As part of the ongoing project retracing Francis Buchanan’s journey through southern India, a recent visit was made to the Ramagiri-Savandurga region. During his original journey in 1800-1801, Buchanan explored the Ramagiri hills (locally known as Ramadevara Betta), In his writings, mentioned a tribal community called the “Cad Eriligaru” (Kadu Iruligaru) situated between the Savanadurga hills and Ramagiri., who identify themselves as “Cat’chensu” (Kadu Chenchu). He documented their appearance, language, and way of life in remarkable detail. Their language, a dialect of Tamil, contains a mix of Kannada and Telugu words, with a distinct accent different from Madras Tamil.

Buchanan also recorded information about their origins and living patterns: some members resided deep within the forests, while others lived in nearby villages. Their occupations included collecting lac, wood, wild roots, herbs, honey, wax, bamboo rice, and other forest products.

Today, this tribal community is locally referred to as “Kaadu Poojaru” (meaning “Worshippers of the Forest”). Most members now live in clustered villages scattered around Ramanagaram, such as Iruligara Doddi and Iruligara Colonies. While a few still venture into the forest to collect herbs, they are reluctant to disclose other practices like hunting or gathering forest products. Many have transitioned to agriculture, and some have moved to cities in search of jobs.

The younger generation of this community is more integrated into mainstream society. They are fluent in Kannada, which they have adopted as their mother tongue, while only the older generation retains fluency in the Iruligara language. Sadly, this language is on the verge of extinction, as the younger members show little interest in preserving it.

Although some members of the community still live in huts, many remain marginalized, with government welfare schemes yet to reach them. Immediate attention is required to improve their living conditions and preserve their unique cultural heritage.

Retracing Buchanan’s journey after over 200 years has been an extraordinary experience, highlighting the resilience and transformation of the Iruligaru tribe. Much of what Buchanan documented still holds, making this journey of exploration and documentation both fascinating and invaluable.

Shiva is an avid field explorer of history and the environment and is Project Field Researcher at FAIR.