed marumakkathayam. Now the practice of inheritance is makkathayam. Their traditional occupation is hunting, food gathering and basket making. Now they are engaged in agricultural or non-agricultural labour. They are Hindus.  Shivan, Muthappan, Poothai are their deities. Nellukuthupattu, Kolkkali, Kaiveeshikkali are their art forms.

They observe pulikudy ritual in the seventh month of pregnancy. Birth pollution lasts for 15 days.  They performed therandukalyanam. Marriages are taken place at the bride’s residence. The bridegroom ties thali around the neck of the bride. They bury their dead and observe death pollution (pula) for 15 days. They remove pollution by performing pulakuly.  

KURICHYAN

The Kurichyan is one of the important tribal communities of Kerala the most developed among them. The name is derived from the word kurinilam (a marked or appointed place). Raja conferred upon them the title ‘Kurian’ which means accurate and reliable and from the title Kurian, Kurichyan derived. The Kurichyan argue that they are the successors of villalikarinairs who brought from southern part to Wayanad by Raja of Kottayam.  Kurichyan are famous for their bravery and loyalty. The Kurichyan of Wayanad have a great martial tradition. They constituted the army of Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja who fought against the British forces in several battles. They are

considered as the brilliant heroes of our history of independent struggle. The descendants of those warriors are still expert archers and they retain their inborn talent and keep dignity in the manners.  They are divided into four divisions. ie., Kurichyan of Wayanad, Kunnam Kurichyan, Anchilla Kuricyan and Pathiri Kurichyan. Their mother tongue is Malayalam.  Traditionally they were shifting cultivators and forest hunters. Now they are changed as settled cultivators and they own small landhordings.

Except Papthiri Kuricyan, they believe in Hinduism. They considered themselves as the Namboothiris of hill and superior class among the tribes.  They worship Malakkari, Malon, Atharalan, Athiraali Muthaachi, Karinkali, Kelikodan theyyan, Kuttytheyyam, Gulikan, Kuttichathan etc. Kurichyan are rich for their folk songs and dance forms. Ambaithu, Maramayappattu, Mankali, Thira, Mayilppattu, Mangappattu, Pakshippattu, Nellikuthupattu, Theeppattu, Pooppattu, are some their art forms.

Kurichyan still follow marumakkathayam. However, they are trying to follow makkathayam. They observe some rites during pregnancy.  Birth pollution lasts for five days. However, final purification ceremony is done on the sixtieth day.  They observe choroonu rite and naming ceremony in temples.  They also observe therandulakyanam rite. They called marriage as Pennukonduvaral (bringing woman). On the auspicious day fixed for the marriage, the elder member, his wife, and brother of the bridegroom visits girls home and handed over bridal dress and ornaments.  The bridegroom does not go to the bride’s house on the day. The bridegroom’s party takes the bride to his house and on the fourth day and the couple is given separate room to start married life. They used to bury their dead and observe death pollution for 16 days. Pollution ends with the ritual pulakuli.    

Pathiri Kurichyan is otherwise known as Christian Kurichyan are those Kurichyan converted into Christianity.  The other Kurichyans consider them as inferiors. They follow Christianity of the Roman Catholic (Latin). Agriculture is their main occupation. They follow certain life cycle rituals as that of their Hindu counterparts. They hold the marriage ceremony in their parish church. Minnu (Thali) tying is important to them. They bury their dead in the church cemetery and observe seven days pollution.

 KURUMBA

KURUMAN

There are two types of Kurumans – Mulluva Kuruman and Urali Kuruman.

Mullu Kurumans inhabit in Wayanad District. They believe that they are the descendents of the great hermit and poet Valmiki who wrote the epic Ramayana. Valmik’s hermitage was at Poothadi in Wayanad. Sita and her sons Lava and Kusha are worshippedin the Pulpally temple near Poothadi. They belong to Scheduled Tribe community. Their traditional occupation is hunting. They follow Hinduism. Kariyathan, Pakkadaivom, Muhappan, Ayyappan, Kali, Mariamma are their deities. Kolkkali and Vattakkali are their two folk dances. Mullu Kuruman observes naming ceremony to the newborn child on the 28th day.  Puberty rite for girls is observed. Marriages are settled through negotiations. Marriage ceremonies last for two days. In the past, bride’s uncle (mother’s brother) ties thali. Now the bridegroom himself performs it. They used to bury their dead. Death pollution lasts for three days and on the third day they observe pulakuli.  Urali Kurumans also inhabit in Wayanad District and belong to Scheduled Tribe. Traditionally they are hunters and

nomadic food gatherers. They follow Hinduism. They also perform life cycle rituals almost similar to that of Mullu Kurumans.  Marriage rituals of Urali Kurumans observed either at the bride’s or at bridegroom’s residence.  Thali tying is the important of function of marriage. They bury the dead bodies in deep grave far away from their hamlet. Pollution continues for 15 days.

