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

The community lives in the Nilambur and Karulai areas of Malappuram district. Arandan/Aranadan is one of the most numerically smaller communities in the State. As per 2011 Census total population of this community is 283,Males 129 and Females 154. As per the socio economic survey of Scheduled Tribe Development Department total population is 247,out of which 107 males and 140 females. The community observes endogamy at community level with clan exogamy. Clan is known by the name villa.

Internal social structure organisation of the community is characterised by division of duties at different levels, at the settlement level the chemmakkaran settles the disputes, and officiates rituals related to rites of passage. Kalladikaran acts as the priest and healer.

Knowledge of hunting and food gathering and forest produce collection helped for the primary economic activity of the community in the distant past. Important performances of the community are related to the calling back of the dead souls and kaliyattam is performed in order to appease the god.

The community is also known by the name Mala Pulaya, mainly inhabits Marayur, Kanthallur, Chinnakkanal areas of Idukki district. There are three endogamous sub divisions within the community namely Kurumba Pulaya, Karavazhi Pulayan and Pamba Pulayan, No clan divisions are in practice among the three subdivisions of the subdivisions of the community.

Kurumba Pulayan community has their headman called ‘Arasan’.The head man of Karavazhi Pulayan is ‘kudumban’ who is assisted in discharging his functions by Variyan. Further, kolkaran is the head in matters related to social control. Poosari is the priest at settlement level. Today majority are agricultural labourers, while a few are involved in non wood forest produces.

Attam, is the traditional art form of the Hill Pulayas. It is performed in settlements on the occasions of birth, death, ear piercing/ear boring ceremony and harvest. The art form has been gaining popularity in the recent past. Sri. Jagadeesh, one of the aatam performers is awarded with Kerala Folklore Academy award in 2024.

As per 2011 Census, total population of this community is 2959, in which 1461 are males, and 1498 are females. As per the socio economic survey conducted by the Scheduled Tribe Development Department, the total population of the community is 3415,out of which 1709 males and 1706 females.

The Irular are one of the major tribes in the Attapadi area. The community is mainly resides in Agali, Sholayur and Pudur areas of the district.

The traditional social organisation is characterised by the head for each institution. In addition to the ooru moopan at hamlet level, Kuruthala who assists the ooru moopan, Mannukaran who is the soil expert, marunnukaran, who is the traditional healer are the other functionaries. The community is one the communities to carry forward the practice of customary law to a greater extent. The community is expert in settled agriculture and there are references to the community being engaged in shifting cultivation in the past. On account of land alienation, quite a large number among the community are marginal wage labourers now. Kummiyattam is the traditional art form of the community which is performed on occasions like rituals associated with life cycle rituals and festivities/recreation at both community/settlement level and family levels. Musical instruments called Manpurai, Davil, Kuzhal and Ilathalam (Jalara ) accompany the performances.

Smt.Nanjiyamma who won the National Award for best female Playback singer in 2022 , belongs to this community. Miss Kerala runner -up (2023), Kum.Anu Prasobhini who features in the movie Dhabari Kuruvi, actor Sri.Pazhani Swamy and Kerala Folklore Academy award winner Sri.Kanthaswamy belong to this community.

Kadar is one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups of Kerala and are known in anthropological literature as 'Kadars of Cochin', The community inhabits mainly Kuriyarkutty, Parambikulam Damsite, Earthdam, Thekkadi, Kalchadi, Cheruneeli,Thaliyakkallu in Palakkad district and Malakappara, Sholayar, Aanakkayam,Vachumaram,Poringalkuthu, Pokayilappara, Vazhachal, Aanappantham of Thrissur district of the State.

As per the 2011 Census, the population of Kadar was 2949. Out of them 1454 are males and 1495 are females. As per the 2013 Socio-Economisc Survey conducted by the Scheduled Tribe Development Department, Kadar has 545 families with a population of 1974, 967 females and 1007 males . The sex ratio is 1000: 1041.

