• Dr. Pandiaraj. G
• Dr. Rengalakshmi

Paliyan community, a primarily forest dependant tribal community, resides in the lower Palani (Kodaikanal and surrounding area) hills in Tamil Nadu. They are largely dependent on forest resources for their livelihoods. Their system of living is nomadic and they gather food by hunting and gathering. In addition, they collect a set of Non-Timber Forest Products like lichens, honey, amla (Indian gooseberry), grasses etc. and sell these in the market. These economic activities are a major part of their livelihoods. However in the recent past there have been changes in their economic activity, due to changes in the forest resource availability as well as access to forest resources. This study focuses on the changes in the livelihoods of men and women and the associated challenges they face. There is specific focus to their rights over forest resources and their culture. The study adopts a qualitative approach in understanding the issues and challenges and their impact on traditional ecological knowledge and associated cultural practices.

Key words: Tribal Livelihood, Marketing, Indigenous knowledge, Forest Act, and Women’s Challenges.

"An Anthropological study on Livelihood dependency of Paliyan Tribes in Lower Palani Hills of Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no.771-781, June 2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1908412.pdf

"An Anthropological study on Livelihood dependency of Paliyan Tribes in Lower Palani Hills of Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no. pp771-781, June 2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1908412.pdf