The Cholanaikkans are an ethnic group of India, primarily inhabiting the southern Kerala State, especially Silent Valley National Park. They are one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes of the region.

• Population: 190-200 (2001 census: 360~)
• Found in the late 1970s
• Live in caves and rely on hunting and gathering
• Do not cultivate due to the destruction of produce by animals such as elephants
• Said to have moved to South due to natural disasters such as floods or fleeing due to their defeat under the dynasties from the North
• Worships trees and follow animism which is the belief that everything (living or non-living) is bound by some spiritual connection
• They are short in stature, wheatish to dark complexion, and well-built
• Have their own distinctive language
• Follow a patriarchal family structure
• The literacy rate is around 16% with one graduate among them. Most drop out after one semester in school
• We also talk about the Sentinelese from the Sentinel Islands. Enjoy!

Image credits: Dhruvaraj S from India - A Cholanaikkan Nilambur. Cropped 1:1 ratio.