WYNAD Its Peoples and Traditions

Wynad: Its Peoples and Traditions is a seminal ethnographic and historical study of the Wynad region in Kerala, originally penned by Deputy Collector Rao Bahadur C. Gopalan Nair. First published in the early 20th century, this reprint edition from Salmon Books revives a rare and valuable documentation of a region known for its unique cultural fabric, tribal diversity, and complex political history. Blending colonial administrative insight with anthropological detail, the book explores the geography, tribal customs, religious practices, socio-political history, agricultural practices, and colonial encounters that have shaped the identity of Wynad. It offers an in-depth examination of communities such as the Kurichiyans, Mullas, Ralis, and Paniyas, capturing their traditions, beliefs, and struggles amidst socio-political change. Ideal for historians, anthropologists, and general readers interested in South Indian history and tribal cultures, this book remains a vital reference in understanding the roots of Kerala's highlands and its people.