Tribes of Yercaud

Abstract

Yercaud is a beautiful Hill station situated in the southern part of the Shevaroy ranges in the eastern ghats of Salem District. Yercaud is a serene place with a pleasant, healthy and cool climate. It provides many beautiful vistas and a panoramic view. Hence, Yercaud Hill area is called "Shervaroyan Hills". It is also called Ooty of the poor. If Ooty is the Queen of Hills, Yercaud is the Princess. The original inhabitants of this picturesque hill station are the Malayalis, a Tamil speaking Hindus. Their huts are circular, the walls are made of split bamboo, daubed with clay and conical roof is thickly thatched with grass. Their traditional dress is a turban and a brown kambli which serves the purpose of an overcoat, a rain coat and an umbrella. They possess a bag to carry betel and tobacco, a bill-hook, ground water vessel and a walking stick. Malayali women enjoy equal status with their men. Most of the childbirths takes place at home with the help of an experienced elder woman, in the taniya gudise, a separate hut constructed near her house by her brother. There are vaishnavites and Saivaites among the Malayali. They consider the deity Kariraman as their community God. The Malayali tribes in Yercaud are known for their ethical code. It is a well known fact that the tribals are socially, economically.