Mala Arayan means the king of the forest. Legend says that they are the children of Gauthama Maharshi (saint) and Ahalya. They are settled in Kottyam and Idukki Districts. They speak Malayalam. Mala Arayan are Hindus. They are grouped under Scheduled Tribes. Their occupation is agriculture and hunting. Among the scheduled tribes Malay Arayans out class all the other factions. Among the scheduled Tribes, almost all the Government Servants and other employees are coming from this faction. Their dwelling places and surroundings show development and they are showing the tendency to dissolve with the developmental programmes of the Government. Ivarkali, Garudan Parava, Vadakkanppattu, Kilippattu are their folk art forms. One of their offerings to the god is known as Ambathionnu (fifty one) Archana. In 51 plantain leaves they offer archana for 51 times 

Birth pollution is observed for 16 days.  Naming ceremony is performed on the 9th day for male children and on 11th day for females.  They observe therandukalyanam. Thalikettukalyanam was performed in the past. Now it is given up.  In earlier days, marriage functions are limited to the rite known as Pudavakodukkal (presentation of sari-pudava). Now thali tying has become common. After tying thali they exchange flower garlands. Mala Arayan bury their dead. Death pollution (pula) lasts for 16days. On the 16th day they observe pulakuli to remove pollution.  

Some of Mala Arayan followed Christianity and they belong to C.S.I. During 1851-51, some of the Mala Arayan community was baptised. They follow rituals as that Mala Araya belonging to Hindu religion for a while and later adopted rituals followed by Christians.  Baptism of the newborn child is held before two months. Their marriages are held in the bridegroom’s parish church. Before marriage the parish priest announce proclamation for three consecutive Sundays. Thali tying and exchange of rings are the major rituals. They observe Death pollution (pula) for 16 days. The dead bodies are buried in the church cemetery.

MALA MUTHAN

Mala Muthan is a hill tribe seen in Nilambur (Malappuram district) forest regions. Mutan means elder or older. So Mala Muthan means older of hilly region.  They have a dialect of their own known as Muthan Bhasha. Agriculture is their primary occupation. They are included under Other Eligible Community by the Government.

They observe no ceremonies in connection with pregnancy.  On 28th day of the birth, they perform irupathyettukettu.  They observe thirandukalyanam for females after attaining puberty. Muthan’s marriage is held at the bride’s residence. The bridegroom places the thali on the neck of bride and sister or mother of the bridegroom ties it. Muthan bury their dead. Deaath pollution (pula) Death pollution (pula) lasts for 7 days.

MALA PANICKER

Mala Panicker are hill inhabitants.  They are called Mala Panicker because of their black magic acts. Some opined that they were the children of early Nair soldiers. They dwell in Nilambur area (Malappuram district). They are grouped under Other Eligible Community. They are Hindus. However, they do not worship Hindu Gods. Their deity is Maladaivangal (Gods of Hills).

On seventh month of pregnancy, they observe pre-delivery ritual known as vayarukanal. On 28th day, they perform irupathyetuukettu.  They observe therandukalyanam. Marriage is held at the bride’s residence. The bridegroom ties thali and presents pudava to the bride on the occasion of marriage. Usually they bury the dead bodies. Death pollution (pula) is observed for 15 days and on 16th day they perform pulakuli.

MALA PANDARAM

Mala Pandarm are residing in the hilly tracts of Kollam and Pathanathitta districts. Some of them are dwelling in Palakkad district also. They are Scheduled Tribes. Hunting and gathering is their traditional occupation. Partially gypsy typed, they differ from other factions in language and custom.  Mala Pandaram of Palakkad are also engaged in making of rudraksh mala, tulsi mala etc. Collection of forest products and exchanging is their main occupation. Some of them are indigenous physicians and they have traditional knowledge of medicinal herbs. They follow Hinduism. 

