Prof. S Achutha Warrier’s (1941- ) book ‘Kerala Samskaram’ is considered as an authentic text on the cultural history of Kerala. This extract taken from this book provides an over view of the tribal life and culture in Kerala. The general attitude of Indians to adivasis and their lives, is inherited from the colonial masters believing that modern education should be provided to them to save them. But, Achutha Warrier is of the opinion that a new sensibility is needed in this regard.
According to Achutha Warrier, the tribals might have come to Kerala near around 4000 BC. That is why only the weapons of Neolithic age were found in Kerala. The available geographical and linguistic evidences have proved that, the tribals of early life came from the eastern side of the Sahya Mountain range. That was how the terms ‘Kizhakku’ (Keezhadhikku) and Mekku (Meldhikku) came to the language. Several anthropologists opine that the majority of the Indian tribes, including that of South India, belong to the Australoid, as they have striking similarities with the tribes of Australia and of Ceylon (Srilanka).
The common Aboriginals in Kerala are Paniyar, Irular, Kuruchiyar, Muthuvanmar, Malayarayar, Ulladanmar, Malavedar and Kanikaar. Paniayr tribe is the most backward among the adivasis of Kerala. Kurichiyar are found only in Wayanad. They are known for the skills of Archery. Irular is widely seen in Attappadi. Muthuvanmar seen in Devikulam, Peerumedu and Udumbanchala are said to be from Tamilnadu. Malavedar and Kanikkar are seen in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. Kanikkarwere living in caves and tree houses till the last century. As the regions of tribals very close to Mysore and Tamilnadu, their language are either Malayalam-Kannada mixed or Malayalam-Tamil mixed.
The tribes in Kerala live in communities (gothram). Gothrams join together to form Ganam (cluster). Each Ganam has symbols like Neem, Kadamba, bow and fish. The food gathered was common to them, where as weapons, ornaments and utensils were private. Among the tribals, Kurichayar, Kanikar and Malambandarans followed Matrilineal tradition. Uncles had authorities towards the children of their sisters. Property transfer and after death rituals were given to Anantharavan (male) and Anantharaval (female). Marriages between the children of their sisters and brothers were common among the tribals. Kudippaka (community feud) wa also prevalent among the tribes. If one member is attacked or humiliated, the entire community takes it to avenge him. each community has a leader. Marrying a brother’s widow was also common among them.
The tribes worship Kali, Hill Gods and Muthappan. They believe that the anger of Amman (Kali) leads to flood, drought and epidemics. For the blessings they made the Goddess happy with milk, blood and alcohol. During festivals they sing, dance and dine together. Pulikali (Leopard dance) and Kaduva Kali (tiger dance) are common among them. They spend most of the time in hunting and collecting forest resources. As the forest area dwindled considerably now, the resources became scare. So, they engaged in small farming and became labours in plantations. The welfare measures of the government, no doubt, changed their habitat, dressing and language. But their indigenous is being lost and unfortunately they are being exploited in many ways.
------Thulasidharan V
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