Toda tribe intro

Understanding Toda tribe

1. UNDERSTANDING TODA TRIBE

2. Introduction
Inhabitants of the Nilgiri Hills in South India
Traditionally lived in 64 tribal settlements called Munds
Known by several other names like Tudas, Tudavansand Toras
Followers of unique customs and traditions
Belong to pastoral community from ancient times

3. Dwellings
The Toda live in Munds at high altitudes of Nilgiri Hills
Traditional Toda huts are in half-barrel shaped form
A Toda village consists of ten to twelve huts
The Munds are made using wood, rattan, bamboo and grass
The huts have a small doorways and wall motifs of buffaloes

4. Occupation
Dairying is one of the most important livelihood
The Toda economy revolves around buffalo rearing
Milk merchandising includes ghee, cheese, butter, curdetc.
Sale of buffalos are also part of exchangeable product
Embroidery work of women folks are sold in market

5. Worship
Pithi, On, Pinarkurs, Teikirziand Teipakhwere Toda Gods
Toda temples are constructed in a circular pit lined with stones
Decorated with sun, moon, serpent and buffalo head motifs
Prominent high-class men are made priests as holy milkmen
The purification chants are recited 7 times and others 3 times

6. Food Habits
Todas are traditional lacto vegetarians
The main diet being milk and its products
Favourite dish is rice, boiled in milk locally known as “Jagari”
Habitual consumption of curd, churned milk and plain milk
Both genders of the Toda tribe are addicted to liquor

7. Costumes
Embroidery shawls worn by both genders called Puthkuli
Toda men wear the Puthkuli over shirts and trousers
Women wear Puthkuliover a saree and blouse
Tattoo marks and distinctive hairstyle are identity of women
Ornaments made of silver, copper and iron are part of costume