The beautiful state of Kerala is an abode of quite a number of tribal communities. Amongst them, the name of Eravallan tribes deserve due mentioning. As per the observation of the eminent anthropologists of India, the people also identify these Eravallan tribes in their alternative names like Erukala, Irava, Irular, Irular Mozhi, Iruliga, Iruligar, Korava, Yerukula and Kad Chensu. Some even call them Irula, which represents `people of darkness`.

These Eravallan tribes converse with each other in Irula language, which belongs to the Dravidian language family. Some linguists refer this language as Eravallan, Erukala, Irava, Irulan, Irular, Irular Mozhi, Irulavan, Iruliga, Iruligar, Kad Chensu, Korava . Various dialects namely Irula Pallar (Urali Irula), Mele Nadu Irula (Southern Irula), Northern Irula (Kasaba, Kasava, Kasuba), Vette Kada Irula are quite prevalent amongst these Eravallan tribes.

There are quite a few who even have developed fluency in Tamil and Kannada languages. The culture of these Eravallan tribes is quite ennobled as depicted in the plethora of its dancing modes, music as well as several fairs and festivals.

As far as the occupation of these Eravallan tribes is concerned, these tribes have developed expertise in cultivation. Since the region is covered with hills and dense forestry, it is only natural that many of these Eravallan tribes have tried their hands in working as laborers in tea and coffee plantations.