Tribes of Kerala, List, Distribution, Culture, Govt. Schemes

The Tribes of Kerala are among the oldest inhabitants of the state and have preserved their unique customs, languages, and traditions for generations. While many tribal communities continue to depend on agriculture and forests for their livelihood, several have also benefited from education, healthcare, and government welfare programmes. Their cultural practices, festivals, and indigenous knowledge play an important role in Kerala’s diverse heritage.

Distribution of Tribes in Kerala

Most tribal communities in Kerala are concentrated in the hilly and forest regions of the Western Ghats. Their settlements are generally located near forests, rivers, and wildlife-rich areas, allowing them to maintain their traditional way of life.

• Wayanad has the highest tribal population in Kerala and is home to communities such as Paniyan, Kurichiyan, Adiya, and Kattunayakan.
• Idukki has a large population of Muthuvan, Mannan, Malayarayan, and Malapandaram tribes.
• Palakkad, especially Attappadi, is inhabited by Irular, Muduga, and Kurumba tribes.
• Kasaragod has communities like Koraga, Marati, and Malavettuvan.
• Malappuram and Nilambur have significant populations of Paniyan and Kattunayakan tribes.
• Smaller tribal settlements are also found in Kannur, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
• More than 70% of Kerala’s tribal population lives in Wayanad, Idukki, Palakkad, and Kasaragod districts.

Major Tribes of Kerala

Kerala has several important tribal communities, each with its own language, traditions, customs, and occupations.

Paniyan

The Paniyan are the largest Scheduled Tribe in Kerala and are mainly found in Wayanad, Malappuram, Kannur, and Kozhikode districts. Traditionally associated with agriculture, they are one of the most prominent tribal communities in the state.

• Largest tribal community in Kerala.
• Primarily live in Wayanad, Malappuram, Kannur, and Kozhikode.
• Traditionally worked as agricultural labourers and plantation workers.
• Speak the Paniya language along with Malayalam.
• Celebrate traditional festivals with folk songs and dances.
• Benefit from government schemes focused on education, housing, and livelihood.

Kattunayakan

The Kattunayakan are one of Kerala’s oldest forest-dwelling communities and are recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). They have a deep connection with forests and traditional ecological knowledge.

• Mainly inhabit Wayanad and Nilambur forest regions.
• Classified as a PVTG by the Government of India.
• Traditionally depend on honey collection, hunting, and forest produce.
• Possess extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and wildlife.
• Live in small settlements close to forests.
• Continue to practice nature-based customs and beliefs.

Kurichiyan

The Kurichiyan tribe is well known for its agricultural skills and historical reputation as skilled archers. They have one of the highest literacy rates among Kerala’s tribal communities.

• Mostly found in Wayanad district.
• Practice paddy cultivation and mixed farming.
• Famous for their traditional archery skills.
• Follow a strong joint-family system.
• Enjoy comparatively higher literacy levels.
• Preserve unique festivals, rituals, and cultural traditions.

Muthuvan

The Muthuvan tribe mainly lives in the hill ranges of Idukki district. They are known for their traditional lifestyle and close association with forests.

• Primarily found in Idukki and nearby hill regions.
• Cultivate cardamom, pepper, banana, and food crops.
• Collect minor forest produce sustainably.
• Maintain distinct traditional attire and customs.
• Possess rich knowledge of forest biodiversity.
• Continue to live in remote mountainous settlements.

Irular

The Irular community mainly resides in Attappadi of Palakkad district. They are known for dryland farming and traditional medicinal practices.

• Concentrated in Attappadi (Palakkad).
• Practice dryland agriculture and livestock rearing.
• Grow millets, pulses, vegetables, and maize.
• Have traditional knowledge of herbal medicine.
• Celebrate festivals linked to agriculture.
• Preserve their own customs and cultural identity.

Mannan

The Mannan tribe is known for its unique traditional governance system and rich cultural heritage. They are among the important tribal communities of central Kerala.

• Mainly found in Idukki district.
• Follow a traditional hereditary leadership system.
• Depend on agriculture and forest-based livelihoods.
• Celebrate community festivals with music and dance.
• Preserve unique customs, rituals, and oral traditions.
• Actively participate in eco-conservation activities.

Malayarayan

The Malayarayan tribe mainly inhabits Idukki, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam districts. They are engaged in farming and have gradually integrated with mainstream education.

• Live in Idukki, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam.
• Depend on agriculture and plantation work.
• Worship local deities and ancestral spirits.
• Preserve traditional dances and folk songs.
• Increasing participation in education and government employment.
• Maintain a rich cultural and religious heritage.

