KURICHIAN

KURICHIANS are inhabitants of the Kannur and Kozhikode District. The Kurichian are one of the Scheduled Tribes of Kerala and stand fourth in number of members. The Kurichian are segmented into four subdivisions, viz. Kurichian of Wayanad, Kunnam Kurichian of Kannavam forest, Anchilla Kurichian of Tirunelly and Pathiri Kurichian. The Kurichian speak and write Malayalam within family and with others, though with a distinctive accent and intonation. The economy of Kurichian is based on agriculture. The cultivation in the lands made available by the forest department. They are very disturbed about the ever increasing population and scarcity of land. The Kurichian are Hindus tribal religionists. They worship Bhagawati, Malakkari, Athiraplan and Munnan daivam as their family and Kulam deities. The Kurichians have a reputation for fearlessness and trustworthiness. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 35,171.