|
|
The Irulas are found mainly in the southern and eastern
slopes of the Nilgiri
hills. They are generally considered to have drifted to the Nilgiris
from the hilly terrains of Attapadi and Siruvani valleys in Kerala and the
adjoining Anaikatti area in Coimbatore.
Among the tribes of the
Nilgiris, the
Irulas are most numerous, next only to the Badagas. They are reported to
be in possession of excellent medico-botanical knowledge of herbal wealth
and related vegetation in their immediate vicinities.
Similarities With Kurumbas
The Irulas have many points in common with the Kurumbas. Like them, they
are dwellers of the jungle, and hence they derive their name, which
literally signifies "People of the darkness". They, like the
Kurumbas live in the lower reach of the Nilgiris in the south and east in
villages with detached huts made of split bamboo. Their villages are
called 'Mottas' like those of the Kurumbas.
Culture
The Irulas are sub-divided into the following groups; Poongkaru, Kudagar
Kalkatti, Vellaka, Devala and Koppillingam. Marriage ties are rather
loose. The Irula marriage and funeral ceremonies are simple. Marriages are
followed by feast and dance, and some Kurumbas are invited.
Irulas are said to worship Vishnu in their own temple. Irula temples
aren't imposing, consisting as they do of circles of rough stones, each
enclosing an upright one with iron tridents fixed in the ground.
They are many traditions concerning their power over wild beasts. They
are accredited with being able to tame tigers, and the fable goes that the
women when in the woods leave their children in the care of a tiger.
The Irulas in the eastern slopes are legendarily associated with the
Ranagsamy (also spelt as Rangaswami) cult, a virile religious and cultural
event centered on the northern slopes of the hills, used to be expert
honey-collectors and hunters.
Occupation
Irulas cultivate small patches close by their village raising Ragi,
Samai, (all cereals), plantains, oranges, jacks, pumpkins, etc. They
rarely trade on the plateau, but go down to towns in the plains with their
produce like fruits, honey bee-wax market gum, dyes, etc. They also hunt
and snare wild animals.
They have also been the traditionally hired herdsmen for Badagas
pasturages in Moyar basin. Put together they number around 9,000 people.