1 ADIYARS THE TRIBAL COMMUNITY OF WAYANAD

A REVIEW ON ‘ADIYARS THE TRIBAL COMMUNITY

OF WAYANAD’

ABSTRACT

This literature review explores the cultural, socio-economic, and political

dynamics of the Adiyar community, an indigenous tribal group residing in the
Wayanad district of Kerala, India. Drawing on a range of scholarly research,
government publications, and reports by non-governmental organizations, the
review examines historical contexts, cultural practices, livelihood patterns,
social structures, contemporary challenges, and government interventions
pertaining to the Adiyar community. By synthesizing existing literature, the
review provides insights into the complexities of Adiyar society and highlights
key areas for further research and policy intervention.

RUKSANA M SHEEN, SUSAN JOHN / MCAP

2 ADIYARS THE TRIBAL COMMUNITY OF WAYANAD

INTRODUCTION

The Adiyar community, also known as the Adiyas or Adiyan, occupies a unique
position within the socio-cultural landscape of Wayanad, Kerala. With a rich
cultural heritage and deep connections to the forested terrain of the region,
the Adiyar people have long thrived through subsistence agriculture, hunting,
and gathering. However, changes in land use patterns, government policies,
and external influences have posed significant challenges to their traditional
way of life. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of
the Adiyar community, shedding light on their historical background, cultural
practices, socio-economic conditions, and contemporary challenges.

RUKSANA M SHEEN, SUSAN JOHN / MCAP

3 ADIYARS THE TRIBAL COMMUNITY OF WAYANAD

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This literature review is based on a comprehensive search and analysis of

scholarly research articles, government publications, reports by non-
governmental organizations, and other relevant sources related to the Adiyar
community. The search was conducted using academic databases such as
JSTOR, Google Scholar, and PubMed, as well as official websites of government
agencies and research institutes. Keywords used in the search included "Adiyar
tribe", "Adiyar community", "tribal communities in Wayanad", and "indigenous
peoples of Kerala". Relevant sources were selected based on their relevance,
credibility, and academic rigor.

OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE REVIEW

The literature review begins by examining the historical background of the

Adiyar community, tracing their origins and cultural evolution over time. It
explores their traditional livelihood patterns, social structures, and governance
systems, shedding light on the intricate web of kinship ties and clan-based
affiliations that shape Adiyar society. The review then delves into contemporary
issues and challenges facing the Adiyar community, including land rights,
displacement, marginalization, and access to essential services such as
education and healthcare. Government policies and interventions aimed at
addressing these challenges are also discussed, with a critical analysis of their
effectiveness and impact on Adiyar communities.

RUKSANA M SHEEN, SUSAN JOHN / MCAP

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LITERATURE REVIEW

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND:

The Adiyar community, indigenous to the Wayanad district of Kerala, India, has
a rich history rooted in the region's dense forests and hilly terrain. Historically,
the Adiyar people were primarily hunter-gatherers and shifting cultivators,
deeply attuned to the rhythms of nature. They inhabited the lush forests of
Wayanad for centuries, maintaining a sustainable lifestyle characterized by a
close relationship with the land and its resources.

Colonial records indicate that the Adiyar community resisted external

encroachments on their territory, fiercely guarding their ancestral lands against

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colonial administrators and settlers. However, colonial interventions such as

forest laws, land alienation, and forced labor profoundly impacted Adiyar
society, disrupting their traditional way of life and undermining their socio-
economic autonomy.

SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICES:

The social structure of the Adiyar community is often organized around kinship
ties and clan-based affiliations. Traditional governance structures may include
village councils or informal decision-making bodies led by respected elders.
Social cohesion is maintained through rituals, ceremonies, and communal
gatherings that reinforce collective identity and solidarity.

Economically, the Adiyar community traditionally relied on subsistence

agriculture, hunting, and gathering as their primary means of livelihood. They

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practiced shifting cultivation, known as 'slash-and-burn' agriculture, rotating

their cultivation sites to maintain soil fertility and biodiversity. However, with
changes in land use patterns, government policies, and market forces,
traditional livelihoods have come under pressure, leading to socio-economic
vulnerabilities and challenges.

Religiously, the Adiyar community follows animistic beliefs and practices,

worshipping ancestral spirits, nature deities, and forest spirits. Their religious
worldview is deeply intertwined with the natural environment, with sacred
groves, ancient trees, and natural landmarks serving as sites of ritual
significance. Rituals and ceremonies mark important life events such as birth,
marriage, and death, reinforcing spiritual connections to the land and
ancestors.

