Title: Transforming Multidisciplinary Research Through Artificial Intelligence
Chief Editors: Dr. Nagasudha R and Dr. Geetha V
Associate Editors: Dr. Aarti Sharma and Ms. P. Nithyashankari
Co-Editors: Dr. Madhumathi Reddim and Dr. Shishira Srinivasa
ISBN: 978-93-7183-019-5
Chapter: 28
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/804/28
Authors: Dr. Saumya Raj S.R, and Mr. Manikandan R
Abstract
The Irula tribe is one of the indigenous communities associated with the Nilgiri region of South India. The community has historically maintained a close relationship with forests, hills, wildlife and natural resources. During the modern period, however, the Irulas experienced significant changes in their social, economic and cultural life. The expansion of colonial administration, changing forest regulations, settlement patterns, plantation agriculture, wage labour, modern education and state welfare programmes contributed to the transformation of traditional Irula society. At the same time, the community has retained important elements of its language, oral traditions, customary knowledge and cultural identity.This paper examines the historical development of the Irula community in the Nilgiris during the modern period, with particular attention to their traditional livelihood, relationship with the forest, social organisation, language, religious practices, education, changing economic conditions and interaction with government institutions. It also considers contemporary challenges relating to livelihood security, education, cultural preservation and access to welfare. The study argues that the history of the Irulas should not be understood merely as a story of marginalisation; it is also a history of adaptation, cultural continuity and negotiation with changing political, economic and ecological conditions.
Keywords: Irula, Irular, Nilgiris, tribal history, indigenous community, forest economy, traditional knowledge, social change, modern period, Tamil Nadu.