Indigenous Communities

Kerala, a State renowned for its lush greenery, is also home to a rich tribal heritage. Known locally as Adivasi, these indigenous communities have resided in the forests and mountains of the Western Ghats for centuries. Bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, these ranges provide an ecosystem for these tribal communities who have traditionally practiced sustainable living in harmony with nature. The Indian government has categorized these indigenous communities as “Scheduled Tribes,” granting them special rights and benefits to bridge historical inequalities. The Kerala Institute for Research Training and Development Studies of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (KIRTADS) identifies 36 distinct Scheduled Tribes within the state. Further classification by the Scheduled Tribes Development Department categorizes them into three subgroups: Particularly Vulnerable, Marginalised, and Minorities. According to the 2011 census, Kerala’s tribal population constitutes roughly 1.5 percent of the total population, translating to approximately 4,84,839 individuals. Wayanad district boasts the highest concentration of tribal communities, followed by Idukki, Palakkad, Kasargod, and Kannur. Paniyar, Irular, Kattunaikan, Oorali, and Adiyar are some of the major tribal communities found in Kerala.

Major Tribal Communities in Kerala

Adiyan: In the Wayanad district of Kerala, nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats, resides the Adiyan tribe. Some Adiyan communities can also be found in neighboring Mysore. Within their homes, the Adiyans converse in a dialect of Kannada, but they are also proficient in Malayalam, allowing them to communicate with the wider population. Historically, the Adiyans faced marginalization and worked as low-wage agricultural laborers. Today, this profession continues to be a mainstay for many Adiyans. The Adiyans actively participate in Hinduism, celebrating major festivals like Onam and Vishu. They visit prominent temples in Kerala, such as Vallyoorkavu and Thirunelli. The 2011 census estimated the Adiyan population to be roughly 11,526 individuals, making them a significant tribal community within the state.

Aranadans: Aranadans reside in the parts of Kozhikode district. Their name itself, derived from “Eranadan,” reflects their historical association with this region. Scattered across various low-lying and underdeveloped hills in Vazhikadavu, Karulai, Edakara, Shankerakulam and other remote locations, the Aranadans have carved out a life amidst scenic landscapes.

Communication within the Aranadan community is a blend of languages. Their unique dialect incorporates elements of Tamil, Malayalam, and Tulu, allowing them to interact effectively within their group. Recognized as a Scheduled Tribe by the Union Government and various state governments (Kerala, Mysore and Madras), the Aranadans have traditionally relied on forest resources for their livelihood. Bamboo cutting and collection of hill produce are their primary occupations, although a gradual shift towards agriculture has been observed in recent times.

Interestingly, the Aranadans do not adhere to a specific religion. While some claim familiarity with Hinduism and don’t object to such categorization, temple visits are not a common practice. Their spiritual beliefs remain unfixed, with a limited understanding of animism and totemism. The 2011 census estimated their population to be around 283 individuals.

Cholanaikkans: Deep within the Malappuram district’s forests resides another unique tribe, the Cholanaikkans. Unlike the geographically dispersed Aranadans, the Cholanaikkans are organized into ten distinct territorial groups. Each group inhabits a specific demarcated area, often defined by natural boundaries like rivers or streams. These territories have evocative names like Karimpuzha, Panapuzha, Kuppan mala and Manjakkadavu, reflecting their deep connection to the land.

The Cholanaikkan language is another fascinating aspect of their identity. They have a unique dialect, lacking a written script, used for communication within the community. Additionally, many Cholanaikkans possess proficiency in Malayalam and their dialect itself incorporates words from neighboring languages like Kannada and Tamil.

The forest serves as the lifeblood of the Cholanaikkan community. They are skilled foragers, adept at hunting and fishing. While fishing is primarily a seasonal activity concentrated during the summer, foraging provides a year-round source of sustenance. Dammer, cardamom, ginger and various medicinal plants are collected and bartered for necessities like rice through the Girijan Co-operative Society. The 2011 census estimated the Cholanaikkan population to be a mere 124 individuals, making them a critically endangered tribe.

 Eravallans: The Eravallans primarily call Palakkad district their home. Within the Chittoor Taluk, some Eravallan communities reside in the government colony nestled near the towering mountains of Moolathara village. Their presence extends beyond Kerala’s borders, with some residing in the neighboring Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu (formerly Madras State).

