Wetlands have high religious, historical and other cultural significance, especially for indigenous people, around the world. Wetlands or “hanni” in local language were revered as they were a part of nature and an important link in the chain of food and economic security. However, much has changed in the social fabric of communities and wetlands have drastically reduced due to many reasons. As part of the study, an attempt was made to understand the social and economic relations between wetlands and communities, which were documented.
Todas
Though few in numbers (approximately 1500 people), the Todas are well known for their uniquely distinct features and traditions. They are scattered in over 60 settlements in the Nilgiris. The Todas are traditionally pastoralists who held the buffalo sacred above all other animals (6). A shola patch, grasslands and a wetland were the three important criterions for establishing a mund (village) as they understood the linkages between them. They knew that Sholas stored water and were sources of water to the wetlands. These wetlands were used by the buffaloes for drinking as well as resting. Besides wetland reeds were put to various uses such as thatching roofs and as ropes used for churning curd.
Badagas
The largest single ethno-linguistic community (7) in the Nilgiri District, this community numbers approximately 2,00,000. Customarily, tillers and herdsmen, now the community members are in all walks of life. The prominent agriculturalists and tea growers of present times traditionally owned a large number of cattle. They protected the wetlands as a buffalo habitat and for drinking needs of the community. They believe that wetlands are linked to streams in the region and need to be protected. There were several large wetlands to which spiritual and cultural significance
was attached. The threats to these wetlands began with the commercialization of agriculture and with gradual cultural and economic metamorphosis of the Badagas. Currently, wetlands have become insignificant and are being converted into vegetable fields, leading to drastic loss of these valuable natural assets.
Kotas
The Kotas are the artisan adivasis of the Nilgiris (8). There are seven Kota villages in the hills but these are widely and evenly dispersed. They are skilled as blacksmiths, silversmiths and carpenters. The Kotas who are renowned for their pottery skills were dependent on wetlands for their supply of clay and water. Kota pottery is an intricate ritual linking several facets of their livelihood and lifestyle. The practice of pottery is a collective enterprise in which both women and men participate. However, even though men join in construction of the wheel and help women in digging of the clay and firing, the shaping of the pots on the wheel and paddling is entirely done by the women.
Kurumbas and Irulas
Mostly residing in the southern and eastern belt of the mid ranges of the Nilgiris district, the Aalu Kurumbas (9) have been historically known for their sorcery powers and providing medicine from the forest. Irulas (10) are the predominant people in the relatively low altitude regions in southern and eastern slopes of the Nilgiris and northern and eastern slopes of Coimbatore. They traditionally held wetlands important as they were the hunting grounds of wild animals that approached a wetland to drink water.
