https://web.cdit.live/kirtads/?page_id=1006The 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.