Mala Pandaram observe birth pollution for 15 days.  They also observe puberty rite. Marriage rituals are performed either at the bridegroom’s or at bride’s residence. Thali tying, taking food from a single plantain leaf by the couple are the major parts of the function.  Bridegroom’s sister gives four bowls of cooked food to the bride who in turn gives two bowls to the bridegroom and takes the other two bowls.  After death they bury the dead body in the hut itself where the dead man lived and the hut is dismantled.. Death pollution (pula) is for 16 days.

MALASAR

Malasar live in Parambikulam Reserve Forest area of Palakkad district. They live in dense forest area in settlements of 10 to 15 huts. They belong the Scheduled Tribe Community. Their traditional occupation is foraging.  They claim that they belong to Hindu religion.

During seventh month of pregnancy, Malasar observe pre-delivery ritual known as kettuchoru. At the age of three years, they perform mundan (choula) ceremony. They perform puberty rite called vayasukkuvanna cheer. Marriage rituals are held at the bride’s residence. The bridegroom ties thali around the neck of the bride.  Malasar bury their dead and Death pollution (pula) lasts for three to seven days.

MANNAN

The Mannan are concentrated in the hill tracts of Idukki District. They are migrated to Kerala from Tamil Nadu. They speak a kind of Tamil language known as Mannan Bhasha. In the past they were hunters. They stay mainly in the forest. Most of the Mannan families do not have a stable dwelling place nor the basic needs for a good living. When the government banned the deforestation they migrated to other and are forced to restrict themselves in the allotted plots with their own culture. In addition to their own cultivation in the Government allotted farmlands, they collect forest products and engaged in manual labour and cattle breeding. They have a King and they keep the honour of King ship preciously. They believe in Hinduism. Their principal deity is Madhura Meenakshy. Koothu, Ivarkali, Kanniyattom are some of the folk dances that they perform.

They observe birth pollution for nine days. Namakarana is done within a month.  They observe puberty rite known as kannimuttu. Marriage is held at the bridegroom’s residence and thali tying is the main ritual. They bury their dead. On seventh day they perform chatham (death ceremony).  

MUDUGAR

The Mudugar are one of the Scheduled Tribes. The name of the community originated from the practice of carrying children on their muthuku, which means back in Malayalam. They are seen in the Attappady region of Palakkad District. Mudugar are the second largest tribal community in Attappady. It is believed that the Mudugar were the original inhabitants of Tamil Nadu who migrated to Kerala because of exploitation by upper classes. They are agricultural labourers and collectors of minor forest products. Land alienation is the main problem faced by them. The land owned by them were encroached by settlers in the past. Literacy rate of Mudugar is higher when compared to other tribal groups. They worship no deities except the Sooryan (Sun). Vallikoothu, Kavilankoothu are their two folk dance forms

They celebrate the first pregnancy of women.  They observe birth pollution for seven days. Mundan ceremony, which is known as thalaimaikath, is performed on the first year. They observe puberty rite.  Functions of their marriage ceremony continue for three days. On the first day, the bridegroom’s party goes to the bride’s residence and spent there one night. Next day morning they take the bride to the bridegroom’s house and connect the little fingers of the new couple together and feed them from a single plantain leaf. The thali tying ceremony takes place on the third day in the presents of relatives and other invitees. They bury their dead.  They used to collect the bones of the deceased after one year and kept for three days. This rite is considered as an important mark of respect to the departed soul.

MUTHUVAN

The Muthuvan means those who carry things on their back. Muthuku in Malayalam means back. Still the Muthuvan women used to carry their children in their muthuku by providing a pouch in their sari and that may be reason for assigning the name Muthuvan to their community. They are one of the Scheduled Tribes mainly living in the deep forest of Idukki, Palakkad and Thrissur districts. Muthuvan are exclusively different from the other factions of the tribes. They like to live a secluded life fostering their own culture. Majority of them are living in bamboo huts. They are. They speak Malayalam and Tamil. The Muthuvan follow tribal religion. They worship Kuttichathan and Kuzhikkatt Bhagavathy.  Kambukali, Koothu, Chuvady,Kalali are some of the tribal dance forms performed by them.  Traditionally they are nomadic agriculturists and hunters. Now they have started settled cultivation. They cultivate Ragi in their own farms. The Government has allotted them 3 to 10 acres of forestlands for cultivation. For hunting they use special and various types of bow and arrows.

