The Thodas worshipped the horns of the animals as their Gods. This settles the dispute and the woman becomes the ‘property’ or wife of the man who took her away. However, the man who takes away the married woman shall have to pay a ‘penalty’ to the woman’s husband in the form of buffaloes – double the number of the animals the woman’s husband already possessed. It is damn easy for a married man or woman of the tribe to elope with another’s spouse. The Thodas practiced polyandry – a woman could marry any number of men at the same time! However, the practice had started waning away in tune with the modern times, as also due to the endeavour of the government which wanted to preserve the life and culture of the tribe. The number of buffaloes he possessed judges the wealth of a Thoda.

The Thodas reared the buffalo, which is the symbol of their clan, and they sold the milk. Apparently, the early Thodas lived in the rooms or huts made of a single stone, and that is how the name must have emerged. The name ‘Udakamandalam’ is assumed to have its origin in the word, Othaikalmandi – meaning the ‘single-stone dwelling’. With their dress code and the busy beards, they are said to resemble the ancient Greeks in their culture. The Thodas are the ancient tribes in India. The aim of this article is mainly to focus on the customs, traditions and the culture of these tribes as they presented an interesting insight into the lives of these aboriginals. While the towns in the district presented a secular look, the people in the villages largely followed the tribal life styles. The Thodas, the Badagas, the Kurumbas, the Irulas and the Kotas are the original inhabitants of the Nilgiris. The tribes and the other backward classes constituted half of the Nilgiris’ population. Its environs and beauty are quite fascinating and enticing. As is the case with any other hill station, Ooty too experiences extreme cold weather requiring use of woolens even during the day. It receives good rains covering the entire mountain range. Udakamandalam (or Ooty, as is popularly known) serves as a favoured summer resort, attracting people not only from all over the country, but also many foreign tourists. Occupying a significant place in Tamil Nadu in South India, they have in them some noted hill stations such as Coonoor and Udakamandalam. One such hills that are credited with the origin of some prominent, ancient tribes, is the Nilgiri hills (or, the Blue Mountains) in the South that are quite popular. Prized with the vast, rich forests and hills, the country has many aboriginal tribes inhabiting them, preserving their distinct identities.

THE life and culture of the various tribes in India always kindled interest and amusement. THE LIFE AND CULTURE OF NILGIRI TRIBES OF SOUTH INDIA

Badaga tribe