The state of Karnataka houses quite a handful of tribal communities in some parts of this region. Apart from the state, this Kuttunayakan tribal community also is found in other states of the Indian subcontinent like, for example, in Kerala. Some are scattered in and around Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. With all the other tribal communities of India, namely Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyars, Kurichyas, Ooralis, the Kuttunayakan tribal community shares a very good relation.
Through out the years, the Kuttunayakan tribal community has contributed for making the culture of Karnataka enriched and colourful with the distinctness of the tint of their community. The people of the Kuttunayakan tribal community are the descendents of the ancient Pallavas and were the early dwellers of the Western Ghats. The people of this community are known by their black complexion with short height and protruding foreheads. The costumes of the Kuttunayakan tribal men include short dhotis and half sleeved shirts whereas the costumes of the women include long piece of cloth that they tuck around their waist allowing the arms and shoulders bare. The people of this community allow child marriages but with the time customs changed and recently the girls are allowed for marriage after their teenage. Monogamy is practiced among the Kattunayakan community.
House settlements of these Kuttunayakan tribal communities are made in marshy valleys and plateaus and are made up of things like mud, bamboo and brick. Roofs are thatched, as like many other tribal houses. The literal meaning of the name of the community `Kattunayakan` is `the king of the jungle`.
That the culture of this Kuttunayakan tribal community is duly ennobled is quite explicit from several of its features. A special mentioning can be made of various holistic herbal medicines. These are all locally prepared by the Kuttunayakan tribal community and have got great demand not only in native market places but also that of the national market as well. Also most of these Kuttunayakan tribes have mentioned the heritage of producing exquisite art and craft products. Also the musical melodies, dance forms, jewelries of the Kuttunayakan tribal community are also considered to be masterpieces.
For making these things so wonderful, these Kuttunayakan tribes have drawn inspiration from several themes, motifs and materials of the loving nature. Just like many other tribal communities of the Indian Territory, these Kuttunayakan tribes have developed likings for religion as well as spiritual beliefs and norms. The majority of this Kuttunayakan tribal community have adapted to the religion of Hinduism. Practicing animism is also prevalent where instances can be found of some of the Kuttunayakan tribes have taken up to the practices of revering animals, birds, trees, rocks and snakes . There is no death of tribal members belonging to the Kuttunayakan community who do play magical tricks and sorcery.
However this does not mean that this Kuttunayakan tribal community had not developed their indigenous beliefs down the line. In fact ancient forms of worship, for instance, ancestral reverence and special sacrifices to appease the souls of their predecessors` ancestors are still rampant in the society of these Kuttunayakan tribes.
Since the ancient times, this Kuttunayakan tribal community has taken up multiple occupational activities to sustain their basic necessities. Originally, many of these Kuttunayakan tribes have acted the role of the leaders in the forest interiors. It is need less to mention that the chief occupations have always been collection of honey and several other forest ingredients. Poverty and unemployment are some of the major problems that curb the development of this community.
As far as the physical stature of this Kuttunayakan tribes are concerned, no one finds it difficult to come to conclusion that they resemble any other tribes of hilly region. In order to carry on conversation with each other as well as with the outsiders, this Kuttunayakan tribal community uses a language that is a blend of all the languages of the Dravidian language family. Major part of the Kattunayakan community is non-vegetarians. The people of this community love song, dance and music.
