First Project Wayanad Tribal Groups Kurichiyas
| Kurichiyas |
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BackgroundThe Kurichiyas were the earliest known inhabitants in the forested areas of Wayanad (“Indian tribes h-n,” 2008). It is possible that the name Kurichiya is derived from their custom of applying “kuri,” a sandalwood paste, on their foreheads and chests (“Kurichiya,” 2007). When the Muslims and the British penetrated the area, the Kurichiya revolted, but unfortunately were defeated by the strong force of British troops (“Intrusion of foreign power,” n.d.). They still have the reputation for a strong martial arts tradition and expertise in archery and hunting (“Exploring Wayanad,” n.d.). Their language is called Kurichiya, which is similar to Malayalam (“Alambadi Kurichchan of India,” 2008).One striking trait of the Kurichiyas is the fact that they were traditionally a matriarchal society and are one of the few Indian communities outside the province of Assam that has continued to follow this type of system. According to research, their society has survived because of their deep-rooted conservatism, as well as, their isolation in the Wayanad plateau (“Kurichiya,” 2007). EconomyThe Kurichiyas are primarily farmers, and most of them have small plots where they grow pepper and other cash crops. Some must work on land provided by the government, while others are forced to make their living by cutting and selling wood from the forest (“Kurichiya,” 2007).Values and BeliefsA typical Kurichiya would surprise a casual observer with the strength of his/her convictions and adherence to age-old customs. The Kurichiya are so concerned with keeping themselves pure that they will burn their huts if touched by outsiders. After returning from a journey outside their community, they will not enter their homes until they have purified themselves by bathing. They will neither eat food nor drink water that has been touched by non-Kurichiyas, and those who break dietary laws are considered outcasts (“Kurichiya,” 2007).The Kurichiyas claim to be superior to all of the other Hindu castes. This is partially due to the fact that there are no beggars among them, as their society is intolerant of the destitution of any of its members. Because they live in large family groups, it is possible for a needy Kurichiya to find food and shelter within these large joint families. These also serve as a labor pool in readily accessible form to meet the families’ labor needs (“Kurichiya,” 2007). One of the most powerful members of the Kurichiya tribe is the Mooppar (sorcerer), who is also the village headman. He is elected during a shamanistic ritual performed before their idols. When someone in the group goes into a trance and does a frenzied dance, the Kurichiya believe that this is a sign that the gods have chosen this individual to be their leader. This person then assumes responsibility over the tribe (“Kurichiya,” 2007). No group in India is said to equal the Kurichiya in devotion to their faith. 97% of Kurichiyas are Hindus, and their supreme deity is, Shiva, "god of the hunt." They worship a variety of gods in addition to their own tribal gods (Holmlund, 1997). References
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