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.