Kurumbas

There are several tribes living in the Western Ghats under the title of “Kurumbas”
such as Paalu Kurumbas, Haalu Kurumbas, Betta Kurumbas, Jennu Kurumbas,
Urali Kurumbas, Neya Kurumbas and Mullu Kurumbas. The Primitive Tribe
KURUMBA of the Nilgiris District living in three Sub-groups in the areas of
Gudalur, Pandalur and Kotagiri; they are the Hallu Kurumba, Mullu kurumba and
Betta Kurumba respectively. According to 2011 census their total population is
6903. The Kurumbas have remained hunters and gatherers of food and are well
versed in the technique of collecting honey. The Kurumbas are known for their
paintings and witchcraft. Kurumbas speak the language “Kurumba,” it is a
combination of words from Kannada and Tamil, one of the primitive South
Dravidian languages.