SOUTHERN

The southern states of India are home to diverse tribal communities, each with its own unique
cultural heritage, traditions, and lifestyle. These indigenous groups have lived in the region for
centuries, enriching the area's cultural tapestry and social fabric. These tribes, found in states like
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, have a strong connection to the
land, relying on farming, forest resources, and traditional crafts for sustenance. They've
diligently preserved their languages, art forms, and rituals, evident in their lively festivals, folk
music, and dances, highlighting their rich cultural legacy.

Different tribes of different states are: -

KERELA: - The majority of Kerala's tribal population resides in the forests and mountainous
areas of the Western Ghats, which extend along the borders of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. These
tribes in Kerala are officially categorized as "Scheduled Tribes" to receive affirmative action
benefits. The Kerala Public Service Commission, under the Government of Kerala, recognizes
and lists 36 Scheduled Tribes in the state.

TAMIL NADU: - In Tamil Nadu, tribal communities are primarily concentrated in the Nilgiris
district. Among these distinct tribes, the larger groups include the Kotas, Todas, Irulas,
Kurumbas, and Badagas, who have traditionally pursued pastoral livelihoods. As of the 2001
census, Tamil Nadu had a tribal population of 6,51,321 individuals, belonging to approximately
38 different tribes and sub-tribes. These tribal people are predominantly engaged in farming and
agriculture, with a heavy reliance on forest lands for their livelihoods.

KARNATAKA: - While constituting just 6.95% of the state's population, Karnataka is home
to a significant diversity of tribes, with the Indian government recognizing 50 distinct tribal
communities residing in the region. Among these, 14 tribes, including two indigenous ones, are
native to Karnataka. Among major STs, Koli Dhor have the highest (92.2%) rural population,
followed by Gond (91.7%), Marati (90.8%) and Naikda (85.1%).

ANDHRA PRADESH: - Tribal populations in Andhra Pradesh are a varied collective

predominantly found in the state's rugged, wooded areas, particularly within the Eastern Ghats
and the northern districts. These groups, which encompass the Koyas, Lambadas, Bhagatas,
Valmikis, and various others, constitute approximately 5.3% of the state's overall populace. Each
of these communities possesses its own distinct language, cultural practices, and heritage, with
languages such as Koya and Lambadi being spoken within their respective groups.

TELANGANA: - In Telangana, tribal populations predominantly inhabit the state's rugged

and wooded areas, particularly in the northern districts such as Adilabad, Khammam, and
Bhadradri Kothagudem. Prominent tribal groups in the region encompass the Gonds, Koyas,
Lambadas, and Chenchus, each with distinct languages, cultures, and practices that enhance the
state's cultural mosaic.

LANGUAGE OF COMMUNITY: -

In South India, there exists a multitude of tribal communities, each with its unique languages and
dialects. Below, you'll find six languages spoken by these tribal groups:

1. Kurukh: - Kurukh, also referred to as Oraon, is the language of the Kurukh tribal community,
predominantly spoken in regions of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, as well as in states like
Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
2. Kui: -Kui serves as the primary language of the Kondh tribe, inhabiting the hilly areas of
Odisha and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It belongs to the Dravidian language family.
3. Irula: -The Irula tribe, residing in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, communicates through the Irula
language, characterized by its unique script and linguistic traits within the Dravidian language
family.
4. Kota: -The Kota tribe, mainly found in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, utilizes the
Kota language, which is classified under the Austroasiatic language family.
5. Gondi: -Spoken by the Gond tribal community spanning multiple South Indian states,
including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, Gondi is a member of the
Dravidian language family.
6. Kurumba: -The Kurumba tribe, situated in parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, especially within
the Nilgiri Hills and the Western Ghats, communicates through the Kurumba language.
These languages provide just a glimpse of the rich linguistic diversity found among South India's
tribal communities, with numerous more languages and dialects present among these indigenous
groups.

 The dying tongues of Telangana and Andhra | Hyderabad News - Times of India

REASON FOR EXTINCTION OF THESE LANGUAGE ARE: -

The extinction of tribal languages in South India, as in many other parts of the
world, can be attributed to several interconnected factors:
 Economic Opportunities: The perception that knowledge of a dominant language (e.g.,
English, regional languages) provides better job opportunities can lead tribal youth to
prioritize learning these languages over their native ones. Economic opportunities can
lead to the extinction of tribal languages as tribal youth prioritize learning dominant
languages, like English or regional dialects, for better job prospects. Urbanization and
limited access to education in native languages accelerate this shift. Proficiency in
economically advantageous languages is seen as a pathway to economic mobility,
potentially sidelining native tongues. Balancing economic development with language
preservation efforts is crucial to safeguard linguistic diversity among tribal communities.

 Globalization and Technology: The influence of global media, technology, and the internet often
promotes the use of dominant languages. Younger generations are more exposed to these
 influences, which can further marginalize their native languages. Globalization and technological
advancements play a substantial role in the decline of tribal languages. The prevalence of global
media and the internet fosters the adoption of dominant languages, particularly among younger
demographics, leading to the marginalization of native languages. The lack of digital access in
tribal areas further isolates these languages, and the prioritization of dominant languages in
education, employment, and culture accelerates their displacement. To address this, initiatives
like digital resources and community-based efforts are employed to safeguard linguistic
diversity.

 Government Policies: Government policies that prioritize the promotion of dominant languages
over tribal languages in education, administration, and media can contribute to language
decline. Government-led development initiatives and displacement can also disrupt language
use and community cohesion among tribal groups. The absence of official acknowledgment and
assistance for tribal languages exacerbates the problem. To reverse this trend, policies should
emphasize language preservation, recognition, and rejuvenation, with tribal communities
actively engaged to cater to their distinct linguistic and cultural requirements.