The main indigenous tribes in the Nilgiris are the Todas, Kotas, Badagas, Kurumbas, Paniyans, and Kattunayakans. The Todas are known for pastoralism and unique embroidery, the Kotas for pottery and music, and the Badagas are the largest group and have largely adopted modern practices. Other groups include hunter-gatherers like the Kurumbas, Paniyans, and Kattunayakans.
Specific tribes and their characteristics
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- Todas: A pastoral tribe famous for buffalo worship and distinctive embroidered shawls called Poothkuli.
- Kotas: Traditionally skilled potters and musicians who are non-vegetarians.
- Badagas: The largest of the indigenous tribes, known for their white attire and their adaptation to modern development. Their language is a southern Dravidian language closely related to Kannada.
- Kurumbas: A group known for gathering forest produce, such as honey.
- Paniyans: Hunter-gatherers who also practice settled agriculture.
- Kattunayakans: A group of hunters who collect forest products.
