Aranadan
Location:
District: Malappuram
Taluk: Nilambur
Villages: Muthedam, Vazhikkadavu, Edakkara, Pothukallu (Nilambur Block Panchayat), Amarambalam, Karulai, Kalikavu, and Chokkad (Kalikave Block Panchayat).
Overview:
The Aranadan community is an exclusive ethno-cultural group found in the remote Nilambur forests of Malappuram District.
The ethnonym "Aranadan" originates from two indigenous terms: 'Aravam,' signifying "snake," and 'Nadan,' denoting "countrymen." As an autochthonous tribe, they exemplify a diminutive socio-cultural unit within the larger society.
Linguistically, they exhibit an intricate linguistic repertoire combining elements from Malayalam, Tamil, and Tulu.
Social Structure:
Aranadans exhibit endogamous practices, marked by the existence of hereditary subdivisions termed 'Villa' (clans).
Within each habitat, a recognized community elder assumes the role of 'Chemmakkaran,' responsible for conflict resolution and officiating sacral rites accompanying their life cycle.
Acting as the ritual specialist, the 'Kalladikaran' fulfills dual responsibilities as a priest and healer, evoking symbolic meaning in their socio-religious sphere.
Historical Lifestyle:
Historically, the Aranadan community thrived as primordial dwellers within the Eranad Taluk of Malappuram District.
Notable for their exceptional acumen in hunting and foraging, they demonstrated nominal interest in agricultural and pastoral pursuits.
Their adeptness in python hunting and extraction of curative oil attests to traditional medical practices aimed at mitigating leprosy.
Subsisting on minor forest resources further reflected their intricate adaptation to the ecological context.
Challenges:
The Aranadan community confronts existential challenges consequent to deforestation and stringent Forest Laws, which have severely disrupted their erstwhile sustainable livelihood patterns.
Their socio-economic status remains marginalized, demanding targeted interventions to address their predicaments.
