Tribal Administration

Kurumar's Kudi

A place where a few Kuruma houses are joined together is called Kudi. There will be a karanavar (Mooppan) to each Kudi. Above the Kudi and Kudi Mooppan there will be the Kunnin Karanavar (Valiya Mooppan).

Kurichya Mittam

Kurichyars are a group where the joint family tradition still exists today. Their houses will be in the valleys of the hills or on the banks of the fields. The place where the houses meet is called "mittam". Each house has more than one family. The elder head is known as "Pittan" and his wife is called "Pittathi".

Kuntus of Adiyar

The place where Adiyars live together is known as Kuntu. Houses in Kuntu are called kudi and Kallukal. Kuntu will have a chief. If there are more than one kuntus in a land then that area will have a Deshamuppan. Among the tribal leaders there will be a wise man named Peruman.

Structure of Paniya Tribes

Paniyas traditionally live in colonies of five to ten houses. Each colony is led by Muppan. Muppan was known as Chemmi when they worked under the landlords. Chemmi was given a bangle made of brass as a symbol of authority.