The Kadar tribe, an indigenous community residing primarily in the southern parts of India, is known for its unique traditions and culture. Predominantly found in the forests of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Kadar people have maintained a lifestyle closely connected to nature, preserving their cultural heritage despite the challenges of modernity.
Origin and Location
The Kadar tribe is classified as a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) by the Government of India. Historically, they have lived in the dense forests of the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot. The Kadars are primarily found in the districts of Thrissur, Palakkad, and Ernakulam in Kerala, and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. Their name, "Kadar," is derived from the word "kaadu," which means forest in Tamil and Malayalam, reflecting their deep connection with the forest environment.
Lifestyle and Occupation
The Kadar tribe is traditionally a nomadic group, known for their hunter-gatherer lifestyle. They have a profound knowledge of the forest and its resources, relying on gathering honey, fruits, tubers, and medicinal plants for their sustenance. Hunting, though less prevalent today, was also a significant part of their livelihood. In recent years, some Kadars have taken up small-scale agriculture and wage labor, but they continue to depend heavily on forest produce for their livelihood.
Social Structure and Beliefs
The Kadar community follows a simple social structure, typically organized around extended families. They live in small settlements called "hamlets" or "oorus," usually comprising a few huts made of bamboo, leaves, and other forest materials. The tribe practices a form of animism, with deep reverence for the natural elements and forest spirits. They worship deities such as Mariamman and Ayyappan, and their religious practices are closely tied to the forest, involving rituals and offerings to appease the spirits.
Language and Communication
The Kadar people
speak a Dravidian language known as Kadar or Kadars, which is influenced by
Tamil and Malayalam. The language, like many tribal languages, is oral and does
not have a written script. Communication within the tribe is primarily in their
native tongue, but many Kadars are also conversant in Tamil or Malayalam,
enabling interaction with the broader regional population.