When a Muthuvan boy attains the age of 16, they perform a function of tying the turban known as Urumalkettu. On attaining puberty, Muthvan observe therandukuly  (puberty rite) known as, which means first ritual. Marriage of Muthuvan is held at the bride’s residence. Their marriage rituals are very peculiar.  On the arrival of bridegroom, they hide the bride and the bridegroom’s party has to search and find out her. The bridegroom then presents a comb made of bamboo and she has to wear it throughout her married life. During the first two nights, the couple has to sleep along with their close relatives and no cohabit is allowed. On the third day, the bride is taken to the bridegroom’s house and they are permitted to live together as husband and wife. Muthuvan bury their dead. They bury the dead bodies far away from their dwelling area. On 31st day o the death, they observe last after death rite known as karmadi.

PALLIYAN

Palliyan are a tribal group seen in Idukki District of Kerala. Traditionally they were nomadic hunters and gatherers of forest products.   Now they have started settled life and engaged in different occupations mainly in cardamom plantations. They are also experts in mat and basket mating. They use a dialect of Tamil. They are non-vegetarians. They follow patrilienial system and maintain nuclear family.  Karagattom, Kummi, Samiyattom are some of their folk dances. Their musical instruments are called Urumi, Mathaalam Kuzhal. They worship Sivan, Murukan,Karuppaswami, Kali and Mariamma as their god and goddess.

Palliyan observe birth pollution for seven days. On the eighth day they observe thottisastram (cradling the child). Tonsure is done when the child attains the age of one year. Their puberty rite is known as chadangu. They generally practice monogamy. Marriage is held at the bride’s residence. Tying thali around the neck of bride is the important ritual of marriage. They used to bury the dead bodies. Along with the body they bury some betel leaves, betel nut and implements.

PANIYAN

Majority of tribes in Kerala State hail from the Paniya tribal sect. The Paniyan means 'worker' as they were the workers of non-tribes. The Paniyan belong to Scheduled Tribe and they are settled mainly in Wayanad, Kannur, Kozhikode and Malappuram Districts. They have only spoken language, which has no script and contains words from Malayalam, Tamil and Tulu. They are non-vegetarians. They follow double descent system but most of them are following patrilineal inheritance.  They are mainly labourers. In the past, they were ‘bonded labourers’ till the system was abolished.  Some have land after the introduction of Land Reforms Act. They are Hindus. However, Paniyas have only a simple idea of religion. Their major deity is Kali. Gulikan, Kuttichathan, Karikkutty,Kariyathan, Agasthyan, Valliyooramma are some other deities. They have no temples but they keep a place known as Daivamthara where a few stones are adorned. Each stone represents each deity. They also worship Banyan tree and they seldom dare to cut the Banyan trees. Narikoothu, Daivakkali, Panichikkali, Theyyamkettu, Kakkappattu are their folk dances.. 

They observe pre delivery ritual known as attupundayattu.  Birth pollution lasts for 12 days. Naming ceremony is also observed.  Choroonu is celebrated during 5th month and it is known as pullane choroottu. Before marriage they perform a rite known as Adayalamkettuka (marking sign). A knot is made on the chela (cloth) of the bride and a coil is kept in the knot. With this ritual, the bridegroom is bound to give maintenance cost to the bride even if the marriage is not solemnized. Marriage rituals are held at the bride’s residence. Tying clothes of the couple together (tirumanakettu), vellamarikal (blessing by elders) are some of the rituals apart from the tying of thali.  Paniyan bury the dead since they believe that the dead body would burn if they cremate the dead body and such dead bodies turned into evil spirits. They perform a post death ritual known as Kakkappula on the ninth day.  They also perform a ritual known as Nikalattom to keep away the dead spirits.