Communication within the Eravallan community flows through a distinct Tamil dialect. However, they can also converse with visitors in Malayalam, showcasing their ability to navigate between languages. For generations, the Eravallans have thrived on agriculture. Some have established themselves as successful landowners, cultivating their plots. Traditionally, hunting and gathering were integral parts of their lives, but these practices have largely faded away. Restrictions on entering formal service also belonged to an earlier era.

The Eravallans possess a rich spiritual heritage rooted in animism and totemism. While some have embraced modern practices, others continue to observe traditional animistic beliefs. They revere animals, trees and stones, viewing them as part of their origin story. Interestingly, they celebrate festivals like Onam, Vishu and Mattu Pongal, reflecting a blend of indigenous and Hindu traditions. According to the 2011 census, the Eravallan population is estimated at approximately 4,797 individuals.

Mala Pulayas: Deep within the Kottayam and Idukki districts reside the Mala Pulayas, a community known for their strong connection to the land. Specific locations like Kummithankuzhi, Thattikkad, Nachivayal, Malakkad and Chavakkalam within the Devikulam Taluk house notable Mala Pulaya communities. This community is further divided into three subgroups: Kurumba Pulaya, Karavazhi Pulaya and Pambu Pulaya. The Male Pulaya dialect is a fascinating blend of Tamil and Malayalam, with Tamil influences taking centre stage. However, they are proficient in both Malayalam and Tamil, allowing them to communicate effectively with outsiders and utilize the respective scripts. The Land is the cornerstone of the Mala Pulaya economy. Most families are landholders engaged in settled cultivation, ensuring a steady source of income. When necessary, they supplement their income through various means like daily wage labor, animal husbandry, running small shops and collecting minor forest produce.

Hinduism serves as the primary religion for the Mala Pulayas. They revere the pantheon of Hindu deities alongside their unique gods and goddesses. These indigenous deities include Kali, Mariamma, Kannimara, Karuppan and Chapalamma, often represented by sacred stones. The 2011 census estimated the Mala Pulaya population to be around 2,959 individuals.

Irulars: The Irulars primarily inhabit the Palakkad district, particularly in the Nelliampathy hills. Their communities are scattered across various regions like Pothupara, Mayamudi and Kunapalam. Skilled agriculturalists, the Irulars are known for their adept cultivation practices. Some continue the tradition of Ponam cultivation, a system that selects crops based on specific soil and environmental conditions. Paddy, ragi, pulses, plantains, chillies and turmeric are commonly grown crops. Both men and women actively participate in agriculture, hunting and raising livestock like goats and poultry for sale.

The Irulars hold diverse spiritual beliefs. A minority adheres to animistic practices, revering the tiger as a visible god and worshipping its footprints. However, the majority worships deities like Vishnu (known as Rangaswami) and Siva without distinction. The 2011 census estimated the Irular population to be around 23,721 individuals.

Kadars: Spread across Palakkad, Trichur, Calicut and Kannur districts reside the Kadar people. Specific locations include Pooyamkutty, Poringalkuthu and Kuthirottom Kunnu. Interestingly, the Kadars place high importance on culinary skills, with a proverb highlighting food as the way to one’s heart. A skilled cook, especially a wife, is considered to have achieved success in life. They are excellent collectors of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), which is an important source of their livelihood.

For visitors, communication with the Kadars is facilitated by knowledge of Malayalam or Tamil. Traditionally, their dwellings were built on raised mud platforms with flattened bamboo and grass walls, typically consisting of a single room with a designated kitchen space. Many modern Kadars identify as Hindus and adopt Hindu names. While their animistic roots and worship of unseen gods have waned, they still revere deities like Ayappan, Kali and Malavazhi. Some elders continue to venerate the rising sun, reflecting their strong animistic past. The 2011 census estimated the Kadar population to be around 2,949 individuals.

Kannikars: The Kannikars reside primarily in the Trivandrum and Kollam districts. Communities can be found in various locations like Nalayadi, Ponmudi and Aruvikkara. They communicate in a dialect of Malayalam with Tamil influences. Most present-day Kannikars identify as Hindus and follow Hindu religious practices, holding reverence for the entire pantheon of Hindu gods. The 2011 census estimated the Kannikar population to be approximately 21,251 individuals.

Karimpalans: The Karimpalans primarily call the Kannur and Kozhikode districts home, with communities scattered across locations like Kakur, Nanmanda and Thamarasseri. Their language is a variant of Malayalam, incorporating some Tulu words and phrases.

