Cholanaikkan Tribe

Recently, members of the Cholanaikkan tribe came out of the forest to receive essential government documents at an event organised by the district administration in Kerala. The event highlighted the efforts to improve access to government services and welfare benefits for remote tribal communities.

About the Cholanaikkan Tribe

The Cholanaikkans are an indigenous tribal community found exclusively in the Nilambur Valley of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats of Kerala. They are popularly known as the “Cavemen of Kerala” and are considered one of Asia’s last surviving cave-dwelling indigenous communities.

Name and Identity

The community refers to itself as Malanaikan or Sholanaikan. The term “Shola” or “Chola” refers to a deep forest thicket, while “Naikan” means king, broadly conveying the idea of “king of the forest.”

Habitat and Lifestyle

The Cholanaikkans traditionally live deep inside dense forests, often inhabiting natural rock caves known as Kallulai. In this term, “Kallu” means rock and “aalai” means cave.

They generally prefer to live near streams and other water sources and do not maintain permanent settlements. The community is divided into smaller social groups known as Jenmam.

Language

The Cholanaikkans speak the Cholanaikkan language, which is classified by linguists within the Dravidian language family.

Livelihood

The community traditionally depends heavily on the collection of forest produce for its livelihood. Their close dependence on the forest has meant that they rarely venture outside their traditional forest habitat.

Conservation and Vulnerability Status

The Cholanaikkans are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). Their remote location, traditional lifestyle and dependence on forest resources make access to healthcare, education, government documentation and welfare services particularly important.