Livelihood of Irular community people of Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu

India is home to a vast number of tribal communities, with a total population of 84.51 million, comprising around 8.14% of the country's total population. There are approximately 449 tribes and sub-tribes dispersed throughout different regions of India. More than half of the tribal communities live in forest areas and their livelihoods are closely linked with the forests. In Tamil Nadu, the tribal population is 7.21 lakh, which accounts for about 1.10% of the total tribal community population in India. The tribal communities in Tamil Nadu are spread across almost all districts, each having their unique way of living and livelihood that distinguishes them from other communities. These communities follow their own traditions, customs, cultural practices, and have a significant role to play in our society, both directly and indirectly. The purpose of this study was to examine the livelihood of the Irular community people in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. The Irular community is one of the largest tribal communities in the region, spread across 14 districts in Tamil Nadu as well as parts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Their way of life has influenced the customs and traditions of other communities in Tamil Nadu. The study used a mixed method of data collection, including random sampling and structured and semi-structured interviews, as well as analysis of primary and secondary data from journals, news articles, case studies, and an NGO's work.