On the gypsy trail...

Hema Vijay talks to young researcher Siva Chithirai who is researching the lives 'narikuravars' of Tamil Nadu, and is impressed by his fascination with the gypsies.

Millions of years ago, agriculture took anchor on earth. It brought with it civilisation and a settled life. Not for all of humanity, though. Gypsies have continued to escape the snare of having to settle at one place. Unlike other groups, tribal or otherwise, most gypsies have not let go of their freedom. Very little is known about them, and to this day, the fragile status quo of Indian gypsies remains a mystery.

“I have always been drawn to gypsies, right from childhood", says young Siva Chithirai, who is now researching the lives of the Narikuravars (Tamil for ‘fox hunters’) of Tamil Nadu, a counterpart to the European gypsies.

“Children of my village would invariably in awe of the gypsies who would periodically visit my village,” Siva says. Siva and his friends would follow them around and envy them for their school-free lives. The gypsies, however, didn’t really like this attention and pelted stones to drive the kids away. Most children generally outgrow this fascination for gypsies. But Siva remained enamoured of their way of life, though he moved on with his life, got an education and eventually a respectable job. This young man is studying the gypsy phenomenon and has come out with interesting bits of information and a colourful photo essay on the narikuravars. And why not, they are an interesting people.

(MORE)