Masters of Snakes

In the heartlands of South India, nestled within the rich tapestry of cultures, lies the captivating story of the Irula tribe – a community that not only coexists with snakes but has mastered the art of turning venomous encounters into a unique livelihood.

Join us as we unveil the lesser-known facts and intriguing stories that make the Irula tribe truly exceptional.

The Fear and Fascination:

When snakes slither into the realm of human experience, fear often takes the forefront. The mere mention of venomous species like cobras, kraits, black mambas, and Russell’s vipers is enough to send shivers down the spine.

However, amidst this fear, the Irula tribe stands out as fearless snake charmers, playing with these deadly creatures as if they were mere toys.

The Irula Lifestyle:

The Irula people, numbering around 300,000, predominantly inhabit the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu in South India. For generations, they have not only lived alongside snakes but have turned this coexistence into a unique way of life.

More than 90% of the community members possess an extraordinary skill – the ability to identify and capture snakes. What’s even more fascinating is that this proficiency spans across all age groups, from children to elders and women.

Key facts about the Irula Tribe:

• Irulas are one of India’s oldest indigenous communities and they are a particularly vulnerable tribal group.

• They live primarily in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu, as well as in parts of Kerala and Karnataka.

• They speak Irula, which is related to Dravidian languages like Tamil and Kannada.

• Irulas have traditionally caught snakes and rats, but they also work as laborers.

• Irulas’ knowledge of snakes and snake venom is legendary. They can even locate snakes based on their tracks, smell, and droppings.

• The Irula Snake Catchers’ Industrial Cooperative Society is a major producer of anti-snake venom (ASV) in the country.

Snake Charmers Turned Conservationists:

The Irula tribe’s journey took a remarkable turn in 1978 when scientist Romulus Whitaker extended a hand of friendship. Before this alliance, the Irula people used to sell snakes to the British.

However, with the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, their source of income was abruptly cut off. Whitaker’s collaboration with the tribe led to the establishment of the Irula Snake Catchers Industrial Cooperative Society.

The Anti-Venom Mission:

The Irula tribe’s expertise lies not just in catching snakes but in extracting their venom for a higher purpose. Operating under government licenses, they are permitted to catch specific snake species, including King Cobras, kraits, Russell’s vipers, and Indian Saw-scaled vipers.

The venom extracted becomes a crucial ingredient for the production of anti-venom injections, saving countless lives from the deadly effects of snakebites.

The Irula Snake Catchers Industrial Cooperative Society:

Founded in 1978, this cooperative society has evolved into one of the world’s largest organizations dedicated to snake venom extraction.

With hundreds of members, the society plays a pivotal role in not only conserving the Irula tribe’s unique way of life but also contributing significantly to public health.

Life in Clay Pots:

Adapting to the scorching temperatures of their region, the Irula tribe stores captured snakes in clay pots with wide mouths. The snakes are placed in these pots, covered with cloth, and secured with a thread. Each snake can be kept for a maximum of 21 days, during which the Irula people extract venom four times.

Friends, the Irula tribe’s journey from snake charmers to conservationists is a testament to their resilience, skill, and the unique harmony they have established with the venomous world of snakes.

As we delve into the stories and lesser-known facts about the Irula tribe, we uncover a community that not only thrives on mastering the art of snake handling but also contributes significantly to the field of medical science.
(Pic Courtesy: Google.com)

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Categories: infotainment

Tags: #MasterOfSnakes, #SnakeCatcher, #TheSnake, @IrulaTribe, featured