WAYANAD KADAR
Wayanad Kadar inhabits Wayanad district of the state, and majority of them live in Thariyode,Vellamunda, Thondarnad,Edavaka,Pozhuthana and Padinjarathara regions of the district.According to the Socio Economic Survey conducted by Scheduled Tribe Development Department the population of Wayanad Kadar was 673,it consists of 348 males 325 females.The Sex Ratio of the Wayanad kadar community is 1000:934. The community has knowledge of archery. Uliyambu and Mottambu are the two types of arrows used by the community. The traditional agricultural practice of the community is Karivalakrishi. The community worships deities such as ‘Malankali, Kariyathan and Kuliyan’.
The internal social division of the community is up to the level of Clans, which are inherited matrilineally. The clan head is called ‘karanavar’. Vattakkali and kolkali are the traditional dance forms of the community.

Ponnmudi , Vithurai, Kallar , Nedumangad, Aryanad, Agastiar Peak and Aruvikkara in the Nedumangad Taluk,Thiruvananthapuram district and at Kulathupuzha and Chithara in the Kollam District. Traditional social control mechanism is well defined with specialiased duties and functionaries. Settlement is known as kanikkudi or Kanipat, which is headed by Muttukani, who is assisted by vilikani (also known as muthalper) in his functions related to the community. ‘plathy’,is the magician cum medicine man. Chattupattu is the exclusive cultural expression of the community, with oral text passed from generations. It is performed during religious, medical and festivities of the community. Lakshmikutty Vaidhya (78) , a woman traditional healer from Kallar, near Nedumangad taluk of Thiruvanantapuram district ,who won Padmashri Award in 2018 in the field of traditional medicine belongs to this community.

As per 2011 Census, total population of the community is 21,251 consisting of 9,975 males and 11,276 females . As per the 2013 Socio-Economic survey conducted by the Scheduled Tribe Development Department there are 5872 families and their population is 19455. It consists of 9212 males and 10243 females. The sex ratio is 1000: 1112 which is higher than the state average.

One of the PVTG communities of the State, inhabit Meppadi, Muttil, Padinjarathara, Pozhuthana, Thariyod, Vengapally, Vythiri, Panamaram, Thavinjal, Thirunelli, Vellamunda, Ambalavayal, Meenangadi, Pulpally in areas of Wayanad district and Karullai, Chokkad, Moothedam, Amarambalam, Kallikav, Vandur, Perinthalmanna Nilambur and Pothukal areas in Malappuram district, Alanallur and Mannarkkad areas in Palakkad district; however their concentration is more in Wayanad district. Forest-dependent economy is the backbone of their survival to a greater extent. Minor forest products are the source of income. The community inherits commendable knowledge related to the collection of non wood forest products. The products collected are handed over to the cooperative societies.

The community is patrilineal, the succession of property is inherited along the male line, from father to sons and son in laws. Animism was the predominant form of religion until recently. Dance called Koonatta is performed on the occasion of marriage and puberty ceremonies. Kolalu, jodumara and chilanka are their main musical instruments accompanying dances. Thottiyattam is another dance performed by the community on the occasion of rituals festivals like vishu,kavulsavam, besides on the occasion of ancestral worship etc.

Kochuvelan is the synonym of the ST Community Ulladan. Ulladan community is locally known as Kochuvelan Pathanmthitta district. According to the 2011 Census total population is 38,out of which 22 males and 16 females. (See Ulladan)

One among the five PVTGs of the State. Majority of the community inhabits Manjeshwar and Kasaragod taluks of Kasaragod district. Community is seen living in settlements are seen in Madhoor, Karadukka, Kuttikkol, Bedadukka, Delambadi, Paivalige, Puthige,Enmakaje, Badiyadukka,Kumbala, Belloor, Manjeswaram, Vorkkadi, Mangalpady areas of Kerala, and a major part of the community resides in adjoining parts of Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. As of today, the majority use Tulu, though an exclusive variant of the language was used by them in the past.

Basketry is the main source of income, both men and women engage in this activity. Bamboo, cane and different creepers are the main raw materials used.

Dholu and Voote (Drum and Flute )were two important musical instruments of the koragas. Traditional belief was that Koraga drum-beating had special supremacy and that the sound of drum-beating drives away evil spirits. Voote is a flute made out of bamboo.

