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The Cholanaikan habitats are seen in the Karulai & Chunkathara forest ranges near Nilambur, which fall in Ernad taluk of Malappuram district. Their habitation comes under the jurisdiction of ITDP Nilambur. They were leading a secluded life with very limited contact with the mainstream. They are said to be migrated from Mysore forests. They subsist on food gathering, hunting and collection of minor forest produces. Cholanaikans have the lowest literate rate among the PTGs [as per the present survey it is 9.17% only] and are shy and elusive.According to the survey 1996- 97, their total population is found as 384. It was estimated to be 350 in 1979 and as 365 in 1999. |
It was estimated to be 350 in 1979 and as 365 in 1999. This wide variation in population, in particular, the decreasing tendency throws light upon certain unknown facts, which can be identified only through micro level studies.
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The Cholanaikans live in rock shelters called 'Kallualai' or in open campsites made of leaves. They are found in the 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.
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Their language is a mixture of Kannada and Tamil. It is said that the Cholanaikans are a sub group of Kattunaikans. The Cholanaikans call the Kattunaikans pathinaikans. After marriage, the cholanaikan bride goes to the bridegroom's house for permanent stay. Like the Oorumoopans of Attappady, the decision making on political, religious and economic matters is done by the priest of the chemmam viz. Chemmakaran. |
Nearly 4 decades ago, the Cholanaikans used to wear dark cloths. Still majority of the cholanaikan men wear only a loin cloth which reaches up to their knee. Women
usually cover their lower part using a loin cloth and upper part by a scanty cloth. They are not very particular in wearing ornaments. But now-a-days they use bangles and neck ornaments made of aluminum and other metals.
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| As the cholanaikans have deep attachment with their chemmam, it would be difficult to rehabilitate them after evicting from their area of habitats
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Cholanaikans use rice as their staple food. They also use wild roots, tubers, seeds, fruits and meat. They rarely use alcohols. They observe pollution at the time of death, birth and when girls obtaining puberty. They bury." dead bodies keeping their head towards west |
