Life and Culture of Javvadumalai Tribes

ஜவ்வாதுமலை மலையாளிப் பழங்குடியினர் வாழ்வும் பண்பாடும்

Abstract

The Mountain ranges of Eastern Ghats had been stretched from Vellore district to Ramanathapuram district. It covers an area of 1,52,000 square kilometers. In these regions of Eastern ghats, Erula tribes were residing. Despite them, a majority population of Malayali tribes also inhabited there. A Malayali doesn’t mean that they are Malayalam-speaking ethnic group. The social life of the Malayali tribe living in Javvadumalai includes the Vellore and Tiruvannamalai regions. It matches the Sangam literary socio-cultural elements. Their oral literature, rituals from birth to death, faith, customs, food, sacrifices, and worship ceremonies can be used to understand the antiquity of these people. Also, the area of the Javvadumalai tribes has been enriched in archaeological remains. Such as Karttitta, Nadukal, Mudumakal Thazhi, etc. are continuously available in these areas. In particular, the inscription in Nachiyamman temple in Semparai village in Nellivasal Nadu is a Chola-era inscription. Also, the symbol with the image of the Vediyappan deity is found in the village of Nellivasal Nadu. Archaeologists indicate that the stone dates back to the 8th century. In the Sangam literature, Malaipadukadaam had many references to the Sengam region adjacent to Javvadumalai. Therefore, this article explains that the Malayali tribes living in Javvadumalai are the ancient tribes who have lived since the period of Sangam literature.