Irula and Paliyar People of India

Irula People

• The Irula people are a tribe from India, known for their simple marriage and funeral ceremonies.
• They worship Vishnu, and their temples are made of rough stones.
• There are traditional beliefs about their power over wild animals, including a fable about women leaving children in the care of tigers.
• They are associated with the Ranagsamy cult.
• They are skilled honey collectors and hunters.
• Their main occupation is snake and rat catching, and they also work as laborers in the fields and rice mills.
• They cultivate small patches of land, growing crops like rice, oranges and pumpkins.
• They trade their produce, such as honey, beeswax, and dyes, in towns.
• They number around 9,000 people.

Paliyar People

• They are aboriginal Dravidian people who live in the South Western Ghats of India.
• They are traditional hunter-gatherers, honey hunters, and foragers.
• Their main food source is yams.
• Many have transitioned to being traders, cultivators, and beekeepers.
• They are included in the List of Scheduled Tribes in India.
• Their name is believed to have originated from the word "palaniyan," meaning "a man from Palani."
• They are divided into two groups: Vana Paliyar and Devya Paliyar.
• They live in the districts of Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruppur, Virudhunagar, and Tirunelveli.
• They speak Tamil and use the Tamil script.
• They are not vegetarian, but they do not eat beef or pork.
• They consume rice, ragi, pulses, tubers, vegetables, fruits, milk, and alcoholic drinks.
• They have distinct physical characteristics, including short stature, black skin, curly hair, thick lips, and broad noses.
• They traditionally lived in rock crevices and caves, and later in small huts.
• Their life is simple and they have no saving habits.

Paliyar Culture and Lifestyle

• They were traditionally nomadic hunters and gatherers.
• They lived in temporary shelters called 'pudai.'
• They now live in settled communities and many have become more urbanized.

Paliyar in Sathuragiri Hill

• They are mostly settled in the hilly areas of Sathuragiri, Shenbaga Thoppu, Thanipparai, Atthikoil, and Ayyanarkoil.
• Sathuragiri is known for its history, religious significance, and medicinal plants.

Paliyar Customs and Rituals

• They are relatively non-violent and peace-loving.
• They have traditional dress codes, with men wearing a dotti and women wearing saris.
• They worship Ananthavalii, Vanadevadai, and God Karuppan.
• Adi amavasai is an important festival.
• The community has experienced changes to their traditional practices over time.
• They have traditionally practiced exchange marriages, with spouses often chosen from within the same settlement.
• They use Tharanipoo and perandipoo during marriage ceremonies.

Modern Challenges for Paliyar People

• The Paliyar have been exploited due to depletion of natural resources and the introduction of a cash economy.
• Many face economic hardship and are often forced to sell their forest produce at low prices.
• NGOs, such as RAMCO, are working to protect and support the Paliyar community through initiatives aimed at education and community development.

Explore the unique cultures of the Irula and Paliyar tribes of India. This quiz highlights their traditions, occupations, and beliefs, emphasizing their connection to the land and their skills as honey collectors and hunters. Learn about their community roles and the changes they face in contemporary society.