Yelagiri hut shelters 200 years of hill tribe history

Source: The post is based on the article “Yelagiri hut shelters 200 years of hill tribe history”  published in The Hindu on 14th August 2023.

What is the News?

Over 200 years ago, the Malaiyali tribe settled on Yelagiri hill in Tamil Nadu, building clay huts for various purposes.

Today, only one old hut remains as a symbol of their transition from foraging to a more modern lifestyle.

What is Maliyali Tribe?

The Malaiyali tribe — malai meaning “hill” and yali meaning “people” — is spread across Tamil Nadu’s hilly region.

Unique Lifestyle of Maliyali Tribe:

Red clay played a pivotal role in building huts, burying the dead and sustaining the tribe’s lifecycle from birth to death.

Huts were constructed with red clay on teak wood frames, embodying the tribe’s connection to nature.

The roof of the huts were made of dry bamboo leaves and cow dung, preventing leaks during monsoons. 

Despite its deceivingly small exterior, the hut accommodates eight people and includes an attic (paran) for storage.

Originally built for living, the hut later served as a seed storage space after harvest.

The hut stands on a stilt-like structure made of teakwood. This holds the house two feet above the ground to keep rodents at bay and to prevent the house from flooding during torrential rain.

There was a dedicated space for the grains. That is how precious agriculture was to them. 

Significance of the Lifestyle of Maliyali Tribe: Despite changes over time, the huts remain a significant part of the tribe’s history. 

Currently only one hut stands as a testament to their culture. Tourists appreciate this traditional structure, giving them a glimpse of the tribe’s past.