The Malaiyali tribe – malai meaning “hill” and yali meaning “people” – is strewn across Tamil Nadu’s hilly regions.
The tribespeople were foragers who settled in the upper Nillavur region of Yelagiri and began cultivating its tabletop peak for food.
Initially living in makeshift huts, they found a permanent solution in the red loam clay abundant in the hills, and constructed simple one-room structures that measured 16 by 22 feet.
The side view of the tribal hut at Pallakaniyur at Yelagiri hills. | Photo Credit: C. Venkatachalapathy
The last remaining hut of the tribe is owned and maintained by Govinthasamy, a tribesman and former member of the Yelagiri Panchayat.
Reporting: Avantika Krishna
Videos: C. Venkatachalapathy
Production and Voiceover: Yuvasree S
