Central Idea

The Malaiyali tribe, scattered across Tamil Nadu’s hilly regions, has undergone a remarkable transformation over two centuries.
From their initial foraging lifestyle to settling atop the Yelagiri hill and constructing traditional clay huts, the tribe has transitioned into a more modern way of life.
Amidst the evolving landscape, one old-fashioned hut remains as a testament to their history.

Malaiyali Tribe

Historical Settlement: Over 200 Malaiyali tribespeople established a comprehensive system on Yelagiri hill with clay huts for shelter, storage, farming, and cattle.
Modern Evolution: Today, only one antiquated hut endures, belonging to tribesman Govinthasamy, while the rest have given way to brick-and-mortar homes.
Malaiyali Tribe: “Malai” means hill and “yali” means people, depicting the tribespeople who settled across Tamil Nadu’s hilly regions.

Integral Material: Red clay played a pivotal role in building huts, burying the dead, and sustaining the tribe’s lifecycle from birth to death.
Unique Construction: Huts were constructed with red clay on teak wood frames, embodying the tribe’s connection to nature.
Practicality and Value: Despite its worn appearance, the hut holds immense value due to the scarcity and high cost of materials like teak wood.

Roofing: A 12-foot thatched roof made of dry bamboo leaves, waxed with cow dung to prevent leaks during monsoons.
Interior Space: Deceptively small from outside, the hut accommodates eight people and an attic for storing household items.
Functional Evolution: Originally meant for living, the hut transformed into a storage space for seeds during sowing and grains post-harvest.
Elevated Structure: The hut stands on a teak wood stilt to prevent flooding during heavy rains and deter rodents.
Storage Space: Stilts create additional storage beneath the house for grains or poultry.
Traditional Living: The one-room structure housed various activities, highlighting the tribe’s reliance on agriculture.