Published Paper Details:

The tribes are one of the socially excluded groups living in our country. The total population of tribal people in the country accounts for about 8.9% of the total population. The Tribal population in Tamil Nadu accounts for 7,94,697 and constitutes 1.1 per cent of the population of the state according to the 2011 census. There are totally 36 different tribal groups live in the state and in which six of them are termed as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal groups (PVTG's) by the government with the purpose of enabling improvement in the conditions of life of people particularly those at low development indices. The Irula tribe, indigenous to Tamil Nadu, represents a unique cultural group with rich traditions and knowledge systems. This study presents an ethnographic assessment of the Irula community in the Coimbatore district, focusing on their social structures, belief systems, livelihood strategies, and the impact of modernization on their cultural practices. Utilizing qualitative methods such as participant observation and in-depth interviews, the research uncovers the dynamic interplay between tradition and change within the Irula society. The findings highlight the community's resilience and adaptability, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive development policies that respect and integrate indigenous knowledge systems.