A community inhabiting mainly the Panamaram, Bavali, Kattikkulam, Thirunelli, Thrissleri areas and also in the Tholpetti and Karamed. areas of Wayanad. Their kin members live in the adjacent regions belonging to the State of Karnataka. The community prefers to be known by the name “Ravuler”, as the name Adiyan denotes the baggage of slavery exercised upon them by the local non-tribal communities.
As per the socio economic survey of Scheduled Tribe Development Department total population is 11221 ,out of which 5389 males and 5832 females.
The community is characterised by specialists for traditional social institutions at various levels. Internal social organisation of the community is characterised by clans known as “mantu” or “chemmam”. Head of the chemmam is called chemmakkaran, who regulates the life cycle rituals at clan level. Head of the hamlet is called kunnumoopan/kunnukkaran, who settles disputes at the hamlet level. Rites related to burial of the dead are headed by “karimi”, whereas the religious matters of the community are dealt with by kanaladi. “Nadumoopan” or “Perumoopan” is in charge of controlling regional affairs.
Gaddika is the cultural marker of the community, which is a ritual intended to ward off evil forces, at individual and community levels. Sri. PK Kalan who was the Chairman of Kerala Folklore Academy popularised this performance. Renowned poet Sri. Sukumaran Chaigaddha Sri PK Kariyan -the renowned Gaddika performer belong to this community