Cholanaikkan

The Cholanaikkans are one of the most primitive tribes in South India, numbering only 360 in 1991.They are one of the indigenous communities of Kerala state, India. They are one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes of South India, living in the Silent Valley National Park (Kerala). This tribe was first contacted in the 1960s, but since this first contact their lifestyle has been altered. Currently they have a 16% literacy rate. They speak the Cholanaikkan language, but around half of them have a basic knowledge of Malayalam. Only a handful of them live as hunter-gatherers now.

The Cholanaika habitats are seen in the Karulai and Chunkathara forest ranges near Nilambur, which fall in Ernad Taluk of Malappuram district. They were leading a secluded life with very limited contact to the main stream. The Cholanaikka call themselves as ‘Malanaikan’ or ‘Sholanaikan’. They are called Cholanaikan because they inhabit in the interior forests ‘chola’ or ‘shoals’ means deep ever green forest, and ‘naikan’ means King. They are said to be migrated from Mysore forests. They are generally of short stature with well built sturdy bodies. The complexion varies from dark to light brown. The faces are round or oval with depressed nasal root, their bridge being medium and the profile straight, lips are thin to the medium, hair tends to be curly. They live in rock shelters called ‘Kallulai’ or in open campsites made of leaves. They are found in groups consisting of 2 to 7 primary families. Each group is called a ‘Chemmam’. The Cholanaikans are very particular in observing the rules framed by their ancestors for the purpose of maintaining the territories under the Chemmam. The Chemmams are found widely scattered in the forest ranges. They subsist on food gathering, hunting and minor forest produce collection. Their language is a mixture of Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam. They use dress and ornaments, household articles, tools and weapons in their day today life. They use rice as their staple food. They also use wild roots, tubers, seeds, fruits and meat. Their lively hood is totally depended on the forest. The collection and selling of minor forest produce is the major source of income. There are still many customs, practices and taboos prevailing among the Cholanaikans.

See also

Philipose Vaidyar, a researcher and writer narrates his trip to the Cholanaikkan hamlet at http://philjy.sulekha.com/blog/post/2010/03/treking-the-rarest-tribal-trail.htm

• Adivasi,
• Demographics of Kerala

External links

• A brief travelogue on to the hamlet of Cholanaikkan