தமிழர் பழங்கு மக்களின் ஜவ்வாது மலைவாழ் மக்கள் பெறுமிடம்

The Significance of the Jawadhu Hills People among the Ancient Tamil Tribal Communities

Abstract

According to the Tamil Lexicon, the term Savvadu refers to a fragrant substance secreted from a particular type of cat. There exists a species of cat known as the Punugu Cat (civet cat). The fluid secreted from the body of this civet cat is called Savvadu. Some scholars believe that the Jawadhu Hills derived their name from the abundance of these civet cats in the region. Informants also state that these civet cats are still found in the forests today and that their distinctive fragrance can be sensed even when they pass nearby. Another explanation suggests that the hills may have been named Savvadu Malai because of the presence of numerous sandalwood trees in the region.