As per the 2011 census their total population is 1582, in which 778 were males and 804 females.As per Socio-Econmic Survey conducted by Scheduled Tribe Development Department the population of Koraga community is 1644, 802 males and 842 females and hence the Sex ratio is 1000:1050.

The community resides in Kasaragod and its adjoining areas of Karnataka State. The community is also known as Melakudi, Malayakudi, Malakudiya.Agriculture is the major economic activity undertaken for survival by the community. Paddy is cultivated three times in a year. Paddy (Oryza Sativa), Ragi(Eleusine Coracana), corn (Zea Mays), Chembu (Colocasia Esculenta), Swarnagade or Chena (Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius) are their main crops grown.

Internal social division is marked, Adiga Kudiya, Thenmala Kudiya and Poomalaikudiya are three divisions of the community which are divided into clans. Headman of the settlement is called Gurikara, whose position is hereditary. He leads the rituals and ceremonies of the community. As per 2011 census total population of this community is 785, out of which 403 males and 382 females. The socio-economic status report of Scheduled Tribe Development Report, 2013 indicates that the total population of the community is 911. Out of which 458 Males and 453 Females.

Majority of the population is distributed in Kaniyambetta, Panamaram, Vellamunda, Edavaka, Thodarnadu, Thavinjal, Thirunelli, Kottathara, Padinjarathara, Thariyode, Pozhuthana, Vengapally Grama Panchayats and Mananthavady, Kalpetta Municipalities in Wayanad District

According to the 2011 Census total population of Kurichiyan in Kerala is 35,171, out of which 17,643 males and 17,528 females. The socio-economic status report of Scheduled Tribe Development Department, 2013 indicates that the total population of the community is 35909, out of which 18,129 males and 17780 females. The Kurichiyan community follows joint family system.

Their taravads are called ‘mittom’. The Kurichiyan are segmented into four subdivisions, viz, Kurichiyan of Wayanad or Jati Kurichiyan, Kunnam Kurichiyan of Kannavam forest, Anchilla Kurichiyan of Thirunelli and Pathiri Kurichiyan. The Kurichiyan are divided into a number of exogamous kulams (clans) like Chelpa, Puthoor, Nellukudiyan, Palodan, Kunnakkole, Maradi, Edathana, Othankolan, Enniyora.

Thalakkal Chanthu, who died a heroic death fighting against British rule along with Pazhassi Raja, was a member of the Kurichiyan community.
Pulippattu is the traditional art form of the community performed by men. Chenda is used during the performance.

Kurumbas are one of the five Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups living in the Attapadi hills of Palakkad district.
The main settlements of the Kurumbar are Anavai, Mele Bhoothayar, Thazhe Bhoothayar, Katukumanna, Galasi, Thudukki, Gotiyarkandi, Thatikund and Murugala.
The community practiced Panchakad krishi (Punam cultivation) in the forest for a long time. Division of duties of the heads in the community is well defined. The Moopan is the head of the ooru (settlement) , a Mannukaran looks after the agricultural matters and a Kuruthala and a Bhandari help them . They are from different clans.
Originally their deities were the natural objects like mountain peaks, prominent trees, rivers etc. The shivarathri festival is celebrated with much significance.
According to the 2011 census, the population of Kurumbar community is 2586, out of which 1302 are males and 1284 are females. The socio-economic status report 2013 of the Scheduled Tribe Development department, the total population of the community is 2251. Out of which are 1128 Males and 1123 females.

The community resides in Palakkad district and its adjoining districts of Tamil Nadu. The generic name is used to denote Malai Malasar, and Nattu Malasar. A history of wandering or semi-nomadic life within the territory is evident in the history of the community. The traditional headman, known as periyathambi decided the movement of the community as he is headman. Head among the females is called Ponnu thalaivi.

The community resides in the Muthalamada village panchayat of Palakkad district.to the 2011 census, the number of Mahamalasars is 154. Among these 71 of them are men and 83 are women. The female, male ratio of Maha Malasar is 1000: 932.

The community inhabits n Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts, particularly in the higher reaches of the Pampa and the Achan Kovil rivers and at Thalappara and Karumpulli in the forests.
After independence the State Government constructed settlements for them consisting of brick and tile houses, but Malai Pandaram altogether used to desert them during the season for collecting NTFP (Non Timber Forest Produces).

