Location

Eastern coastal plains, primarily in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.

The tribe is divided among three subgroups: the Manchi Yanadi, Adavi Yanadi, and Challa Yanadi.

Status

Major Scheduled Tribe in Andhra Pradesh; one of India's most vulnerable tribal groups.

Language

Telugu.

Family and Marriage

Marriage by negotiations. The re-marriage of divorcees, widows, and widowers is permitted. The nuclear type of family is more predominant.

Traditional Occupations

Hunting, gathering, and agriculture; known for their deep knowledge of land and natural resources.

Traditional Health Knowledge

Rich medicinal knowledge for everyday and specialized healthcare, e.g., snakebite treatments; use of plants for gastrointestinal, respiratory, skin, and reproductive health issues.

Religious Beliefs

Strong cultural and religious connections to forest flora, celebrated through various beliefs and festivals.

They propitiate some village deities like Poleramma, Chenchamma, Mahalakshmamma etc. They worship Hindu Gods and Goddesses like Venkateswara, Vinayaka and Rama.

They celebrate Hindu festivals such as Sankranthi, Ugadi, Dasara etc., and worship their deities.

Cultural Dance

Dhimsa Dance: Performed during festivals and special occasions.

Political organization

Each Yanadi habitat invariably consists of a traditional village council (Kula Panchayat) for settling the disputes that crop up among the Yanadis due to adultery, theft, land disputes, etc.

The hold of the traditional council is still stronger. Generally, the culprits are admonished by way of imposing simple fines followed by a feast.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about Yanadi Tribe:

1. These are one of the major scheduled tribes of Tamil Nadu.
2. The mother tongue of this tribe is Tamil and they perform Dhimsa Dance on special occasions.

Which of the above-given points is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: d

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Yanadis are one of the major scheduled tribes of Andhra Pradesh. They are among the most vulnerable tribal groups in India. They live in extreme conditions of poverty and social exclusion.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The mother tongue of Yanadi tribe is Telugu. Dhimsa Dance is performed by the Yanadi tribe during festivals and special occasions.