Government Push for Tribal Heritage Preservation
Tamil Nadu Launches Tribal Digital Ethnographic Project under Tholkudi Scheme: The Department of Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare in Tamil Nadu has initiated an important step to preserve the cultural and linguistic heritage of Scheduled Tribe communities through its Tholkudi Scheme. As part of the 2024–25 budget, the state has allocated ₹2 crore towards a digital documentation project aimed at creating ethnographic records of five tribal groups: Irulas, Todas, Narikuravars, Kanikkarars, and Kurumbars.
Objective of the Ethnographic Documentation
The core objective of this initiative is to digitally record tribal languages and oral traditions, many of which are under threat due to declining native speakers and modernization. The project includes interviews, audio-visual recordings, and phonetic transcription of tribal customs, rituals, and stories—while ensuring privacy and minimal disruption to the community’s daily life.
Community Focus and Cultural Richness
Among the five groups selected, each holds distinct cultural practices and dialects:
- Irulas are known as expert rat and snake catchers, and worship Goddess Kanniamma.
- Todas, with roots in the Nilgiris, practice vegetable cultivation and embroidery, worshipping Lord Shiva and sacred hills.
- Kurumbas, divided into subgroups like Betta and Jenu Kurumbas, are hunters, painters, and also engage in witchcraft, revering Bhairavan.
- Narikuravars, though not listed in the image, are nomadic and have a rich oral storytelling tradition.
- Kanikkarars, another key Scheduled Tribe of Tamil Nadu, have deep spiritual connections with nature and animistic rituals.
Role of Language in Cultural Survival
Languages of these tribes belong to the Dravidian language family, often blending Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and even Telugu elements. Their survival is critical to preserving oral histories, belief systems, and ecological knowledge unique to each group.
Long-Term Significance of the Project
This initiative aligns with Tamil Nadu’s broader goals for tribal welfare, inclusive development, and digital archiving. It will serve not only as an academic and cultural resource but also ensure that younger generations of these tribes can access their heritage digitally. The Tholkudi scheme thus represents a model for other states to follow in tribal empowerment and language preservation.
Static GK Snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
| Scheme Name | Tholkudi Scheme |
| Budget Allocation | ₹2 crore (2024–25) |
| Implementing Department | Department of Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare, Tamil Nadu |
| Tribes Covered | Irulas, Todas, Narikuravars, Kanikkarars, Kurumbars |
| Core Objective | Digital documentation of tribal language and culture |
| Techniques Used | Audio-visual recordings, interviews, phonetic transcription |
| Worship Practices (Example) | Irulas – Goddess Kanniamma; Todas – Lord Shiva; Kurumbas – Bhairavan |
| Language Family | Dravidian (Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu variants) |
