PANIYAN

PANIYANS are habitants of Palakkad, Kozhikode and Kannur districts. They are also seen at Manantody and Vythiri taluks. They speak a very corrupt dialect of Malayalam with an admixture of Tamil and Tulu words and phrases which is difficult to understand. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 88,450. Paniyans have very poor huts near farms and Plantations where they are employed. Such of the m engaged in rice and cash crop cultivation are obliged to move from place to place with their families in search of employment. These tribes are clever agricultural labourers, especially for rice cultivation, and fare well even as plantation labourers and mazdoors. The remuneration that they receive is extremely disappointing and as such poverty continues to be a sad aspect of their life. A few are seen employed as mahouts and fire watchers by the Forest Department.