Paniyan

The Paniyas are living in Tamil Nadu and the adjoining areas of Kerala and
Karnataka. The other communities call them Paniyachi and Adivasi. The word
"Paniyan" means "laborer." 

They are among an unfortunate group of people who traditionally were bonded laborers. 

They mainly live in their Nilgiris District. Theyspeak their own dialect known as Paniya language. 

They speak Tamil and
Malayalam with others and use the Tamil script. The appearances of the Paniyan
tribes can be described with their broad, dark skin, short noses, and curly or wavy
hair. Recently based on the 2011 census, Paniyas population is 11,209. Paniyan
religion includes placating demons of various types with occasional offerings and
worshiping deities in animal form, Kuli being the main one. They especially honor
the Hindu divinity Kad Bhagavadi; this deity has no image, only a wooden box.
Shrines dedicated to her are built in most inhabited places, with offerings