Ravula


The Ravula are a tribal community in Kerala and Karnataka. Their common language is known as the Ravula language. They live in the districts of Kannur and Wayanad in Kerala and the Kodagu district of Karnataka. Most of them are agricultural workers and are in the process of detribalizating. It is believed that they were agricultural serfs in the past. During the annual festival at the Valliyurkkavu temple in Mananthavady, Wayand, the Adiyar people gather to trade services with landlords.
Their settlements are called 'Kunju.' They are monogamous, and mostly practice negotiated marriage, although there are several elopement marriages among them.
Currently Ravula are very backward. They are mostly agricultural labourers in coffee plantations and tea estates, although some are employed by Forest Department or in other occupations. Yerava tribals believe in magic, and are animists, although they still perform worship to Hindu deities like Chamundeswariamma and Kaveriamma. They have their own system of medicines.