Do you know about the Toda people of the Nilgiri Mountains? How many are they now?

The Toda people are a Dravidian ethnic group who live in the Nilgiri Mountains of southern India. They are a pastoralist tribe who traditionally lived in isolation, but they have had increasing contact with the outside world in recent years.

The Toda language is a Dravidian language, but it is the most aberrant of that linguistic stock. The Toda people are known for their unique culture and traditions, which are centered around their sacred buffalo. The buffalo is considered to be a gift from the gods, and it plays an important role in Toda religion, culture, and economy.

The Toda people traditionally live in settlements called mund, which consist of three to seven small thatched houses. The houses are built on a wooden frame and have a domed roof. The Toda people are skilled weavers and potters, and they also produce a variety of dairy products from their buffalo.

In recent years, the Toda people have faced a number of challenges, including the loss of their traditional grazing lands, the introduction of new diseases, and the increasing assimilation into mainstream Indian culture. However, the Toda people are a resilient community, and they are working to preserve their unique culture and traditions.

Here are some other interesting facts about the Toda people:

• They are one of the few tribes in India that practice matrilineal inheritance. This means that property and assets are passed down to heirs through the female of the family.
• The Toda people are known for their beautiful embroidery, which is often done in intricate geometric patterns.
• The Toda people have a rich oral tradition, and they are known for their storytelling and music.
• The Toda people are a declining tribe, and their population is estimated to be around 700 people.

The Toda people are an important part of the cultural heritage of the Nilgiri Mountains. Their unique culture and traditions are a valuable asset to India, and it is important to support their efforts to preserve their way of life.