Irular is the second largest tribal community of Tamil Nadu. Most of them inhabit the Nilgiris. It is forest-based life. The twelve clans of Irular people worship nature and have a non-vegetarian diet. Though extremely underdeveloped, they have rich ecological knowledge and cultural traditions in 60 villages. The Population according to 2011 census is 6020. Irular's have changed from food-gathering to traditional farming and wage labour. They make brooms from wild grass, collect forest produce, and work in farms or plantations. A few cultivate millets, some engage in production of tea or coffee, still others weave baskets, and some are involved in cattle rearing, fishing, hunting, and forestry.

They also excel in the production of brooms made from wild grass known as ‘Seeve’ and baskets with assistance from cooperatives. Besides farming, Irulars gather forest produce such as honey, herbs, and jackfruit, which are sold in local markets. Wage labour, especially in farming and plantations, has also emerged as an important source of income. Irulars find employment on tea, coffee, and pepper plantations in the forests. Some of them are engaged in cattle rearing and activities that go with forests. Labour seasonal migration is prevalent, particularly during peak agricultural times. Women actively participate in weaving, gathering, and petty trade. Though modernization took place, the Irular still depend strongly on natural resources, mixing traditional wisdom with new livelihood opportunities.