ULLADAN

The Ulladan are nomadic type of tribal groups seen in the districts south to Thrissur. They are grouped under Scheduled Tribes. They are omnivorous and eat anything except the flesh of rotten dead. Ulladan are landless community and their traditional occupation is foraging, wood cutting, basket making, bee keeping, yacht making etc. They used to wander the villages in search of rats and other small animals, medicinal plants etc. They follow tribal religion. They worship their dead ancestors. Karuppaprayan, Valiyamoorthy, Kali, Kanni are their god and goddess.  Garudanthookkam, Chavittukali, Kolkali, Thumbithullal etc. are their art forms.They observe pulikudy. Post delivery pollution is for 16 days. They

perform irupathyettukettu on the 28th day of birth. They observe therandukalyanam. Marriage rituals are performed in the bride’s residence. Presentation of wedding sari and thaly tying are important rituals. They bury their dead. Death pollution is for 15 days.

URALI

The Urali are one of the Scheduled Tribes found in Idukki District of Kerala.  It is believed that they were the attendants of King of Madurai. In olden days, many parts of the hilly tract of Idukki district belonged to the King of Madurai. Once the King visited Neriyamangalam and the ancestors of Urali accompanied. When the king returned, the urali were left behind to rule the area. Ur means an area and ali means to rule; and hence the word Urali means one who rule the area. Their mother tongue is Malayalam with a slight accent of Tamil. They are non-vegetarians.  Traditionally they were shifting cultivators. But now, Urali enjoys the right of cultivating forestland. They also engage in cattle breeding and collection of forest products.They

believe in Hinduism and grouped under Scheduled Tribes. Bommappa, Bhairavan, Kanni are their deities. Koothu, Chavittukali, Kambukali are their certain art forms.

Urali observe birth pollution for 16 days. They perform therandukalyanam when girl attains puberty. Marriages are conducted at the bride’s residence. The bridegroom ties thali around the neck of the bride. They bury their dead. Death pollution (pula) is observed for 16 days.      

VEDAN

Vedan in Malayalam means hunter. They are also called Malavedan. The community is found in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram districts. Their mother tongue is Malayalam. They are grouped under Scheduled Caste. However, those who are residing in hills are classified as Scheduled Tribes. They are non-vegetarians and eat flesh except carrion. They follow monogamy. Their family structure is nuclear. They belong to Hindu religion. Traditionally they were nomadic agriculturists, hunters and food gatherers. Now they have started settled agriculture and engaged in other occupation such as labour in agriculture, plantations etc.

Vedan have given up many rituals that observed in the past. However, they observe pseudo marriage known as kachakettu when a female child is two or three years old. They also observe therandukalyanam.  They do not give much sanctity to the institution of marriage. They can divorce either party. Marriage rituals are held at the bride’s residence. The bridegroom ties thali around the neck of bride. They bury their dead and death pollution (pula) lasts for 16 days.

VELAN

The Velan is also called Mala Ulladan or Kochuvelan. They were indigenous medical practitioners following Bhela Samhita, an Ayurvedic system and the term Velan originated from Bhelan. During Mandala pooja of Sabarimala temple the thiruvabharanam (ornaments of Swami Ayyappa), which is kept at Panadlam Palance is taken to Sabarimala in a procession.  At the Erumeli temple, the procession meets pettathullal. The chief priest of this pettathullal at Erumeli is Velan.  Before thiruvabharanam reaches Sabarimala, it is again worshipped at Taalaparamala.  Here Velan is the priest who officiates the poojas. The ceremony is known as padayani kazhickal. The Velan community is found in the hilly areas of Idukki, Kottayam, Pathananthitta and Kollam districts.  Traditionally they are nomadic agriculturists. But now a day, most family has cultivable land. They are also famous exorcists.They follow  several rituals as part of their exorcism such as  Azhibali ,Iduvanabali, Uchabali, Karimpey, Koombubali ,Narabali, Ninabali, Nizhleetubali ,Pattadabali, Paathalabali, Paana, Peedhabali, Bhoothamaaranabali, Maraukubali, Sarakoodabali etc. They follow Hinduism.  They are grouped under Scheduled Tribe.

They observe pulikudi ritual.  Birth pollution is 11 days.  Irupathyettukettu is observed on the 28th day. They celebrate therandukalyanam. Marriage rituals are taken place in the bride’s residence. Tying thali around the neck of bride is the main function, which is followed by exchange of garlands. They bury their dead.  Death pollution lasts for 16days and on 16th day they observe pulakuly (pollution removal rite).