அட்டப்பாடி பகுதி இருளர் பழங்குடியினரின் பண்பாட்டு மாற்றங்களும் சடங்கியல் மரபுகளும்

Cultural Transformations in the Ritual Practices of the Irula Tribe of Attappadi

Abstract

The Irula tribe is one of the ancient indigenous communities inhabiting the regions of the Western Ghats in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Traditionally, the Irula people have depended on forests and hill ecosystems for their livelihood and have developed rich indigenous knowledge systems along with distinctive ritual practices. However, rapid socio-economic changes, land alienation, modernization, and increased interaction with mainstream societies have gradually influenced their traditional way of life. These developments have led to noticeable transformations in their cultural traditions and ritual practices. The loss or modification of such indigenous traditions represents not only a change within the community but also a broader cultural concern. In this context, the present study examines the cultural transformations that have occurred in the ritual practices of the Irula community residing in Karuvadam hamlet in the Attappadi region. Adopting an ethnographic approach, the study documents ritual elements and analyses the social and cultural factors that have contributed to these changes over time.