The Kuravar are a traditional community of South India, found mainly in Tamil Nadu and in parts of Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. They have historically been associated with forest regions, hill areas and settlements located near rural markets and towns. The term Kuravar has been used in different regional contexts, and related names such as Kuravan, Kurava and Korava may refer to communities with distinct local histories. Therefore, their social and cultural position varies from one region to another. Traditionally, the Kuravar depended considerably on natural resources and occupations connected with forests and rural environments. Hunting, gathering forest products, fishing, basket-making, rope-making and the collection and sale of minor forest produce were among the activities associated with different sections of the community. Some groups also engaged in agriculture and agricultural labour. In earlier periods, their mobility was greater because livelihood activities required movement between forests, villages and local markets. With changes in forest administration, settlement patterns and economic conditions, many Kuravar families gradually adopted more settled occupations. Kinship and family relationships are important