Irula and Paliyar People of India

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Questions and Answers

What is a key feature of Irula marriage ceremonies?

They include a formal exchange of written vows.

They involve intricate rituals lasting several days.

They conclude with a feast and dance. (correct)

They are typically held in grand temples.

What type of worship do the Irulas practice in their temples?

They worship nature spirits.

They worship multiple deities.

They worship Vishnu. (correct)

They practice ancestor worship.

Which food crop is NOT mentioned as being cultivated by the Irulas?

Jackfruit

Rice (correct)

Plantains

Ragi

What is a common occupation for the Paliyan people historically?

Traditional nomadic honey hunting. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used by Irula men to control rat populations?

Traditional earthen pot fumigation. Signup and view all the answers

What major environmental issue is faced by the Tamil Nadu-area farms?

Pest damage from rats. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change has occurred in the Paliyan lifestyle since the early 20th century?

They have transitioned to sedentary agriculture. Signup and view all the answers

How do Irulas typically engage in trade?

They sell their produce in towns in the plains. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of the 134 medicinal plants identified by the Paliyans?

To treat common ailments Signup and view all the answers

What has contributed to the decline in the traditional life system of the Paliyans?

Advent of the cash and commercial economy Signup and view all the answers

Which NGO is recognized for its work in community development among the Paliyar tribe?

RAMCO Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of the unorganized business operations impacting the Paliyan tribe?

Lower bargaining power for minor forest items Signup and view all the answers

What has been a significant issue affecting the population of the Paliyans?

Waning population Signup and view all the answers

Which deity do the tribal people worship by visiting a remote area of the forest?

God Karuppan Signup and view all the answers

What gift did young couples traditionally receive as they started their new life?

Small pottery for cooking Signup and view all the answers

What important change in lifestyle have the hunters undergone?

They have transitioned to gathering instead of hunting. Signup and view all the answers

Which tradition related to marriage has changed over time among the community?

The gift given to the bridegroom's family. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant festival celebrated by the tribal community?

Adi amavasai Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is still retained in the community despite changes?

Separation from the father's house after marriage. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the community's knowledge of medicinal plants considered extraordinary?

They have expertise in identifying and collecting herbs. Signup and view all the answers

What custom related to marriage ceremonies has significantly eroded?

The simplicity of the marriage ceremonies. Signup and view all the answers

Which term is derived from the word for a man from Palani?

Palliyar Signup and view all the answers

What is the staple food grain for the Paliyan community?

Rice Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups does NOT belong to the Paliyan community?

Koyilandi Signup and view all the answers

Where is the considered origin of the Paliyan tribe?

Palani hills Signup and view all the answers

What kind of structures did the ancestors of the Paliyans live in during ancient times?

Kalazhais Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cooking oils do the Paliyans NOT commonly use?

Plum oil Signup and view all the answers

What type of beverages do Paliyans regularly consume?

Black tea and black coffee Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the lifestyle of Paliyans?

They used to be nomadic and lived closely with nature. Signup and view all the answers

What type of housing did nomadic Paliyars traditionally utilize?

Rock caves Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the current lifestyle of settled Paliyars?

Urbanized to some extent Signup and view all the answers

In which region are the Paliyars settled, particularly around the hills?

Western Ghats Signup and view all the answers

What change occurred in the dress code of Paliyars in the early 50s?

They started wearing limited clothing. Signup and view all the answers

What method of food gathering was historically used by the Paliyars?

Hunting and gathering Signup and view all the answers

Which deity do Paliyars worship?

Ananthavalii Signup and view all the answers

What led to the lifestyle change of the Paliyars after the early 50s?

Exposure to the outside world. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of the huts built by semi-nomadic Paliyars?

They were dark with no openings. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

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.