Toda tribe, also known as Dodha tribe, is the most ancient and unusual communities of the
Nilgiri Hills of
Tamil Nadu. The tribe members have their own language. Though of Dravidian origin, the language has no script.
Todas have their own secretive customs and regulations. They are nature worshipping tribes. Most worshipped deities are hill-gods. Among them, Lord Amnodr (the realm of the dead) and Goddess Teikirzi are important.
The community is known for its Toda embroidery garments. This art-work, practiced exclusively by the women, is done using red and black threads on a white background, producing a rich effect.
Most of the members have large herd of buffaloes. They manage livelihood from milk products. Todas are also expert in silver-smithy.
