தோடர் சொல் சார்ந்த கலைகள் | Toda Verbal Art

The Toda community of Nilgiri, Tamil Nadu, is a small pastoral group whose rich oral heritage reflects their deep connection to their land, culture, and traditions. Despite their small population size, the Toda people have been extensively studied, with their language, lifestyle, and religious beliefs well-documented by scholars. Their unique religious practices, where temples are sacred dairies and priests are revered as holy milkmen, highlight the intertwining of their pastoral lifestyle with their spirituality. Over the years, however, the traditional pastoral lifestyle of the Toda has evolved, with many community members now engaging in farming and other livelihood activities. Despite these changes, the Toda's land rights, secured during British rule, have played a crucial role in preserving certain aspects of their traditional way of life. Furthermore, the Toda language, classified as critically endangered, remains a vital aspect of their identity, with efforts underway to document and preserve their oral artistry. Through their folk songs and narratives, the Toda people express their encounters with modernity, addressing themes such as British interference, technological advancements, and interactions with neighbouring communities. Overall, the Toda's oral artistic heritage serves as a testament to their resilience and cultural richness in the face of changing times.