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The Kurichiyas are a matrilineal tribe of Kerala, India.

Traditionally, members of this tribe have lived in relative isolation in the Wayanad Hills. The Kurichiyas are divided into matrilineal clans known as kulam. they are considerd as the highest tribes among Adivasis, strictly following "ayitham", legend is saying that they were out casted nair soldiers who lost a war and their cast so they became "vanavasis" (jungle dwellers ). The Kurichiyas worship some of the same deities as other Hindus in Kerala, such as Kuttichattan and Vettakkaran, and Kali (also called Mariamma). The Kurichiyas worship their deceased ancetors, called Nizhal (shadows) as well as a number of deities unique to their tribe. Also they worship four Great Mother-Goddesses who dwell in Heaven:

• The culture-bringer Malakkari (Kari of the hills)
• The firerce Mother-Goddess Karimpili (the dark one from the hills)

The Kurichya tribe helped King Pazhassi Raja of Wayanad to fought against the British during the last decades of the 18th century.

[edit] References

A. Aiappan and K. Mahadevan: Ecology, Economy, Matriliny, and Fertility of Kurichiyas. Delhi: B. R. Publishing Corporation 1990.