Thekkady

Mannan

The Mannan community mainly inhabits Kumily Panchayat in Idukki district though their dwellings are also seen at Azhuha, Devikulam and Idukki block panchayats. The tribe has unique customs and rituals.

Though they used to stay in remote forests, they were forced to migrate to plots allotted by the government at the outskirts of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, a few decades back, following a government ban on deforestation in the preserved area. However, they still hold on to their traditional customs and rituals. One interesting thing about the  community is the presence of a king; even today, they honour the kingship dearly.

In order to eke out a living, the Mannans cultivate some basic crops in the allotted farm land, collect forest produce from the non-restricted area and engage in manual labour or cattle breeding.

Malampandaram