India has a very diverse and vast community of tribespeople. Among them are the Hakki Pikki in the south Indian state of Karnataka. Their story is quite an interesting one; a journey from forest-based livelihoods to global trade networks.
The name “Hakki Pikki” comes from the local Kannada language: hakki meaning bird and pikki meaning to catch. They are traditionally known for bird catching, a skill that once sustained them in forested habitats.
Over time, changing laws and social and environmental pressures have forced them to move away from this occupation.
THEIR ORIGINS
The Hakki Pikki are believed to have roots in northern India, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan. They are linked to the legendary Rajput ruler Rana Pratap, suggesting a warrior lineage.
After his death, they are said to have migrated southwards, passing through Andhra Pradesh before eventually settling in Karnataka. Today, they are concentrated mainly in the districts of Davangere, Mysuru, Kolar, Hassan, and Shivamogga.
In the mid-20th century, government rehabilitation drives relocated many families from forest areas to the fringes of towns and cities. According to the 2011 Census, their population in Karnataka stands at just under 12,000, making them a relatively small but distinct community.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Hakki Pikki story is their livelihood.
Drawing on generations of indigenous knowledge, they specialise in herbal medicines, particularly Ayurvedic oils and natural remedies.
What sets them apart, however, is the extent of their outreach. Many of them travel internationally, especially to African and Gulf countries, where they sell these products directly. In April 2023, over 300 Hakki Pikki members were stranded in Sudan during a violent conflict after travelling there for trade.
Despite limited formal education, they have adapted quickly to modern tools. Platforms like WhatsApp help them coordinate across borders, while apps like Shopify enable online sales, making them unlikely but effective global entrepreneurs.
Closer to home, families supplement their income by crafting artificial garlands and decorative items for urban markets.
CHALLENGES
Education remains a key hurdle. While children now attend government schools and aspire to professional careers, language is an issue. Their mother tongue, Vaagribooli — closely related to Gujarati — differs from Kannada, the medium of instruction in schools in Karnataka. There are also social concerns, including alcoholism.
Another challenge is historical stigma. The Hakki Pikki were once classified under the Criminal Tribes Act as a “criminal tribe”, a label imposed during colonial rule. Though the Act itself was repealed in 1952, its shadow lingers, often leading to suspicion and discrimination.
Scholars and activists have argued that the community’s specific needs are often overlooked when they are grouped broadly under Scheduled Tribe categories. There are growing calls for more targeted recognition and welfare measures.
QUIRKY TRAITS
There are some unusual cultural practices among them.
- Unlike most Indian communities, it is the groom’s family that bears the wedding expenses and pays dowry to the bride’s family.
- Women play a central role in family and social decision-making.
- Children are often named after places or professions. Names such as "Japan", "America", "Lawyer", "Coffee", and "Mysore Pak" are not unusual.
ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE
From bird catching in forests to selling herbal remedies across continents ... their journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and ingenuity.
Unlike many indigenous communities that struggle to adapt, the Hakki Pikki seem to have achieved a balance between preserving their identity and embracing modern realities.
(Information sources: Wikipedia, National Law School of India University, Down To Earth, Frontline)
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