The bamboo rat trap is a traditional instrument made by the Urali tribe of Tamil Nadu, a remarkable example of indigenous engineering possessing eco-friendly craftsmanship. Being nature-friendly and advocates of sustainable living, the Urali community has mainly evolved devices that, while useful, also back the environment.
The rat trap is made by splitting bamboo strips, bending, and assembling them into a bow-stave-like form to create the requisite bowstring tension for trapping. These various bamboo segments are tied together with the use of bark rope, an environmentally friendly binding material that gives flexibility and great strength to the structure. The triangular portion at one end serves as the engaging mechanism where the bait is placed and where the trap snaps shut when the movement of the rodent displaces it.

The trap does not employ any metal or other artificial material, adhering to the Urali tribe's belief of cohabitation with the forest. Such an efficient design for snaring rodents that destroy crops and stored food is also an example of a zero-waste concept making use of locally available biodegradable materials.
This traditional rat trap, while having emerged with its modern counter-forms, remains, in itself, a symbol of the Urali tribe's profound knowledge system on forest ecosystems, their ingenuity, and their fine appreciation for animal behavior. It is a cultural artifact, providing insight into tribal modes of subsistence and reminders of sustainable ways that have long been practiced among indigenous communities in India.