Traditional area-wise grouping of the community is called kootam. No internal division is noted among the community.

Thalapara mala is one the major sacred religious sites for them. (Ancestral spirits are also worshipped) Semi nomadic life within a given territory has adversely affected their mobility and access to the facilities and services provided by the State government.

As per report on socio economic status of Scheduled Tribe Development, their population is 1662 consisting of 821 male and 841 female.

The community inhabits Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki districts. Both men and women are experts in collecting medicinal herbs and selling them to the local markets.

The internal social division of the community includes five endogamous sub divisions viz., Tolvetans, Chingivetans, Elichativetans, Cheruvetans and Valiyavetans. The division has a territorial and geographical boundary to some extent. The Tolvetan inhabits Neyyattinkara and Nedumangad taluks of Thiruvananthapuram district. Cheruvettans inhabit the northern regions of the Pamba river in the taluks of Thiruvalla and Pathanamthitta in Pathanamthitta district. Elichathivetans inhabit both banks of Manimala river in the Changanassery taluk of Kottayam district. Each subdivision has a number of clans and they follow exogamy to regulate marriages. The Valiyavetans inhabit all the above areas and areas outside.

The Malayan are divided into two, Nattu Malayan and Konga Malayan. The ‘Nattu Malayan’ are considered as the natives of the State of Kerala and the 'Konga Malayan' have a history of migration from the forests of Coimbatore District in Tamil Nadu. There is a slight variation in the dialects of Konga Malayan and Nattu Malayan i.e., The Konga Malayan speaks the dialect of Tamil and the Nattu Malayan speaks a dialect of Malayalam. Each clan has its deity among the Konga Malayan, and Karumala Muppan, Mallambara Andan, Nayiyhi Athal, Manakkadamma, and Paliyamma are the clan deities of Konga Malayan, besides Mariyamma who is the traditional goddess of the community. and There is a slight variation in the dialects of Konga Malayan and Nattu Malayan i.e., The Konga Malayan speaks the dialect of Tamil and the Nattu Malayan speaks a dialect of Malayalam. The elder members of the community have an excellent knowledge of agriculture as most of the community members were agricultural labourers in the recent past. The community members also have a good knowledge about the non-timber forest products and their collection.

Thiyyatam is one of the traditional art forms of the community As per the socio-economic status report of Scheduled Tribe Development Department, the total population of the community was enumerated as 5550. As per the 2011 census, the literacy rate of the community is noted as 64.4 The work participation is enumerated as 49.2

The community mainly inhabits Meenachil taluk of Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk of Idukki district. Since long, they have been transformed to settled agriculture, It is seen that a sizable portion of their land holdings have been converted to rubber plantations. Commercial crops like pepper, tapioca, etc are replaced by paddy.

The community has four exogamous illams (clans) viz., Vala illam, Enna illam, Mundillam and Puthani illam. The matrilineal rule of succession has now been replaced by a patrilineal system. In the past, their traditional tribal council was headed by the Ponamban (Muppan). The Poonjar Raja used to confer the title Ponamban and give a silver headed cane to the head. Each settlement has its own ritual healer, when required calls on the hill, which means the resident of spirit.

The ritual healer invokes the spirit in the case of sickness. They have some sacred groves, where they will not fire a gun or speak above a breath. They also worship Sastha. Conversion of a section of Mala Arayan to Christianity was initiated as early as 1835.

The population is 34784 (Male 17384 and Female 17400). As per report on socio economic status of Scheduled Tribe Development, their population is 29,399 consisting of 14716 males and 14683 females.

Most of the Mannan community resides in Thodupuzha, Devikulam, Udumbanchola and Peerumedu taluks of Idukki District. Knowledge of agricultural practice particularly related to shifting cultivation is notable.

Internal social division of the community is based on Clans, Aravakudi and Panikudi are the two Clans. They are the only Cephalous tribe in the State, the Head is called by the name Kozhimala Raja Mannan, and a Manthri serves under him. Each settlement is headed by Kanikkaran and Valiya Ulantari and Ilaya Vattam assist him as per the traditional social division of the community.

