Traditional Hunting and Gathering

The art of living with nature – Through time-honored hunting, gathering, and deep ecological stewardship

For centuries, Kerala’s indigenous communities (Adivasis) have practiced hunting and gathering as their primary means of survival, living in deep harmony with the forests and their resources. These communities, including the Kattunayakans, Kurumbas, Irulas, and Paniyas, have developed a deep understanding of wildlife, plant species, and seasonal cycles, allowing them to sustain themselves while preserving the ecological balance of their surroundings.

Hunting, traditionally performed with bows, arrows, and traps, was once an essential skill for sourcing food and ensuring the survival of the community. However, these practices were guided by strict customs and spiritual beliefs, ensuring that they never exploited the forest beyond necessity. Many tribes followed ritualistic hunting traditions, seeking blessings from their deities before venturing into the wild and honoring the animals they hunted as part of their cultural heritage.

Gathering remains an equally vital tradition, with indigenous communities expertly foraging for wild tubers, medicinal herbs, forest fruits, mushrooms, and honey. The Kattunayakans, for example, are renowned for their honey collection techniques, scaling towering trees to harvest pure, organic honey without harming the bees or the ecosystem. Their knowledge of medicinal plants and herbal remedies is extensive, with many tribal healers playing a crucial role in preserving Kerala’s traditional knowledge of Ayurveda and natural medicine.

Over time, restrictions on forest access and conservation laws have significantly reduced traditional hunting practices, with many tribes transitioning to sustainable foraging, small-scale farming, and eco-tourism. Community-led tourism initiatives now provide visitors with immersive experiences, where they can learn about foraging techniques, honey collection, and the deep-rooted environmental wisdom that guides indigenous life.

Despite modernization, these traditional hunting and gathering practices remain a symbol of self-reliance, ecological stewardship, and ancestral wisdom. By recognizing and respecting these traditions, we not only celebrate Kerala’s indigenous heritage but also promote sustainable ways of coexisting with nature—just as these communities have done for generations.