From Forest Settlers to Modern Citizens: A Historical Study of the Mannan Tribe of Idukki
Author : Jipson CG
Abstract :
The Mannan tribe of Idukki, Kerala, represents one of the most culturally distinctive and historically significant indigenous communities in South India. Traditionally forest settlers, the Mannans developed a unique socio-political and cultural system that evolved through centuries of coexistence with the Western Ghats ecosystem. Their matrilineal lineage patterns, ritual life, ecological knowledge, and the rare institution of tribal kingship at Kovilmala distinguish them from other tribal groups. However, modernization, state interventions, forest regulations, education, and economic changes have significantly transformed their traditional way of life. This study traces the historical evolution of the Mannans from forest dwellers to modern citizens, examining their cultural heritage, governance systems, livelihood patterns, and the socio-economic forces that have shaped their contemporary identity. It highlights both cultural resilience and cultural erosion, emphasizing the community’s ongoing negotiation between tradition and modernity. The study concludes that sustainable development and cultural preservation must go hand in hand to ensure the holistic progress of the Mannan tribe in the future.
Keywords :
Mannan tribe, Idukki, Kovilmala tribal kingship, Western Ghats, cultural transformation.
