JobiBabu M SW et al, IJSRR 2019, 8(1), 1353- 1364 IJSRR, 8(1) Jan. – March., 2019 Page 1353 Research article Available online www.ijsrr.org ISSN: 2279–0543 I nternational Journal of Scientific Research and Reviews Reproductive Health Beliefs, Customs And Practices Of Paniya Tribal Community In Wayanad District, Kerala: An Ethnographical Analysis Jobi Babu MSW * 1 Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Madurai Institute of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Madurai, jobi.misscollege@gmail.com , +91 8547961211 ABSTRACT In India, tribal or aboriginal people play a key part in constructing the cultural heritage and its uniqueness of ‘unity in diversity’. They occupy a major part in the history as they are considered as the true habitants of India. The closeness to environment, adherence to native culture, customs and traditional beliefs make the life of aboriginal people a distinguished one. Yet, often their life is so miserable and pathetic one. Women among the tribal communities are considered as the ‘marginalized among the marginalized’. Women’s health has an important role in determining the health of the family members, especially of the children. But due to the discriminative practices, women are facing several health problems resulting as the victims of the poverty and malnutrition. For the present study, the women in the reproductive age group belong the Paniya tribal community in Wayanad District of Kerala was Selected. The Paniya tribal community is considered as the largest tribal community in the state of Kerala; and Wayanad is the district which has more number of tribal populations in the state of Kerala. The reproductive health disadvantages of the women belong to the Paniya tribal community in Wayanad District of Kerala is the focus of the present paper. Through and ethnographical analysis, the reproductive health disadvantages of the Paniya women, their health beliefs, customs, practices and attitude related to their reproductive health aspect was explored. KEY WORDS: Tribes, Paniya, Reproductive Health, Health Beliefs, Customs, Practices, Attitude *Corresponding Author Dr. JobiBabu MSW MA (Socio), MA (PubAd) 1 Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Madurai Institute of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Madurai, jobi.misscollege@gmail.com , +91 8547961211