An interesting aspect of the Karimpalan community is their well-structured ‘illoms’ (dwellings). These bamboo and thatched structures, about eight feet square, are considered superior to those of the Paniyans and Cherumans in the same region. They are typically single-room dwellings that serve multiple purposes – kitchen, bedroom and living space.

Historically, the Karimpalans practiced Ponam cultivation, a system based on soil and environmental conditions. However, deforestation and new plantations have forced some to shift towards independent cultivation on leased lands. Another traditional source of income, charcoal production, is facing challenges.

The Karimpalans’ spiritual beliefs have evolved overtime. While they were once animists and totemists, many now identify as Hindus, visiting temples and offering prayers to deities like Kali and Shiva. The 2011 census estimated their population to be around 14,098 individuals.

Kattunayakans: Deep within the forests of Kozhikode and Kannur districts reside the Kattunayakan communities. These can be found in regions like Kidaganad, Purakadi and Chempara Peak. Communication within the community often occurs in Malayalam and Tamil, with some possessing knowledge of Kannada as well.

Traditionally, the Kattunayakans dwell in unique, low-lying huts made from flattened bamboo and thatched roofs. The 2011 census estimated their population to be around 18,199 individuals. Interestingly, the Kattunayakans can be further classified into five sub-groups based on their primary livelihood:

• Collection of Non-timber Forest Products (NTFP) such as honey, dammer, medicinal plants etc
• Food gatherers and daily wage laborers
• Temporary cultivators with limited land for subsistence
• Landowners with fertile land
• Elephant handlers (mahouts) employed by forest departments and Devasoms (temples)

The Koragars: The Koragar people primarily reside in the Kannur district, with communities found in locations like Hosbettu, Manjeshwar and Mangalapalli. Within their families, they converse in a distinct Koraga dialect, but can also communicate in Tulu, Malayalam and Kannada.

The Koraga community’s economic well-being is closely tied to the land and forest resources. While the government controls forest access, land ownership is private, with only a few Koragars fortunate enough to own property. Historically, they were skilled hunters, gatherers and basket makers. They also collected animal products like bones and skins, along with medicinal plants.The Koragars adhere to Hinduism and hold nature in high regard, with sun worship being a part of their traditions. The 2011 census estimated their population to be approximately 14,098 individuals.

Kurichian: One of the most populous Scheduled Tribes in Kerala, the Kurichians reside primarily in Kannur and Kozhikode districts. Further subdivisions exist within the community, such as the Kurichian of Wayanad and the Anchilla Kurichian of Tirunelly.

While Malayalam is their primary language, the Kurichians possess a distinct accent and intonation. Their economy revolves around agriculture, with land provided by the forest department. However, a growing population and limited land pose challenges for the community. The Kurichians adhere to a unique blend of Hinduism and tribal religion. Deities like Bhagawati and Munnan Daivam hold significance in their belief system. Renowned for their fearlessness and trustworthiness, the Kurichians are estimated to number around 35,171 individuals (2011 census).

Mullu Kuruman: Also known as Mullu Kurumba or Mulla Kurumar, this community primarily calls Wayanad district home, with some residing in the Gudalur Taluk of Tamil Nadu. Their unique dialect, Kurumaba, incorporates elements of Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam.

The Mullu Kuruman community is divided into four ‘kulams’ (clans) that regulate marriages but hold no hierarchical structure. The land is their primary economic resource and historically, they practiced hunting, gathering and shifting cultivation. Presently, agriculture and government jobs are their main sources of income.

Women play an active role in various aspects of life, including agriculture, animal husbandry and fishing. The Mullu Kurumans have largely adopted Hinduism, with remnants of their traditional animistic beliefs fading away. According to the 2011 census, their population is estimated at approximately 24,505 individuals.

Kurumba: Deep within the dense forests of Palakkad district’s Attappadi Valley reside the Kurumba people. They are also known by names like Kurumba Pulayans and Hill Pulayans. Their language, Kurumba Basha, appears to be a derivative of Kannada, with very few Kurumbas conversant in Malayalam. Foraging and shifting cultivation are their primary means of subsistence. Honey, wax, spices and medicinal plants are some of the forest products they collect. Skilled in body tattooing and crafting baskets and mats, the Kurumbas showcase their artistic talents.

