ULLADAN

In the Southern parts of Travancore, the Ulladan are also known as Nayadi and colloquially ass Nadi. The Ulladan perceive their distribution mainly in Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts.According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 16,230. Many of the older generation use literary Malayalam and its script. The major economic resource of the Ulladan community is land and forest. The resources are controlled by either the individuals or the government. The community is mainly landless. Traditionally, the Ulladan are foragers, Wood cutting, canoe making, bee-keeping, basket making, mat weaving etc., are also practiced by them. Till recently, it was common sights in the rural parts of Kerala to see Ulladan, both men and women, with a pole in hand wander in and around the fences and kavu in search of rats, tortoises and other animals. During their wandering, they collect honey, medicinal plants, canes, pandanus leaves, bamboo etc. The Ulladan are pure tribal religionists. At present they profess Hinduism. Sastha, Siva, Bhadrakali are some of their favourite deities. Sabarimala Satha temple is a popular centre of pilgrimage.