The Kurumba Tribe: Ancient Magicians of the Nilgiris

Amidst the rich flora and fauna of the Nilgiris resides several indigenous tribes. Before the Europeans came to the region, mainly four tribes inhabited the hills. These were Badaga, Kota, Toda and Kurumba. Some of them were craftsmen, some herdsmen and some were farmers. The Kurumbas,  who are believed to be the descendants of the 7^th century Pallavas, were primarily hunter-gatherers. They