Recently, members of the Jenu Kuruba tribe occupied land within the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve to assert their rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA).

Historical Background

• This community was evicted from their ancestral land in Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (NTR).
• The aim of eviction was  to promote wildlife protection and tiger conservation.

About Jenu Kuruba Community

• The Jenu Kuruba tribe is recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• They mainly live in the Kodagu and Mysore districts of Karnataka.
• The name “Jenu Kuruba” comes from the Kannada word “jenu,” meaning honey.

Living and Occupation

• They rely on land and forest resources for income.
• Their traditional occupations include honey collection, gathering food, and using forest resources.
  • The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, legally recognized their rights over forests. 
• They are also known as “Then Kurumba” and “Kattu Naikar”.
• They live in small settlements called Hadi.

Social Structure

• The Jenu Kuruba tribe follows a semi-nomadic lifestyle and does not depend on rulers, police, or religious monasteries for governance.
• They have their own leadership system:
  • Yajamana – The headman who manages the community’s affairs.
  • Gudda – The ritual head responsible for religious matters.
• The headman takes care of all community functions except religious decisions.

Beliefs and Traditions

• They worship their own deities like Odathi (goddess) and Ajjayya (god). 
• Their songs and dances depict themes related to agriculture, marriage, myths, and religious beliefs.