Title: Global Perspectives and Emerging Dimensions of Multidisciplinary Research
Chief Editors: Dr. Jagdish Kumar Sahu and Ms. Machado Sneha John
Associate Editors: Dr. Sree Lakshmi Ammanamanchi and Dr. Divya R. Patel
Co-Editors: Mr. Hruthik J. R and Dr. Shishira Srinivasa
ISBN: 978-93-7183-027-0
Chapter: 7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/833/07
Authors: Dr. Saumya Raj SR, and Mr. Manikandan R
Abstract
The Irula community is one of the important indigenous communities associated with the Nilgiri region of Tamil Nadu. The historical life of Irula women has been closely connected with forests, agriculture, household production, traditional knowledge and community life. During the modern period, however, colonial forest policies, changes in land and livelihood systems, plantation development, wage labour, formal education, government welfare programmes and increasing interaction with the wider society brought significant changes to the position of Irula women. This paper examines the historical transformation of Irula women in the Nilgiris with particular reference to their social, economic, educational and cultural roles. It analyses women’s contribution to agriculture and household decision-making, their participation in livelihood activities. Existing research indicates that Irula women have exercised substantial decision-making authority in selected areas of domestic and agricultural life, although their participation has been comparatively weaker in certain financial and major household decisions. The study also examines the relationship between women’s traditional ecological knowledge and contemporary cultural change. Recent ethnographic research indicates that changes in access to forests, education and exposure to contemporary society have influenced women’s spiritual and cultural practices. The paper argues that the history of Irula women should not be understood solely through the framework of deprivation. Rather, it should be viewed as a history of adaptation, labour, cultural continuity and gradual empowerment. At the same time, persistent challenges relating to education, livelihood security, access to resources and cultural preservation demonstrate the need for women-centred and community-participatory development policies.
Keywords: Irula women, Nilgiris, tribal women, indigenous women, women empowerment, tribal history, education, livelihood, traditional knowledge, social change.