SALEM: Simmering discontent within the seemingly peaceful social structure of the Malayali tribals in the remote Pachamalai hills turned into a full-blown revolt with the traditional chieftain being toppled from position in a high-handed coup by a group within the tribal community seeking a power shift.
Thambusamy of Thethagam, belonging to the family holding the chieftain position for the last 110 years, was made to step down. A new group among the tribals staged a coup of sorts to break the stranglehold of the family.
The immediate side effect of this revolt in one of the ancient surviving social structures was banishment of Thambusamy, his family and 10 families of his close relatives. People from 32 villages, which were governed by Thambusamy, have been told to distance themselves from him and his relatives. The ostracised families are prohibited from using the village well and entering into village temple. The villagers have been forbidden from offering respect to Thambusamy during community functions.
“They told Thambusamy that since the family has been holding the position of chieftain for 110 years there was need to infuse change into the system. When Thambusamy refused to give in, they turned people against the chieftain and his family,” said the chieftain’s supporters, submitting a complaint to the district administration.
Having lost the official privileges of a chieftain, Thambusamy and his relatives have been deprived of the benefits enjoyed by even a commoner in the community-based mode of life. “We are not even allowed to draw water from the well, let alone being respected. No one comes forward to share anything with us. We cannot continue to live this way,” said Thambusamy.
K Kubendiran, former State president of Tamil Nadu Scheduled Tribe (Malayali) Peravai and a native of one of the Pachamalai Naddu, feels that the change in agenda of the new regime hurts the progressive governance of a community. Thambusamy and his relatives have approached the police and revenue authorities for help.