Adiya

The Adiya tribe is one of the major tribal communities of Wayanad and has traditionally been engaged in agriculture.

• Primarily found in Wayanad district.
• Traditionally work in paddy cultivation and plantations.
• Celebrate harvest festivals and cultural events.
• Preserve folk music and dance traditions.
• Benefit from tribal welfare and educational programmes.
• Actively participate in self-help groups and livelihood projects.

Kurumba

The Kurumba are one of Kerala’s oldest indigenous communities and are recognized as a PVTG. They are well known for their traditional medicinal knowledge.

• Mainly reside in Attappadi and Wayanad.
• Classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group.
• Experts in herbal medicine and forest conservation.
• Traditionally depended on hunting and gathering.
• Produce bamboo and cane handicrafts.
• Maintain strong cultural and spiritual traditions.

Muduga

The Muduga tribe is mainly found in Attappadi, Palakkad, and is also recognized as a PVTG. They continue to preserve their traditional agricultural practices.

• Primarily inhabit Attappadi (Palakkad).
• Classified as a PVTG.
• Practice subsistence farming and livestock rearing.
• Cultivate millets, pulses, and vegetables.
• Preserve traditional music, dance, and rituals.
• Continue to follow a close-knit community lifestyle.

Cholanaickan

The Cholanaickan are one of the smallest and most isolated tribal communities in Kerala. They are also recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).

• Mainly inhabit the Nilambur forests of Malappuram.
• One of the smallest tribal communities in Kerala.
• Traditionally depend on hunting, gathering, and forest resources.
• Live in natural rock shelters and simple forest dwellings.
• Speak the unique Cholanaickan language.
• Receive special protection and welfare support from the government.

Also Read : Festivals of Kerala

‹ ›

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Kerala

Kerala has five Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) identified by the Government of India. These communities have relatively small populations, lower literacy rates, and limited access to modern infrastructure. They receive special support through targeted development programmes. The PVTGs in Kerala are:

• Kattunayakan
• Cholanaickan
• Kurumba
• Koraga
• Muduga

Culture and Traditions of Kerala Tribes

The tribes of Kerala have a rich cultural heritage rooted in nature, community living, and centuries-old traditions that continue to shape their identity.

• Nature Worship: Most tribes worship forests, hills, rivers, ancestral spirits, and local deities as part of their spiritual beliefs.
• Traditional Festivals: Festivals are celebrated with rituals, community feasts, folk music, and dances, often linked to harvests and seasonal changes.
• Folk Music and Dance: Tribal communities perform traditional dances and songs during festivals, marriages, and religious ceremonies to preserve their cultural heritage.
• Traditional Dress and Ornaments: Men and women wear simple attire made from locally available materials and decorate themselves with handmade ornaments and beads.
• Community Living: Most tribes follow a close-knit social structure where families work together and decisions are taken collectively by village elders.
• Indigenous Knowledge: Kerala’s tribal communities possess extensive knowledge of herbal medicine, medicinal plants, wildlife, and forest conservation passed down through generations.
• Handicrafts: Many tribes make bamboo, cane, wood, and leaf handicrafts, baskets, mats, and household items using traditional techniques.
• Traditional Food Habits: Their diet mainly includes millets, rice, tubers, wild fruits, honey, mushrooms, and forest produce, reflecting a sustainable lifestyle.
• Agricultural Practices: Several tribes practice traditional farming methods and cultivate crops such as paddy, millets, spices, banana, and vegetables.

Government Schemes for Tribal Welfare in Kerala

The Government of Kerala and the Government of India implement several welfare schemes to improve the education, healthcare, livelihood, housing, and socio-economic development of tribal communities across the state.

• Integrated Tribal Development Programme (ITDP): Promotes the overall development of tribal communities through education, healthcare, housing, and livelihood support.
• Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP): Allocates dedicated funds for tribal welfare projects, infrastructure, skill development, and social development.
• PM-JANMAN Scheme: Focuses on the holistic development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by improving housing, healthcare, education, roads, electricity, and drinking water facilities.
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Provides quality residential education to tribal students from Class VI onwards.
• Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA): Recognizes the rights of Scheduled Tribes over forest land and forest resources, ensuring livelihood security and sustainable forest management.
• Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships: Financial assistance is provided to tribal students to support school and higher education.
• Hostels and Residential Schools: The state operates hostels and residential institutions to improve access to education for tribal children living in remote areas.
• Healthcare and Nutrition Programmes: Special health camps, maternal and child healthcare services, immunization, and nutrition initiatives are implemented in tribal settlements.