The Food Book

Book Name in English : The Food Book

In the workbook, we have tried to capture the knowledge and practices associated with the food
of the adivasis of the Gudalur Valley. Our hunting practices, gathering food from the forest and growing our own food, all feature here.
Over generations, we have developed a keen understanding of our natural habitat. Very often, our rationale or ‘logic of life’ are submerged by more dominant community ideals,
culture and practices. Our centuries old traditions of balancing human life, of co-existing with nature, living harmoniously and sustainably with plants and animals, and our rituals around sharing food and resources, all maintain a deep sense of community and belonging. Among us the Mullukurumbas are known for their hunting skills, while the Kattunayakans pride themselves as honey and tuber gatherers. For generations the landless Paniyas and Bettakurumbas have been food gatherers as well as cultivators on land owned by the local Chettis. This workbook is a collection of knowledge, rituals and practices of these tribes. In the following sections we have tried to capture not just our practices around food, but also the underlying values that shape them.