Betta Kuruba
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Betta Kuruba, also known as Betta Kurumba, is a language belonging to the Southern Dravidian subgroup of the Dravidian language family. It is primarily spoken by the Betta Kurumba, an indigenous tribal community residing in the forested areas of the Nilgiri Hills and surrounding regions. This community is mainly concentrated in parts of Karnataka, especially in the Chamarajanagar, Mysuru and Kodagu districts, and also in adjacent areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. While linguistically related to other Kurumba dialects, Betta Kuruba exhibits distinct phonological and lexical features that set it apart.
Recognized as a Scheduled Tribe under the Indian Constitution, the Betta Kurumba community possesses a rich and distinctive cultural heritage. Traditionally, they have lived in the forested landscapes of the Nilgiri Hills, with notable populations in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, and Wayanad in Kerala. Historically, their settlements have been closely linked to the slopes and foothills of the Western Ghats, reflecting their deep connection to the region’s natural environment.
Traditionally, the Betta Kurumba community engaged in shifting cultivation and foraging, though in recent times many have moved towards settled agriculture and forest-based labor. They are known for their profound understanding of forest ecology and the use of traditional herbal medicine. Their spiritual life is deeply rooted in animistic beliefs, featuring nature worship, reverence for sacred groves, and devotion to clan deities and forest spirits, reflecting a close-knit relationship with the natural world.
The cultural identity of the Betta Kurumba community is richly conveyed through oral traditions, folklore, and music. However, their language is currently considered endangered, as many community members particularly the younger generation are increasingly shifting to dominant regional languages such as Kannada and Tamil. This ongoing language shift poses a serious threat to their linguistic heritage. As such, urgent efforts are needed to document, preserve, and revitalize the Betta Kurumba language to ensure the survival of this vital aspect of their cultural legacy.