The community used to practice Annam Vaykka e.i., shifting cultivation. Chama, Ragi, Cholam, Thina, Paddy, Cheeni Kizhangu/Cheenivala are commonly cultivated. The traditional deity of the community is Muththiyamma (Madhura Meenakshi)

The major art form of the community is Aattu performed by men accompanied by instruments like Charal, Chilanka, Moththalam. As per the socio-economic survey conducted by Scheduled Tribe Development Department of Kerala in 2013, the total population of the community was enumerated as 9345. As per the 2011 Census, the total population of the community is 9780 including 4792 males and 4988 females. The sex ratio is 1041 and the literacy rate of the community is noted as 69.3 The work participation rate is enumerated as 53.1.

Traditional settlements of Marati Community are located in Kasaragod, Majeshwar, Hosdurg and Vellarikund Taluks of Kasaragod district and the adjoining borders areas of Karnataka.
Internal sub division of the community based on clans, which are patrilineal. Gothukaran (Headman) as the clan head. The community was expert in slash and burn type of shifting cultivation known as kumeri cultivation. A ritual called Gondol pooja/Mammayi Pooja is unique to this community besides Tulasi pooja.

The community is mainly concentrated in Idukki and Ernakulam Districts of Kerala. The community is subdivided into six matrilineal clans, called kootams.

The hamlet head is known as Kani. Traditionally the community is millet cultivator. Nowadays Muthuvan also cultivate cash crops such as cardamom, pepper, arecanut, lemon grass etc. The community has the knowledge of water management and soil. Many of the Muthuvan settlements in Idukki are typical examples of terrace farming.

The houses are lined up in parallel rows facing each other to form the kudi or settlement. Dormitories known as savadi are markers of the kudi. Males and females have different savadis. Performances namely Manatt, Mayilatt, Kalariyatt, korangatt, kachiyatt are performed in connection with Kooththu. Asappattu is performed as part of puberty ritual called Thanniyala. Musical instruments used by the community during the artforms are Urumbussi, Muththikkotti, Kidmpitti.

As per the socio-economic survey conducted by Scheduled Tribe Development Department of Kerala in 2013, the total population of the Muthuvan, Muduvan community was enumerated as 9478.

The community is mainly concentrated in Peerumedu and Udumabanchola taluks in Idukki district. Their counterparts live in the areas in Tamil Nadu, adjacent to Idukki district. The community has a headman called kanikkaran, who is assisted by Valiya Elandari, Veena Maniyan, and Thandakaran in his functions.

The Oorumooppan, Thandakkaran, Thalayani are the traditional head men of each settlement.

Shifting cultivation and collection of forest produce are the traditional occupation of the Paliyan community. Now majority of Paliyans have become plantation labourers in various tea estates in Idukki District. The Paliyans are experts in making baskets and mats out of bamboo reeds.

Mariyamma and Kuruppuswami are the traditional deities of the Paliyan community. In the festival and harvest seasons, Paliyans perform the traditional art form which is also known as 'Attam'.

As per the 2011 census, the population of Palleyan/ Palliyan/ Palliyar is 1464 which includes 736 males and 728 females. The sex ratio is 989 and the literacy rate of the community is noted as 73.5. The work participation is enumerated as 61.2. As per the socio-economic survey conducted by Scheduled Tribe Development Department of Kerala in 2013, the total population of the community was enumerated as 1484 and the sex ratio is 1003.

As per the traditional tribal council the hereditary headman called ‘Koyma’ who acts as the head for areas called ‘Nadu’. Under him, there are ‘Chemmi’ who are the actual functional heads of each settlement and they are assisted by messengers called ‘Karayma’. Ippimalteyya is the supreme spirit as per the native religion of the tribe, besides which, there are family deities namely Guliyan; and illateyya for each illam.

The community depends on agricultural labour for survival.Both sexes take part in the activities related to planting and harvesting of paddy. They are one of the major workforce of agricultural/cash crop cultivation (like ginger cultivation) in the region and adjoining areas of Karnataka.The total population of the Paniyan as per 2011 Census is 88,450 among them 42,775 are males and 45,675 are females. The sex ratio is 1068 females per 1000 males. Their literacy rate is 63.2 percent.Smt. Bindu Damodaran,Ms. Prakriti etc are famous poets belonging to this community.

