Tribes of Tamil Nadu
The six PVTGs (all Nilgiris-centred) are the core answer; the Todas' barrel-vaulted huts and buffalo pastoralism headline the questions.
| Tribe | Region | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Toda | Nilgiris plateau | PVTG; buffalo pastoralism, barrel-vaulted huts, embroidery (Toda poothkuli) |
| Kota | Nilgiris | PVTG; artisan tradition, pottery and music |
| Kurumba | Nilgiri slopes | PVTG; forest honey gathering, sorcery lore |
| Irula | Nilgiri foothills and northern TN | PVTG; snake-catching expertise (Irula co-op supplies venom) |
| Paniya | Nilgiris (Gudalur belt) | PVTG; historically agricultural labour |
| Kattunayakan | Nilgiris forests | PVTG; hunter-gatherer honey collectors |
| Malayali | Eastern Ghats (Kolli, Javadhu, Shevaroy hills) | TN's largest ST population; hill agriculture |
| Kani (Kanikkaran) | Kanniyakumari / Agasthyamalai | Traditional knowledge, the arogyapacha plant fame |
| Badaga | Nilgiris | Major hill community (not ST); Badugu language |
One contrast pair recurs: the Malayali of the Eastern Ghats are the state's largest ST population, while the Badagas of the Nilgiris are a major hill community but not a Scheduled Tribe.
Frequently asked questions
How many PVTGs does Tamil Nadu have?
Which tribe is famous for snake-catching?
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Compiled from official Tamil Nadu government sources and standard references. Time-sensitive counts carry an as-of note on the page. Sources: TNPSC official notifications. Figures are indicative and may change with each official notification. Data last reviewed: July 2026.
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