Proud of their tribal ways | Travel - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Proud of their tribal ways

BySonia Nazareth, Ooty
Jul 17, 2010 09:36 AM IST

In the early 19th Century, Udagamandalam, then known as Ootacamund, was a colonial hill station.

In the early 19th Century,Udagamandalam, thenknown as Ootacamund, wasa colonial hill station. But inthe face of overcrowdingand traffic jams, alot has changed there.

What it still retainsis its scenic beauty; aride on the century-oldNilgiri mountain railwaythrows upstunning scenery.

You're likely to stumbleupon evergreen forests, teaplantations, fine viewpointsand Toda tribals.

The local treasures
For centuries, the Nilgirishave been home to hill tribes.You'll find greater treasuresin a Toda home than in thequaintly built Nilgiri Libraryor the TribalResearch CentreMuseum, with itswonderful collectionof artefacts.Drive past the city limits andthe countryside appears.First, fields of short grass,then rolling downs with sholatrees and rhododendrons inthe background. Hawkers sitby the roadside sellingbottles of mountain honey.There are big trees on bothsides of the road -- and thena tiny village with barrelshapedhuts made of bamboo,grass and cane in the middleof a big, downy meadow.

A group of women isclustered outside outside thesmall, windowless bamboohut, all laughing uproariously,like the cockney extras fromMary Poppins. A womannamed Pingalamma, duskyskinned, with curly hair andall the lines of the worldmapped into her face, comesup to me wearing the traditionalcotton shawl calledputhikuzhi, distinguished byits black-and-red embroideredmotifs. She places theshawl around my shoulders,and whispers into my ear,"Want to see me give ancientblessing to young one ofclan?"

An ancient ritual
Without waiting for myresponse, she lifts her rightfoot and places it on the headof a little girl, who plays tothe gallery with obeisance.

The Todas may have oncebartered buffalo produce inexchange for grains, pots,tools and even medical services.Today, they show offtheir tribal ways to travellersin exchange for silver.

The aspects of ancient lifehere starting from theconical diary temple that isdecorated with sun, moon,and buffalo head motifs matched their guidebookdescriptions. What the guidebookleft out was how warmheartedthe people are andhow adaptable to visitors.

HT Image
HT Image
Oscars 2024: From Nominees to Red Carpet Glam! Get Exclusive Coverage on HT. Click Here

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On