Origin and Geographical spread:

The Toda are a prominent tribe of the Nilgiris. The history and origin is not clear. They believe that they were created along with their buffaloes by their great Goddess Thekershi (Toksy). According to them, the Tartar and the Teivali. There are many versions with regard to the history of the Toda. One version is that they are the descendants of Ravana. Another version is that they are the surviving Pallava race who after the fall of their empire took refuge in the Nilgiris.

Language:

They have their own dialect called Toda dialect without script. Toda dialect is an Independent language of the Dravidian family affiliated to Tamil.

Specific tradition and Custom: 

Since their first appearance in the record of history the Toda have been a pastoral society. Traditionally buffaloes form the major economic resource of the Toda. The community identification markers are their shawl called putkuli, turban and the women’s hair style (ringlets). The women maintain their hairstyle in an unusual manner, by curling with great care portions of their hair anti-clockwise (ringlets) all along its length. They are also tattooed.

Food system:

The Toda were, until recently, pure vegetarians. Now they eat eggs and meat occasionally. They consume plenty of vegetables including roots and tubers, fruits they consume milk and its products. Their stable food is rice, supplemented by wheat.

Primary Economic Activity:

The present day economic activities of the Toda pertain to land as well as animal husbandry. They have enough land for agriculture and enough buffaloes to lead a pastoral way of life. Toda males are good at making churners, walking sticks and bamboo baskets. The Toda females are experts in embroidery, selling milk to the cooperative societies and hotels.

Art and Music:

The oral tradition of the Toda is very rich, especially their songs. Folk-songs are sung by both sexes. The Toda have no exclusive music, but their folk-dances.

Special Characteristics:

The Toda attitude towards development programmes is encouraging. Their children go to school, but drop out after a certain stage mainly due to social reasons. They make full use of modern Medicare and are also aware of family planning. The Toda have a number of provisions for employment.