The Tamil speaking Pulayan are referred to as the MalaPulayans, a group categorized as scheduled caste by State government of Tamil Nadu. Their traditional livelihood is foraging yams and small gaming in the nearby forest areas combined with cultivation of several species of minor millets in small plots located near their hamlets to meet their subsistence requirements.
The MalaPulayans, a group identified as scheduled caste by the Tamil Nadu government, are known for their traditional occupation. They gather yams and engage in small-scale gaming in nearby forests, supplemented by cultivating various minor millets on small plots near their villages to meet their essential requirements.