MANJU VASUDEVAN

Kerala's long forgotten handcrafted Kannadipaaya has acquired geographical indication tag a couple of months ago. Dr.Manju Vasudevan, a Conservationist & Ecologist at River Research Centre, talks to Pazzage Magazine about how the forest dwellers of the Muthuvar community in central Kerala work together with Forest Post, an organisation that develops livelihood opportunities.

- Roshna Chandran

Using bamboo reeds to weave a signature style Kannadipaaya is a well-known craft among the women of indigenous forest communities belonging to Muthuvar, Urali, Mannan, Kadar and Malayar. A craft that was highly valued during olden Kannadipaaya is also known as mirror mat due to its shiny, radiant surface and thin weave. In fact, the weaving is so fine that once upon a time, it was made as gifts for the royal family of Idukki and Cochin.

times, Ecologist Dr.Manju Vasudevan has been working closely with forest dwellers to help assert Community Forest Rights. Bringing together the artisan women to form informal group, Manju and her team have facilitated an skill development in training Kadar, Malayar and Muthuvar communities focusing on value addition of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP). This way, Adivasis are able to find a sustainable livelihood without jeopardising forest resources. "In most parts of Idukki and Ernakulam district, the material used is Teinostachyum wightii or creeper bamboo," explained Dr.Manju, "while in the Sholayar forests and Edamalayar valley, weavers use Ochlandra travancorica or reed bamboo. A 6 x 3 feet Kannadipaya can cost between Rs.3000 and Rs 4600."