Kanikkaran Explained

Group:Kanikkaran
Population:25,088
Total Ref:[1]
Total Year:2011 census
Popplace:
Region1:Kerala
Pop1:21,251
Region2:Tamil Nadu
Pop2:3,837
Languages:Kanikkaran, Tamil, Malayalam
Religions:Folk Hinduism

Kanikkaran are a tribal community found in the southern parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu states in India. According to 2011 census there are 24,000 Kanikkars,[2] living in several districts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They dwell in forests or near to forests in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam in Kerala, and Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts in Tamil Nadu.

Though they cultivate everything and make agriculture as the main profession, they have a special liking for fishing and hunting. Literacy is estimated to be around 53.84%.[3] Kaanikkar Nritham is a form of group dance performed as a rural offering. Kokra is a traditional musical instrument used by them.[4]

Language

The Kanikkaran language is closely related to Tamil, but has significant Malayalam influence.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: A-11 Individual Scheduled Tribe Primary Census Abstract Data and its Appendix. Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. www.censusindia.gov.in. 2017-11-03.
  2. http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=kev Kanikkaran A language of India
  3. http://www.focusonpeople.org/major_tribals_in_kerala.htm#9 Major Tribals in Kerala
  4. http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/performingarts.htm Tribal Dances