Animism and totemism are the cornerstones of their belief system. Their knowledge of Hinduism is limited, and their religious practices have remained relatively unchanged over time. The 2011 census estimated their population to be around 2,586 individuals.

 Mala Arayan: The Mala Arayans reside primarily in Idukki and Kottayam districts. Historically, they relied on shifting cultivation, hunting and gathering for sustenance. However, limitations on these activities due to reserved forests have necessitated a shift. Today, the Mala Arayans are a diverse lot, with some engaging in agriculture, agricultural labor, white-collar jobs and even business ventures. They primarily communicate in Malayalam, with some educated members conversant in English and Hindi.

Mala Kuravan: Spread across Trivandrum, Kollam and Kottayam districts are the Mala Kuravans. Their language is a unique dialect of Malayalam with Tamil influences. The 2011 census recorded their population as a mere 175 individuals. Their livelihood stems from a combination of agriculture, hunting and collecting forest products. Some cultivate small plots of land, while others hunt using traditional methods and collect firewood for sale. Animism and totemism were historically dominant, with a strong focus on ancestral spirit worship, which persists even today.

Malai Pandaram: The Malai Pandaram, primarily concentrated in Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts, is yet another  Scheduled Tribe. Migration due to external influences has led some to settle in Palakkad district as well. They have their language, Pandaram Basha, within their community, but use Malayalam for communication with outsiders. Forest resources are crucial to their way of life. While they are landless, the government has allotted them forest land for building huts and cultivating tapioca. Hunting, gathering and crafting items like malas and herbal remedies are traditional occupations. They adhere to Hinduism, with Sastha or Ayyappan as their primary deity.

Mala Panickar:  The Mala Panickars of Kozhikode district are primarily landowners who traditionally practiced agriculture. Activities like animal husbandry, firewood collection and wood cutting supplemented their income. In recent times, some have embraced petty businesses and government jobs. They are Hindus who revere the entire Hindu pantheon and frequently visit temples. The 2011 census estimated their population to be around 1,023.

Mala Vedan: The Mala Vedans reside in Kottayam and Quilon districts. Their language is a dialect of Tamil and Malayalam, unintelligible to outsiders. Traditionally, hunting was their sole means of subsistence, with a portion consumed and the surplus traded. Fishing and collecting forest produce are additional income sources. Many work as farm and plantation laborers. They identify as Hindus, visiting temples and celebrating festivals like Onam. The 2011 census recorded their population at approximately 8,149 individuals.

Mala Vettuvan: The Mala Vettuvans of Kannur district are known for their agricultural expertise. They cultivate rice and pepper on their land and work as agricultural laborers when land is unavailable. Hunting and tracking skills are other noteworthy aspects of their culture. Basket making is a common source of income. Their diet includes rice, supplemented by roots, herbs and even rats during scarcity. They practice Hinduism, creating idols for worship and visiting temples. The 2011 census estimated their population to be around 17,869.

Malayan: The Malayan community is an indigenous group primarily inhabiting the Malabar region of Kerala, specifically the districts of Kozhikode, Kannur and Malappuram. According to the 2011 census, their population is estimated to be around 5,917 individuals.

Malayalam serves as the Malayan community’s mother tongue, functioning as their primary language for both spoken and written communication within the community and when interacting with outsiders. Land plays a crucial role in the Malayan economy, although a significant portion of the community is landless. Historically, their occupations revolved around spiritual practices like exorcism and spirit dancing, along with mendicancy. However, their present-day primary source of income is agricultural labor. Secondary occupations include animal husbandry, midwifery, non-skilled wage labor and casual labor.

The Malayan community predominantly adheres to Hinduism. They also incorporate the worship of folk deities such as Pottan Daivam, Vishnu Murthi, Gulikan, Raktha Chamundi, Mauthappan and Kummati into their religious practices.

Mannans: The Mannans are a vibrant tribal community scattered throughout Kerala, inhabiting both the plains and coastal regions. Their estimated population, as per the 2011 census, is around 9,780 individuals. They possess a unique dialect that blends Tamil and Malayalam, making their language challenging for outsiders to comprehend.

Land is the cornerstone of the Mannan economy. They are skilled agriculturalists, particularly adept at cultivating crops in mountainous terrains. Their success in mountain farming has earned them a reputation as capable cultivators. In addition to agriculture, many Mannans find employment collecting and selling various hill produce. Historically, the Mannans held a specific role within the caste system. They traditionally provided a service to higher-caste communities by washing clothes and offering “mattu,” a fresh change of clothing, before ritualistic bathing ceremonies aimed at removing pollution.