SOCIAL NORMS:

Adiyar society traditionally adheres to kinship-based social structures, with

clans or extended families forming the basis of social organization. Respect for
elders, communal cooperation, and reciprocity are valued virtues within the
community.

Marriage customs often involve rituals and ceremonies that reinforce familial
ties and community bonds. Endogamy, or marrying within one's clan or
community, has been a common practice historically, although attitudes toward
marriage may be evolving in contemporary times.

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RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL PRACTICES:

The religious beliefs of the Adiyar community are rooted in animism, a

worldview that attributes spiritual significance to natural phenomena, ancestral
spirits, and sacred landscapes. Nature is revered as a manifestation of the
divine, and rituals are performed to honour and appease spiritual forces.

Rituals and ceremonies play a central role in Adiyar religious life, marking
important life events such as birth, marriage, and death. Offerings of food,
flowers, and incense are made to appease ancestral spirits and seek their
blessings for prosperity and protection.

Sacred groves, ancient trees, and natural landmarks are revered as abodes of

deities and spirits, serving as focal points for worship and pilgrimage. These
sites are considered sacred and are protected by traditional taboos and
prohibitions against defilement or desecration.

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DEITIES AND SPIRITS:

The Adiyar community recognizes a pantheon of deities and spirits, each

associated with specific aspects of the natural world and human experience.
While specific names and forms of deities may vary regionally and within
different clans, common themes include fertility, harvest, health, and
protection.

Some deities and spirits may be associated with particular animals, plants, or
geographic features, embodying their qualities and powers. For example, a
deity associated with the tiger may be invoked for strength and courage, while
a deity associated with the river may be revered for fertility and abundance.

LIVING CONDITIONS:

The living conditions of the Adiyar community are often characterized by socio-
economic marginalization, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to
essential services. Many Adiyar settlements lack basic amenities such as clean
water, electricity, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions,
exacerbating disparities in health, education, and economic opportunities.

Overcrowded housing, poor sanitation, and inadequate nutrition contribute to

health challenges within the community, including high rates of malnutrition,
infectious diseases, and maternal and child mortality. Limited access to formal
education and vocational training opportunities further perpetuates cycles of
poverty and marginalization, hindering socio-economic mobility and
empowerment.

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Furthermore, environmental degradation, deforestation, and loss of

biodiversity threaten the ecological balance of the region, impacting the
traditional livelihoods and cultural practices of the Adiyar community. Climate
change, natural disasters, and land conflicts further compound the challenges
faced by the community, necessitating holistic approaches to sustainable
development and environmental conservation.

In conclusion, the Adiyar community's history, socio-economic conditions,

religious practices, and living conditions reflect the complexities of indigenous
life in the Wayanad region. Addressing the multi-dimensional challenges facing
the Adiyar community requires comprehensive strategies that prioritize social
justice, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation, empowering
communities to reclaim agency and build resilient futures.

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SUMMARY:

In summary, the literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the

Adiyar community, highlighting their cultural resilience, socio-economic
struggles, and ongoing efforts towards empowerment and self-determination.
Despite facing numerous challenges, the Adiyar people continue to preserve
their cultural heritage and maintain a deep connection to their ancestral lands.
By identifying key areas for intervention and policy reform, this review seeks to
contribute to ongoing discussions on indigenous rights, social justice, and
sustainable development in the Wayanad region and beyond.

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REFERENCES:

Menon, A. (2017). "The Vanishing Tribe of Adiyar: Development, Displacement

and Identity in a South Indian Tribal Community." South Asia Research, 37(2),
215–231.

Radhakrishnan, M. (2015). "Tribal Communities in Kerala: Transition and

Transformation." Economic and Political Weekly, 50(33), 69–77.

Sundar, N., & Upadhya, C. (Eds.). (2009). "Redefining Politics: Essays on Indian
Political Discourse." Anthem Press.

Government of Kerala. (n.d.). "Scheduled Tribes in Kerala: Wayanad." Retrieved

from http://st.kerala.gov.in/scheduled-tribes-in-kerala/wayanad/

Reports and publications by organizations such as the Centre for Development

Studies (CDS), Indian Institute of Management (IIM), and United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) may also provide valuable insights into the
socio-economic conditions of the Adiyar community.

RUKSANA M SHEEN, SUSAN JOHN / MCAP