The Irulas are one of the primitive forests dwelling community inhabiting predominanatly in the northen and party in the western districts of Tamilnadu. They are traditional hunter-gatherer, dependent of the forest resources for their livelihood. The other local names for Irulas are hunters, forest naikers, snake charmers, snake catchers, snake man amd mountain hunters.
According to 1991, census the total population of Schedule Tribes in Tamilnadu was 5,74,000. This is almost one percent of the total population. There are about 36 sub-castes included in the list. However, the Trulas are the dominant community and their population alones about 1,16,850.
Irulas are once nomadic tribal moving all over plains and and laer settle down near the forests fringes. They used to collects honey, tubers, fruits, from the forests and hunts monitor lizard, hare, jungle cat and other small animals (Mammals). They live in groups and collects the forests resources as group or at least with family members. After the enactment of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 their lifestyle has been completely changed. Moreover their traditional knowledge on nature and their skill in handlings animals are not exposed to the world.
Shrinkage of forests and forest resources the irulas are forced to migrate from forests fringes and settled near by villages. Of late Irulas started exploiting the reptiles by poaching mainly for trade in snake and lizard skin until it was banned in 1972. The forest dependes Irulas were moved from village to towns to find out food and shelter. The Irulas are never been trained in agriculture laborers, bonded laborers and unskilled workers in rice mill and Brick Lyn industries.
Mr.Romulus Whitaker founder of the Chennai Snake Park Trust and Tmt. Revathi Mukerji, social activistare wanted to uplift socio economics conditions of Irula tribes and protect their traditional knowledge on nature and particularly, their skill in snake handling. In this context they met the Registrar of Industries and commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu and sought assistance to promote the Irulas tribal.
The society has been registered under the Department of Industries and Commerce. The Director of the Department of Industries and Commerce act as a Registrar. The members of the society elects the Board of Directors including the President and Vice President and other five members of the society. The Board will manage the society.
In the absence of Board, the Special Officer nominated by the Government will be an officer in-charge and mangae the society.
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