Aruneshwari*
Victim
Under the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, by virtue of Act 5 of 2009, the definition of “victim” was added by way of section 2(wa) to mean a person who has suffered any loss or injury caused by reason of the act or omission for which the accused person has been charged and the expression “victim” includes his or her guardian or legal heir. [1]
Narikuravargal
The Narikuravars are a semi-nomadic tribal community primarily found in Tamil Nadu. The name Narikuravargal can be divided into two words, Nari (fox) and Kuravar (a nomadic or tribal community) where the fox in their first name connects to the practice of observing animal behavior, especially foxes, to make fortune predictions of the future. Foxes were often considered religious creatures with the ability to sense upcoming events. The Narikuravargal probably evolved from the larger Kuravar tribal community, a group traditionally associated with unsettled lifestyles, hunting, and gathering. Some specific groups of people within this community are proficient in fortune telling, giving a new rise to the Narikuravargal. They play a significant role in predicting natural signs and offer wise guidance an important occasion. Many Narikuravargal might have been Siddhar or spiritual healers who were well-versed in the Siddha medical system. [2]
Occupation
In ancient times, they were skilled in tracking and hunting small animals, birds, and reptiles, using simple tools like traps, slingshots and bows. Implementation of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in India, hunting was prohibited to secure the endanger species. Narikuravargal was engaged in traditional systems of education, spiritual practices, and community leadership. They were responsible for the youth by educating philosophy, literature, ethics, religion, and governance. This education was typically through oral traditions, where ancient would teach from religious write like the Thirukkural, Tamil Sangam literature, and some Vedic texts. They often as monks, pastor who led rituals and provide advices to individuals about religious and spiritual leadership. [3,4] Many narikuravars families make sell handmade bead necklaces, bracelets during festival. some are selling the small items such as toys, hair accessories, or household goods in roadside stalls and travelling vendors.
10.5281/zenodo.15277148