The community inhabits Idukki district with small representation in Kottayam and Ernakulam districts. Paddy, pepper, arecanut, coconut, tapioca etc., are the major crops cultivated by the community, though the community had engaged in shifting cultivation in the past. The internal social division is around eight exogamous kuttoms or kulams namely., Kanakuttom, Vettikuttom, Enniuttom, Periyilakuttom, Onakuttam, Turiyakuttom, Kudiyakuttom and Vinavarkuttom which are inherited matrilineally. The eldest male members of the family, later kanikkaran and plathi became the head of social control mechanism. The plathi officiates at the life cycle rituals of the community members. Kambukali and Chavittukali are the folk dances of the community.

According to the 2011 Census, their total population is enumerated as 11,179 in which 5602 are males and 5577 are females. The sex ratio is 996 females per 1000 males. Their literacy rate is 80.1 percent.

Traditionally the community was expert in 'Punamkothu’ – a type of shifting cultivation. The community has a thorough knowledge of agricultural activities, as they agricultural labourers for long. The community is subdivided into the two main groups are Kandi and Peringala 14 illoms (clans). As per 2011 census the total population of the community is enumerated as 17,869 of which 8852 are males and 9017 are females. Sex ratio is 1091 females per 1000 males. Their literacy rate is 65.8 percent. And their work participation is 47.7 percent.

One of the five PVTGs of the State. The community inhabits Nilambur Valley of Ernad Taluk of Malappuram district. The community’s dwelling place is called “kallu ala”. Rock shelters are/were widely used as dwelling places.

The distribution of the community is largely based on traditional boundaries marked by rivers and hills. Territorial habitation is well-defined in the community. Each territorial unit is termed as tsenman, and is demarcated with reference to hills, rivers, trees, rocks, etc Each territory has a tsenmakkaran.

The major economic activity of the community is centred around the exchange of NWFP products with co-operative society and VSS. The exchange of NWFP is facilitated every Wednesday of the week near . In addition to the knowledge of NWFP collection, the community is also an expert in basketry. As per the Census of 2011, the population of the community is 124, of which 72 are males and 52 are females with a sex ratio of 722.

The community inhabits Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts. Production of baskets was the prime source of income, other objects made by the community included winnowing pan using cane. Internal social division is characterised by taravads and are divided into five matrilineal clans or illams such as Chappilli, Puthusseri, Pallath, Machini and Kalla.

The traditional tribal council is headed by karnor who settles disputes within the community. Thira and Vellatam and kuliyattam are performed by the community. Kooliyattam is performed on symbolising sending off the ancestors to “another '' world.

As per the 2011 census, the population of Karimpalan community is enumerated as 14098 of which 6902 are males and 7196 females. The literacy rate is 84.

The community inhabits in the Kalpetta, Mananthavady, Sultan battery, Thirunelly, Edavaka, Panamaram, Pulpally, and Ambalavayal of Wayanad district. One of the artisan tribes in the State, they are experts in hand made pottery. Settlements known as paadi comprises 10 to 15 households. Clan exogamy is practiced in marriages. Ucchar is the major festival celebrated in the month of April. ‘Vattakali/Ushirattam’ is performed in the backdrop of Dhaul and Klal - the musical instruments. The community worships Malakkari/melkari, Paketi, Mudrajan, Kuttichattan.

Indigenous food varieties of the community include Kallu pittu which are prepared on special or auspicious occasions.

The census figures of the community in 2011 is 739, of which 346 are males and 393 females. The Literacy rate is 70 and the sex ratio is 1231.

The community inhabits Nilambur, Mambad and Karikad villages of Malappuram district. The internal social division of the community is based around two divisions (kirikam) namely Kadamkadan and Paramban, which are sub-divided into lineages. Kirikam exogamy and community endogamy is the rule of marriage.

As per the Census data their population is figured as 1023, of which 474 are males and 549 females. The sex ratio is 1158 and literacy rate is 83.5.