The primitive inhabitants of kerala, the tribal people, are only about two hundered thousand now and they are scattered in the jungles and hills of Malabar, Kochi and Travancore.

There are about 35 different types of the tribals ,chief among them being the Kurichiyar Nayadi, Mullakurumbar, Uralikurumbar, paniya, Mudaga, Irula, Ernadar, Kadar, Muthuvan, Kanikkar, Uralees, Paliyan, Malavedan, Vettuvar, Eravallan, Veda and Malayan. Centuries have failed to change them completely.

They are unique examples of communities in isolated existence, still preserving their life ,customs and manners almost untarnished by advancing waves of urban civilization.

Though adapted to different dialects and customs, their artistic expression evidently reflects the distinct, secluded and primitive social structure and nature of the people and it still survives as virile a state as ever in the tribal hamlets of hilly tracts.

Each of these aboriginal tribes has its own distinct dance traditions and invariably all of them are interwoven with the life of the people who dance it , so much so that it seems that some of their daily tasks are give to rhythmic pattern.

In the background of mystery shrouded nature , tribal celebrations originate and the dances which work up intoxicating excitement physical expressions of their joys and grief's, hopes and fears.

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