The Mannans predominantly follow Hinduism, incorporating deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Bhagawati and Sastha into their worship practices. Bhagawati holds a special place as their ancestral deity. They actively participate in Hindu pilgrimages, with a notable tradition of visiting the Sabarimala temple during the Mandalam period. Additionally, they frequent temples like Guruvayur, Kodungallur and Bhagawati temples. Onam, Vishu, Sivaratri and Sankranti are some of the major festivals celebrated by the Mannan community.

Mavilans: The Mavilans are a distinct community residing in the Kannur district of Kerala, particularly concentrated in the Amsoms of Vayakara, Thadikadavu, Padyoor, Kalliat, Nidyanga,  within the Thaliparamba Taluk. Their estimated population is around 14,972 individuals, based on the 2011 census.Tulu serves as their primary language, while they also possess fluency in spoken Malayalam. Interestingly, both the Tulumans and Chingattans, the two subgroups within the Mavilan community, utilize the Malayalam script for written communication.The land ownership is a crucial aspect of the Mavilan economy, with individuals managing their land parcels.

Traditionally, they have been involved in activities like collecting and selling medicinal plants, crafting baskets and working as agricultural laborers. Presently, agriculture forms their primary occupation, supplemented by animal husbandry, petty businesses, government/private sector jobs and agricultural labor.The Mavilans primarily adhere to Hinduism. Virabadra holds special significance as their community deity, while they also venerate Hindu gods like Shiva, Bhagawati and Vishnu.

Muthuvan: The Muthuvan community resides primarily in Kerala’s Idukki district, extending into the Western Ghats regions of Palakkad and Thrissur. Their name, derived from Malayalam, translates to “people who carry on their backs,” referencing their migratory history. The Muthuvans possess a distinct dialect, a simplified version of Tamil, and use Malayalam or Tamil for broader communication. Their social structure revolves around six matrilineal clans with a hierarchical order, each further divided into lineages dictating marriage alliances, social status and ancestry.

Land ownership is crucial for the Muthuvans, who are primarily agriculturalists. While some have received government allotments, these aren’t ownership grants. Traditionally, they were nomadic agriculturalists, hunters and trappers. Today, their agricultural practices involve cultivating coffee, ginger, sugarcane and paddy. The Muthuvans adhere primarily to tribal religions, although some identify as Hindus in the present day. Their core beliefs and practices are rooted in their rich tribal heritage.

Palliyar: The Palliyars of Kerala inhabit the Kottayam district, with settlements found in Kumali, Periyar range, Chekupalam and Anakara. Hunting and forest produce collection, once their mainstay, are no longer viable options. Settled Palliyar groups have transformed into skilled agriculturists, possessing a deep understanding of their mountainous environment. They have played a vital role in cultivating the fertile lands of Travancore’s Cardamom Hills. Their settlements boast decent huts close to their lands or workplaces, with some families even residing in masonry houses provided in the Kumali Tribal settlement. The Palliyars follow animistic and totemist belief systems, worshipping various deities and spirits like Mariamma, Kuruppuswami and Kali.

Paniyan: The Paniyans, with an estimated population of 88,450 according to the 2011 census, are primarily found in Kerala’s Palakkad, Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Their unique dialect, a blend of Malayalam, Tamil and Tulu, presents communication challenges for outsiders. Many Paniyans are employed as agricultural laborers, excelling in rice cultivation. They also find work in plantations and as general laborers (mazdoors). Unfortunately, low wages contribute to persistent poverty within the community. Some Paniyans work as mahouts (elephant riders) and fire watchers for the Forest Department. Living in basic huts near farms and plantations, the Paniyans often move with their families to find work, especially those cultivating rice and cash crops.

Thachanaden: The Thachanadens, with an estimated population of 1,745 individuals (2011 census), reside primarily in Kozhikode District and parts of Wayanad district’s Vythiri Taluk. A subgroup, the Thachanad Muppan, migrated from Nilambur in Malappuram district, their name reflecting their origin (Thachanad).

