Mavilan is a Tulu speaking Tribe.
Mavilans are habitants of the Kannur district. They are seen in the Vayakara, Thadikadavu, Padyoor, Kalliat, Nidyanga Taluks.
They speak Tulu as their primary language and have knowledge of Malayalam. The Mavilans are divided into two distinct groups known as Tulumans and Chingattans.
Mavilan word originating from mavilavu ‘ a herb where mavilans were traditonally using herb medicines. Mavilans were known as MERAs , a word originated from Tulu language.
TRADITION & CULTURE:
Mangalamkali is a dance ritual followed by the Mavilan tribes of North Kerala. This art form is closely related to the lifestyle of the tribal communities who have incorporated Dravidian culture into their life, and was performed until the 1970s. Both men and women participate in this dance ritual which is performed at certain auspicious occasions like marriages. The performers dance rhythmically to the beat of a traditional percussion instrument called Thudi and the accompanying folk songs. They have have been practising this dance form as an important part of their tradition.
ECONOMIC RESOURCES
Land is the major economic resource, which is controlled by individual proprietors. Traditional occupations of the community are collection and vending of medicianal plants, basket makinng and farm labour. Their primary occupation is agriculture. They are also engaged in animal husbandry, petty business, government/private service and agricultural labour.
MARKODI: Markodi is a dialect of Tulu language which is spoken by Mavilan Tribes within. Since Mavilan people are in Kannur, where Malayalam is a majority language, hence the Markodi dialect is influenced by Malayalam. This dialect is little different when compared to other dialects, though it shares similarities with South-west dialect of Tulu.
RELIGION & WORSHIP:
The Mavilan community members profess Hinduism. They worship Virabadra as their community deity. They also worship Siva, Bhagwati and Vishnu. According to the 2011 census, their population can be estimated to be 14,972.