Our focus area is Wayanad district;- the most backward district of Kerala state. Wayand is famous for its, cool tropical climate and lush green hills, valleys and forests. The district is emerging as a major location for eco-tourism in southern India. It is also the inheritor of ancient religious and cultural heritages. These are reflected in the diverse religious institutions, festivals and tribal arts, ballads etc. The several old forts and monuments still existing in the district expose the historical and archeological importance of the area. It also is one of the tri-juncture districts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala known as the ‘Nilgiri Biosphere’ which is world famous for its bio-mass resources, environment richness and scenic beauty.
Wayanad extends over an area of 2125 sq. k.m. and according to 2001 Census, holds a population of 780619 0of which 391273 are male and 389346 female. The population also includes 136062 indigenous /tribal people which is the highest concentration in the state. The density of population is 367 / sq. k.m. and the literacy rate is 73.88%. Map
The people of the district belong to two broader categories; The indigenous / tribal people and the migrants. The former are the original inhabitants of the district and the latter are who came from elsewhere in the course of the history. Massively people migrated from Southern Kerala during the post-World War-II seeking fertile land for agriculture. These migrants belong to all castes and creed; - The Hindus belonging to their various castes, the Christians and Muslims. While Muslims came mainly for business purposes; all others came for agricultural occupations. Among the migrants are also the Kannada speaking Jains, Gowdas and the Kshathriyas. And there are the Muslims and Tamils who came as labourers to work in the Coffee and Tea Plantations of the British Planters.
