Origin of the Kerala tribes
The first citizens of Kerala, as believed by Archaeologists were the hunter-gatherers.
They are the so-called Ting Negrito people who take pride in their knowledge of herbal medicine and skills in interpreting natural phenomena. They can still be found on the mountains of southern India to date.
The next were believed to be the Austriches. They are of the same stock as the present-day Australian Aborigines. These people laid the foundation of the Indian civilizations and introduced the cultivation of rice and vegetables which are still taking place in Kerala.
They are the ones who introduced snake-worship in the state. The traces of such ancient worship and rites have been found among the Aboriginal tribes of Australia.
After them, the Dravidians (The Mediterranean people) came who absorbed many of the beliefs of the Negrito and Austric people although they were strongly inclined to the worship of the Mother Goddess in all her myriad forms: Protector, Avenger, Bestower of wealth, wisdom and arts.