Kadar Tribe:
The Kadar tribe of Vazhachal, Kerala, has taken on active restoration of natural forests degraded by invasive alien species.
- The Kadars are an indigenous community residing primarily in the southern parts of India.
- They are predominantly found in the forests of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- The Kadar tribe is classified as a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) by the Government of India.
- Their name, “Kadar,” is derived from the word “kaadu,” which means forest in Tamil and Malayalam, reflecting their deep connection with the forest environment.
- They speak a Dravidian language known as Kadar or Kadars, which is influenced by Tamil and Malayalam.
- They are traditionally a nomadic group, known for their hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
- They have a profound knowledge of the forest and its resources, relying on gathering honey, fruits, tubers, and medicinal plants for their sustenance.
- Hunting, though less prevalent today, was also a significant part of their livelihood.
- In recent years, some Kadars have taken up small-scale agriculture and wage labor, but they continue to depend heavily on forest produce for their livelihood.
- They are known for their traditional medicinal knowledge, particularly in the use of herbs and plants for healing.
- Kadar have a symbiotic relationship with nature, and they believe in the coexistence of Kadar and Kaadu (forest).
- The Kadar have traditional protocols to ensure the sustainable use of forest resources.
- Every practice of resource collection—be it honey, firewood, resin, or herbs—is designed to allow time for regeneration.
- The Kadar community follows a simple social structure, typically organized around extended families.
- They live in small settlements called “hamlets” or “oorus,” usually comprising a few huts made of bamboo, leaves, and other forest materials.
- Their population was estimated at approximately 2,000 individuals in the early 21st century.
- They worship jungle spiritsand their own kindly creator couple, as well as local forms of the Hindu deities.
