Introduction:
Irulars are adivasis
are living adjoining the forest depending on the forest for their livelihood.
They have their own culture, which is unique in nature. They possess rich
knowledge of herbal medicine. The majority of Irulars are living in north Tamil
Nadu especially the districts of Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur, Villupuram and
Cuddalore. They also do back water fishing as part of their livelihood.
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| Irula Woman |
Origin and history:
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| Aadi Irulas |
Irulars are one of the most backward tribes who are facing
innumerable challenges. The name Irular bear a reference to the dark jungles
they live in. A legend says that goddess was interested to create people who
could collect honey without being stung by bees, and she created one out of her
sweat, who was successful in collecting honey without being stung. Even now it
is said that bees and wild life flee at the smell of Irulars sweat.
Another legend speaks of origin from irular Mara (tree)
Irulars are classified into various
subgroups based on linguistic and social variations. These are Malenadu Irular,
Kasaba, Vettakkara Irular, Urali Irular and Villiyan. The first four subgroups
share similar ethnic and linguistic features but with slight variations, and
are mostly found in Nilgiris and so referred to as Nilgiri Irulars.
Villiyans (villu meaning bow -a reference to hunter) are ethnically and
linguistically different. They speak Tamil dialect, and are also referred to as
pambukaran (snakeman). They are the one found in Chengalpetu region.
Every clan among the Irular has its own chief called
naatamkar, who also doubles up as medicine man and priest. Irulars are known
for their expertise in snake bite treatment. It is interesting to read that
they use powdered mixture of eight types of plants for snake bite. The bark of
the tree (kuruvi or kodachaali) is given to the bitten person to chew if the
patient gets sweet taste then it is identified as poisonous bite while if it
tastes bitter then it is non poisonous. After ascertaining poisonous
bite, further steps are taken. And yes it is recorded to have worked. By the
way leafs of vottam talai (couldn’t locate the scientific name) tree are used
to commit suicide. Organic suicide anyone?!!
Kanniamma is the principal deity (Mariyamma in case of
Nilgiris– Thurston mentions it as being Goddess of small pox) other deities are
influenced by Hindu gods. Kanniamma is represented by five pots arranged in
square with a single pot in centre filled with turmeric water. Some trees too
are considered sacred, as also the termite mound. The fame of Irulars may lie
in snake catching skills but their primary occupation happens to be honey
collection, toddy tapping. Irulars though non vegetarians avoid beef, rabbits,
rats; porcupine etc is on the menu roasted termites are a culinary delicacy.
Kannimar varniththal is a Irularfortune teller; he beats the drum and shakes while his wife sprays turmeric water over him. Soon he is possessed by Kanniamman. His wife unties his tuft of hair, he shakes rapidly and hisses like snake. He calms and addresses the crowd as if he is the goddess, saying.
Masi magam:
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| Masi Magam festival |
Every year in Tamil
month of Masi (11th month of Tamil calendar) celebrated magam
festival, which falls on full moon day of masi. All the Irulars will assemble
in the sea shore of historical place of Mahaballipuram. They worship their
goddess Kanniammal. Their faith is that on that day after the prayer they will
take Kanniammal to their house.
There are 7 Kannis,
which means virgin girl. The seven kannis are- Ahaya kanni (sky), Antharakanni
(salastrial), Javathukanni, allikanni, (water lilly), sonaikanni (spring), manjal
kanni, (turmeric) etc.
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| Cultural Festival at seashore |
The day of Magam (one
of the star in Hindu tradition) especially in the month of Masi gather in front
of the temple called “Allava kovil”, which is located on the sea shore of
Mahaballipuram. There is a “vellikambam” (pillar), which situated in front of
the temple, where all souls will be present on particular day. This is the
reason for the significant of the festival. It is paying homage to all the
ancestors.
On the day of Magam
festival all Irulars will gather at Mahaballipuram despite of their distance.
It is overnight celebration. The method of worship is unique. They make steps
on the sand; it will be 7, 16 or 21, which will be depends up on once vow. All
the family will engage in auspicious activities such as marriage, spearing the
ear and shaving the head etc. In olden days people had to walk for even 15 days
to reach Mahaballipuram. The entire community will stay on the beach. It is
time for joy and celebration. In other words informally organized larger social
network.
ITWWS’s intervention:
After the formation
Irular Tribal Women Welfare Society (1986) identified Masi Magam festival as an
occasion to create awareness among the Irular community as well as among the
government officials. During the last more than 20 years ITWWS organizing
cultural activities on the shore of Mahaballipuram, it aims to sensitize the
people and raise the issues to the government. It is widely recognized by the
Irular community. The federation members will perform various cultural
activities and share their experience of community development. The government
officials will be invited and witnessed the Irular’s culture and able listen to
their issues. In other words, it is informal dialogue between Irular community
members and government officials.
They named their
Federation after their goddesses Kanniamma Irular women federation. The
organization is doing excellent work in the field of Livelihood, education,
health, political awareness, and conservation of environment. Irular are possessing
rich traditional knowledge of medicinal system, which is based on natural
products. They are love nature and take relentless effort to preserve. ITWWS
has beautiful campus at Thandrai village, which is between Chengalpatt and
Thirukalukundram. It is man made forest, which is maintained by the community.
It is unique centre keeps almost good variety of east Deccan tropical forest
trees. Let us join hands and empower the
Irular community and conserve Mother Nature along with them.
Acknowledgement:
Thank you
Mr.K.K.Rajendran (CEO) Irular Tribal women welfare society
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