Nestled in the picturesque Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, lies a community deeply intertwined with nature & tradition – the Todas. Picture this: amidst the lush greenery of tall mountains stands a small hamlet, its thatched roofs blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, in the gentle sway of the trees & the crisp mountain air, the Todas thrive in their harmonious abode. Revered as the guardians of the Nilgiri Hills, their way of life is a blend of cultural richness & ecological harmony. 

Remote Hamlets and Unique Dwellings 

In the shadow of Udhagamandalam (Ooty), the Todas find their haven in quaint thatched hamlets, affectionately called ‘Mandhs’. Built with arched roofs of wooden frameworks resembling half barrels, these dwellings reflect the simplicity of Toda architecture.

Though connected by roads, reaching these remote Mandhs in the lofty heights proves challenging without personal transport and a local guide. 

Sacred Traditions & Beliefs 

Central to Toda life is their reverence for nature & spirituality, worshiping the “Paanch Pandavas” as embodiments of the five elements: Air, Water, Earth, Sky, and Fire. Water buffaloes hold a sacred place in their community, with each Mandh dedicating a buffalo solely to the temple. 

 Locally known as “Bubalus bubalis” these special buffalos’ milk is used exclusively for temple rituals. All temples across the Mandhs have engravings of a buffalo at their entrances, symbolizing the Todas’ deep connection for these sacred animals. 

Textile Treasures: Toda Embroidery

The famous Toda Embroidery, also locally known as “pukhoor” meaning flower, handcrafted on “Puthukali” a densely embroidered double shawl is emblematic of Toda craftsmanship & tradition. Worn by both men and women, the traditional shawls adorned with intricate symmetry & geometric designs are a tribute to the flora and fauna that surround the Todas’ habitat.  

Crafted with love and skill, each Puthkuli carries the essence of Toda culture, with its vibrant hues of red, black, and blue reserved for special occasions. While traditionally embroidered by women at home, Todas are wary of commercialization, fearing the loss of their craft’s unique identity. Don’t forget to check out beautiful Toda shawls at Jaypore.com.

For centuries Toda people lived in isolation in the Nilgiri hills. As custodians of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Todas epitomize the delicate balance between humanity & nature. Their story, steeped in tradition and resilience, serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving indigenous cultures and ecological diversity. 

Read more about Toda Tribe & their famous Toda embroidery in Telegraph covered by Jaypore.

At Jaypore, our team immerses ourselves in the lives of these tribal artisans, fostering cultural exchange and understanding. It’s not just about the products they create; it’s about embracing and honoring diverse ethnicities and their artistic expressions. Join us in celebrating the soulful artistry of the Toda Tribe and other indigenous communities as we bring their crafts to the world, proudly representing Indian heritage.

Watch the Toda Tribe video here

Pictures Credit : @Behrupiaa & @SanketKhuntale