Hakki Pikki Tribe

About Hakki Pikki Tribe:

• Hakki Pikkis (Hakki in Kannada means ‘bird’ and Pikki means ‘catchers’) are a semi-nomadic tribe, traditionally of bird catchers and hunters.
• It is one of the major tribal communities in Karnataka. They also reside in the Western and Southern states of India, mostly near forest areas. 
• The community migrated from Northern India, mainly Gujarat and Rajasthan, and is now mainly concentrated in Shivamogga, Davanagere, and Mysuru district of Karnataka.
• They are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in India.
• Occupation:
  • After the implementation of stricter wildlife laws, the tribe changed its occupation from hunting to selling spices, flowers, Ayurveda formulations, and herbal oils.
  • They now travel globally to sell these products, especially in the African continent, where there is a demand for cheaper alternatives to Western medicine.
• Language:
  • Despite being surrounded by Dravidian languages and living in southern India, the community speaks an Indo-Aryan language.
  • Their mother tongue was designated as 'Vaagri' by scholars.
  • UNESCO has listed 'Vaagri' as one of the endangered languages.
• Rituals and customs:
  • The tribe follows Hindu traditions and celebrates Hindu festivals.
  • The tribe prefers cross-cousin marriages. The society is matriarchal, where the groom gives dowry to the bride’s family.
  • The eldest son in a family is not supposed to cut his hair so that he can be identified easily.
  • They are non-vegetarians.