Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book offers an interpretative account of the socio-economic life of the Malapantaram – a nomadic community living in the montane forests of Kerala State, South India. It offers an historical sketch of South India and attempts to locate the position of the forest tribes within Travancore society – the middle of the nineteenth century being taken as a point of reference. The book presents further background material. It outlines the character of the Ghat forests, and discusses the nature and implications of recent environmental and social changes. The book offers some introductory notes on the Hill Pandaram, describing in some detail the cultural niche in which they live.