The Thachanad Muppan language is a distinct dialect of Malayalam with a specific intonation, making it difficult for others to understand. Malayalam serves as their language for communication with outsiders. Land ownership is crucial for the Thachanad Muppan economy. Traditionally, they were hunters, gatherers, beekeepers and basket makers. Presently, their livelihoods focus on animal husbandry and labor. They participate directly in the market economy using cash for transactions. Many, including children, work as agricultural and casual laborers, while some find employment on plantations. Economic hardship sometimes forces children to drop out of school to contribute to the family income. The Thachanad Muppan adheres to Hinduism, worshipping various folk deities like Gulikan, Bhagawati, Thamburatti, Kali and Kurikadaivam, often represented by stones placed beneath trees.

Ulladan: The Ulladan, also known as Nayadi or Nadi, is a community inhabiting the southern regions of Travancore in Kerala. Their estimated population is around 16,230 (2011 census). While some older members possess literacy in Malayalam, landlessness is a significant challenge for the community. Historically, the Ulladan were skilled foragers who relied on the land and forests for their livelihood. They practiced woodcutting, canoe making, beekeeping, basket making and mat weaving. Additionally, both men and women traditionally participated in hunting for small animals, honey collection and gathering of medicinal plants, plant materials and bamboo.

Interestingly, the Ulladan have transitioned from their original tribal religious practices and now primarily follow Hinduism. Their favoured deities include Sastha, Siva and Bhadrakali, with the Sabarimala Sastha temple holding a special place as a pilgrimage centre.

Uraly: The Uraly community, with an estimated population of 11,179 (2011 census), primarily resides in Kerala’s Idukki District. Originally village rulers and soldiers, they have a rich history. Malayalam, spoken and written with a distinct accent, serves as their primary language for communication within the community and with outsiders. The Land is a crucial resource for the Uraly, with each family typically cultivating allotted portions of forest land (although ownership rights haven’t been established yet).

While some members find employment in government offices and private firms, handicrafts, particularly reed mats, winnowing fans and baskets, are a speciality practiced by Uraly women. The Uraly primarily adhere to Hinduism, worshipping Ayyappan and Bhagawati as deities. Nediyathu Sastha holds significance as their kuladeivam (family deity). They also revere ancestral spirits during agricultural activities and festivals like Onam and Vishu.

Veeta Kuruman: The Veeta Kuruman, also known as Urali Kuruman, is a small indigenous community with an estimated population of 739 individuals (2011 census). They are scattered across various locations in Kerala, including Kozhikode, Palakkad and Kannur districts. Their unique dialect is a blend of Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and Tulu, suggesting a possible migration from Mysore. This unique language combination supports the theory that the Veeta Kuruman present in Kerala and Madras might be immigrants.

They typically reside in small, dispersed settlements, a strategy to manage food resources and deter wildlife threats. Their traditional thatched-grass huts, constructed from bamboo, have floors level with the ground and open-air extensions. In favourable weather, they sleep in the open beside a fire.

Historically, the Veeta Kuruman were hunter-gatherers, dedicating their days to finding food. In some instances, they practice shifting cultivation on free land provided with support from social workers and officials who offer seeds and tools. Their belief system is deeply rooted in devil worship and totemism. Each totem clan identifies with their specific totem, believing themselves to be descendants and respecting it as a relative.

Wayanad Kadar: The Wayanad Kadar, simply known as Kadar, are a distinct indigenous community residing exclusively in Kerala’s Wayanad District. Their estimated population is around 2,949 individuals (2011 census), and they lack subgroups, titles or synonyms within their community.

Malayalam serves as their primary language for both internal communication and interaction with outsiders. They utilize the Malayalam script for writing purposes. The land is their crucial economic resource. Traditionally, they were hunter-gatherers and skilled basket makers. Today, their livelihood options are diverse, including wage labor, agriculture (paddy, ragi, tapioca etc.), animal husbandry and crafting bamboo baskets (vallakkotta and parambu). Some even find employment in government or private sectors.

The Wayanad Kadar adheres to Hinduism. Kodungallur Kali and Kariyathan hold special significance as their community deities. They also revere deities like Malam Kali, Kulian Guligan and Siva. Kodungallur, Sabarimalai and Palani are major pilgrimage centers for them. Interestingly, the community has its sacred specialists who officiate in rituals and perform pujas within their village Kali temples. Onam, Vishu, Sivaratri and Makam are some of the key festivals celebrated by the Wayanad Kadar, reflecting their rich cultural and religious heritage.