Toda People and Culture Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary factor that distinguishes the Toda from their neighboring ethnic communities?

Their religious beliefs

Their agricultural practices

Their unique appearance and customs (correct)

Their literacy and writing systems

Which of the following statements about Toda society is true?

Disputes are often settled by an all-male caste council. (correct)

There are no recognized social hierarchies within the households.

Decisions are made by a single village headman.

The kinship structure is primarily matrilineal.

How is Toda culture primarily transmitted through generations?

Formal education systems

Art and sculptures

Written records

Oral traditions (correct)

What role do the village priests play in Toda society?

They hold a key role in village life. Signup and view all the answers

What materials are primarily produced by Toda women?

Large cloaks and embroidered textiles Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of the typical Toda dwelling called?

Dongle Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Toda culture is highlighted as a significant form of artistic expression?

Oral poetry and music Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the social structure of Toda society?

Primarily clan-based with no clear hierarchy Signup and view all the answers

What type of marriage did the Toda people historically practice?

Fraternal polyandry Signup and view all the answers

What food products are made from buffalo milk in Toda culture?

Butter, yogurt, and cheese Signup and view all the answers

How did some Todas change their living situation in the early 21st century?

They reverted to traditional huts. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the holy dairies in Toda culture?

Only the priest may enter them. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical ratio of females to males among the Toda people?

3:5 Signup and view all the answers

What footwear restrictions exist for the Toda holy milkman?

He is prohibited from wearing shoes. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Toda religion emphasize regarding the buffalo?

Buffalo are regarded as sacred animals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant aspect of Toda clothing for women?

They wear skirts and shawls. Signup and view all the answers

What material is primarily used for the structure of the huts described?

Bamboo Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the tiny entrance of the hut?

Protection from wild animals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the typical layout of a Toda hamlet?

A combination of one to five barrel-vaulted houses, a buffalo pen, and calf sheds Signup and view all the answers

Why are some traditional plants used by the Toda becoming scarce?

Deforestation and encroachment of agriculture Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Toda language within the Dravidian family?

It has a notably high number of syntactic and morphological rules Signup and view all the answers

What kind of decorative elements are often found on the front portion of the huts?

Toda art forms Signup and view all the answers

What major lifestyle change has occurred among the Toda people in recent years?

They are increasingly venturing into agriculture and other occupations Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable traditional attire of Toda women?

Intricately embroidered shawls Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason women are not allowed near the Toda huts designated as temples?

Women are believed to cause pollution. Signup and view all the answers

How has the incorporation of Hindu practices affected the Toda community?

They actively participate in Hindu festivals. Signup and view all the answers

What has threatened the preservation of Toda culture in recent years?

Agricultural encroachment by outsiders. Signup and view all the answers

What was a traditional feature of Toda funerals that has changed over time?

The need for two funerals. Signup and view all the answers

What role do male buffalo calves serve in the Toda economy?

They are sold to butchers. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Toda marriage practices is correct?

Fraternal polyandry has been abandoned. Signup and view all the answers

What significance does the land occupied by the Toda hold today?

It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do Toda shamans participate in their culture?

They engage in trance to communicate with Hindu gods. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Toda People

The Toda are a Dravidian ethnic group residing in the Nilgiri Mountains of Tamil Nadu, India.
They have a distinct culture and traditions, attracting significant anthropological and ethnomusicological attention since the 19th century.

Toda Society and Culture

The Toda society is divided into two subcastes: those owning sacred dairy cows and those milking them.
Decisions are made by all-male caste councils.
The dominant social structure is the nuclear family, with households responsible for their members' behavior.
Toda traditions are passed down orally, with oral poetry being a central form of cultural expression.
They are skilled embroiderers, producing large cloaks and tablecloths with intricate geometric designs.

Toda Housing

The Todas traditionally lived in small hamlets called "munds," consisting of one to five barrel-vaulted houses, buffalo pens, calf sheds, and dairies.
Their houses, called "dongles," are oval-shaped, built with bamboo and thatch, with small entrances for protection from wild animals.
Traditional decorations include buffalo horns and rock mural painting.
Many Toda now live in modern brick and mortar homes.

Toda Language

Toda language is a member of the Dravidian family, classified as part of the southern subgroup of proto-South-Dravidian.
It has a complex phonology and a high number of syntactic and morphological rules, distinguishing it from other South Dravidian languages.

Toda Lifestyle and Occupation

The Toda were traditionally pastoral people, primarily focused on cattle-herding and dairy work.
They are vegetarians, relying on buffalo milk and dairy products for much of their diet.
However, the Todas are increasingly engaging in agriculture and other professions.

Religion

The Toda religion revolves around the goddess Teikirshy and the sacred buffalo.
They venerate holy milkmen, who are considered priests of the sacred dairy.
Toda temples are distinct from Hindu temples, built in circular stone pits.
While many Toda maintain traditional beliefs, elements of Hinduism have become more prominent in recent years.

Marriage and Family

Fraternal polyandry, where a woman marries all the brothers of a family, was traditionally practiced but has now ceased.
Child marriages are arranged within Toda families.

Toda Economy and Livestock

The Toda economy historically revolved around their buffalo herds, which provided milk, butter, and income from selling male calves.
Pastoralism remains a significant part of their identity and economy, although it faces challenges due to land loss and encroachment.

Toda Funerals and Infanticide

The Toda traditionally practiced two funerals, with the first involving cremation and the second burning a fragment of bone or hair.
They performed sacrifices of buffalo during cremation, with sacred buffalo sacrificed for males and secular ones for females.
Female infanticide was historically practiced but has now been abandoned.

Cultural Changes and Preservation Efforts

The introduction of modern technology and interaction with other communities has led to changes in Toda lifestyle and practices.
However, efforts are underway to preserve and revitalize traditional elements of their culture.
The Toda lands are now part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing the importance of their cultural heritage and ecosystem.

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Description

Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Toda people, a Dravidian ethnic group from the Nilgiri Mountains in Tamil Nadu, India. Learn about their unique societal structure, traditions, and architectural styles, including their distinctive oval-shaped houses. This quiz offers insight into their oral poetry and craftsmanship.