About the Community
The Kurumans (Kurumba)
The Kurumans, also known as Kurumba, are an indigenous Adivasi
community and a constitutionally recognised Scheduled Tribe (ST) of India.
They are among the earliest known inhabitants of the Western Ghats, with a
long-standing relationship with forests, hills, and wildlife.
The community primarily resides in the Nilgiris hills and surrounding regions
of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. In Tamil Nadu, Kuruman settlements are
found in districts such as Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, and Salem.
Traditionally, Kurumans were forest produce gatherers, honey collectors, shepherds, and skilled
trackers. Certain groups were historically associated with elephant tracking and
husbandry. Their deep ecological knowledge reflects generations of sustainable living
within forest ecosystems.
The Kurumans speak a Dravidian language, often referred to as
Southern Kannada, with influences from Tamil. Despite their rich cultural
heritage and legal recognition, many Kuruman communities continue to face social and economic
marginalisation.
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