There are about 35 different types of the tribals, chief among them being the Kurichiyar, Nayadi, Mullakurumbar, Uralikurumbar, Paniya, Mudaga, Irula, Ernadar, Kadar, Muthuvan, Kanikkar, Uralees, Paliyan, Malavedan, Vettuvar, Eravallam, Veda and Malayan.
They are unique examples of communities in isolated existence, still preserving their life, customs and manners almost untarnished by the advancing waves of urban civilization. Though adapted to different dialects and customs, their artistic expression evidently reflects the distinct, secluded and primitive social structure and nature of the people and it still survives as virile a state as ever in the tribal hamlets of the hilly tracts.
Each of these aboriginal tribes has its own distinct dance traditions and invariably all of them are interwoven with the life of the people who dance it, so much so that it seems that some of their daily tasks are given to rhythmic pattern. In the background of mystry shrouded nature,tribal celebrations originate and the dances which work up intoxicating excitement physical expressions of their joys and griefs, hopes and fears.
In some cases the dancing is extremely simple and consists of little more than meaningless shuffling of the feet or waving of the hands. At other times it is mere swaying of the body to the clapping of hands or beating of primitive drums to mark time. Yet another form shows only the monotonous movement of the hands and feet. But, generally speaking, a wide range of movement involving all parts of the body, the head, back hips, arms, fingers and the feet and even facial muscles are utilized in tribal dances.
There are very complicated tribal dances as well in which dancing harmonises gesture,
expressing the whole gamut of sentiment, where rhythm is kept by swaying the body and intricate steps executed with adept foot-work. Usually the dances have a slow beginning, but gather momentum and work up to a heavy tempo of the vociferous climax of the drums, and the ecstacy of the ever-mounting rhythm of spontaneous music. Many of these dances are heroic or martial in character.
Some tribes have songs to accompany their dances. Either the dancers themselves sing or the onlookers sing and thus participate. Special musical instruments are sometimes used, but the drum is almost an indispensable feature. The costumes of the dancers vary from approximate nudity to full attire and ornaments which are extremely colourful and gaudy.
Like all tribal arts, Kerala’s tribal dances are spontaneous. It is the most direct expression of the inner most spirit of a people and the instinct of rhythm is as natural and basic as human nature.
Some of the more well known tribal dances of Kerala are Elelakkaradi, Kadarkali,
Kurumbarkali, Paniyarkali, Edayarkali, Mudiyattam and Vedarkali. Tribal people constitute an important segment of the teeming millions in our country. India has the second largest tribal sects in Kerala, the Paniya, Adiya, Urali, Kattunaikka, Irula, Muduva, Aranadan are the prominent tribal communities.
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