IRULA TRIBES

Particulars

Description

Ethnic group

Dravidian ethnic group.

Inhabitant

• Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
• Those in Karnataka are named as Iruligas.

Language

The Irula language, a Dravidian language that is closely related to Tamil.

Legal status

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group.

Culture/Belief

The Irula people practice some sort of Animism where they primarily believe in a Goddess named Inga who lives with her 6 sisters worshipped in the form of stones under trees.

Occupation

• The main occupation of the Irulas has been snake and rat catching, and honey collection.
• They also work as labourers (coolies) in the fields of the landlords during the sowing and harvesting seasons or in the rice mills.

Contribution to global healthcare system

• Six companies in India produce approximately 1.5 million vials of anti venom annually.
• Most of it is derived from venom extracted by the indigenous tribe, the Irulas.
• They are snake catchers for the Irula Snake Catchers Industrial Co-operative Society.
• The community plays a crucial role in public health by supplying nearly 80% of the venom used for antidotes in India.

Challenges they face

Poverty, Caste Discrimination.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following states:

1. Maharashtra
2. Madhya Pradesh
3. Tamil Nadu
4. Karnataka

Irula tribes are found in how many of the above state/s?

A. Only one

B. Only two

C. Only three

D. All four

Answer: B

Explanation:

Irula, also known as Iruliga, are a Dravidian ethnic group inhabiting the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.