Astronomy of Cholanaikkan tribe of Kerala

TL;DR

This paper explores the astronomy-related knowledge and practices of the isolated Cholanaikkan tribe in Kerala, India, based on observations during a 2016 visit, highlighting their indigenous understanding of celestial phenomena.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed account of the tribe's astronomy and technological knowledge, documenting their indigenous scientific practices.

Findings

The tribe has unique celestial knowledge and interpretations.

They possess traditional methods for tracking seasons and celestial events.

Their knowledge reflects a rich indigenous science of astronomy.

Abstract

Cholanaikkans are a diminishing tribe of India. With a population of less than 200 members, this tribe living in the reserved forests about 80 km from Kozhikode, it is one of the most isolated tribes. A programme of the Government of Kerala brings some of them to Kozhikode once a year. We studied various aspects of the tribe during such a visit in 2016. We report their science and technology.