The Upper Nilgiris Region
IBDP students from a leading international school visited 2 tribal hamlets in the upper Nilgiris (South India) region to study the culture, religious practices, ceremonies and modern day challenges of The Toda tribe – classified as a Primitive Tribal Group (PTG). The group of about 30 students accompanied by school teachers had prepared questionnaires and were eager to learn about the past and present lifestyle of this tribe.
A Toda Elder sharing her wisdom
Outdoors questionnaire with Toda elders
A study group discussing the learning of the day
Some of the key learning of the days field study were
The religious practices of the Todas: past and present
The temple in every hamlet and the role of priests. The Po temples of Todas
The role of women in the community
Birth, marriage and death ceremonies
Traditional practice of Polyandry
The traditional knowledge system of architecture and embroidery of the Todas
The Ferral Buffaloes and their place in the Toda community
The disappearing grasslands and impact on Toda lifestyle
The dependence on the Shola forests nearby
Livelihood challenges for communities that reside in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats
The Toda Hamlets
And we had tons of Fun too!!
Some games and lunch served hot from the boot of a car
We take the opportunity to thank all the elders of the 2 villages who so willingly and patiently answered the numerous questions that our students had.
For Further information on our Educational Field Trips, please contact
oneearthfdn@gmail.com
+91-9008000338
