(Malapulayan,Kurumba Pulayan,Karavazhi Pulayan,Pamba Pulayan)

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.