The Badugas are the largest aboriginal indigenous Tribes among the native tribes of the Nilgiri District.
Unlike most other regions in the country no historical proof is found that the Nilgiris was a part of any kingdom or empire.
It was originally a tribal land and was occupied by aboriginals such as the Badugas, Todas, Kotas, Kurumbas, Irulas, Paniyas, and Kattunayakan.
The Badagas live in nearly 440 villages, called "hattis", throughout the district. Baduga people speak language called "Badugu". Language has no Script.
Some of the main villages are Melur, Italar, Tudur, Kukal, Tudagai, Nundala, Melkeri, Bakola, Melkunda, Kilkundha, Tandanadu, Milidenu, Nanjanadu, Nandatti, Accanakal, Jackanari and Kannerimukku.
They are also called as Gowdas of Nilgiris. Badagas are inhabiting in Nilgiri thousands and thousands of years ago.
There are evidence which says Badugas lived in Nilgiris even before Lord Jesus Christ Born. They where inhabiting in Nilgiris over 8000 B.C
Until 11th century Nilgiri was independent. No Historical record has been found that the Nilgiri was a part of any Kingdom or Empire as said earlier. In 1116 A.D. King Vishnuvardana of Hoysala Kingdom of Karnataka was the first king to invaded Nilgiris. He tried to threaten the Badagas and other Tribes, ordered to obey him.
The Brave Badaga King named Kalaraja who was ruling Nilgiris refused his order and fought with him. Vishnuvardana could not defeat King Kalaraja in his first invasion . In his second invasion in around 1142, the King Kalaraja was killed by Vishnuvardana and took control over nilgiris. Even some source says that King Vishnuvardana of Hoysala kingdom admired King Kalaraja's bravery and build a temple for him in his fond memory.
All the information about the war fought between King Kalaraja and Vishnuvardana of Hoyasal are specified in many sculpture of Hoyasala Kingdom in Karnataka, a historical proof.
For the first time in 11th century Nilgiri came under Hoysala Kingdom of Karnataka. Later in 13th century, the Hoysala Kingdom was defeated by Vijayanagara Empire, so Nilgiri came under Vijayanagara Empire.
Later Nilgiris came under sulthan rules after defeating of Vijayanagara Empire in late 17th century.
Badugas paid taxes to Tipu Sulthan. Later in 1799 British defeated Tipu Sultan and captured Nilgiris. Till then Nilgiris was a part of Mysore Province later merged with Madras province, even after Independence.
"Even before Britishers arrived to Nilgiris a Portuguese Priest called Rev. Jocome Fierier visited nilgiris in 1602. He did not stayed in Nilgiris he returned back and informed that he found a group of
Tribal people called Badugas and Todas".
Baduga people distinguished their living place into four categories called Porangadu Seame, Thothanadu Semae, Merkunadu Seame, Kundae Seame. Where nearly 440 Villages come under this four categories.
The Community has seven divisions as, Badugar, Thorayar, Kanakar, Odayar, Haruvar, Lingayath, Athikari.
Many names of places in the Nilgiris District are derived from the Badagu language, e.g., Doddabetta, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Gudaluru, Kunda and othagae(ooty), Kattabetu, Kodanadu, Aravenu etc.,
Due to lack of script Baduga people could not record their history.
Many research has been done on Baduga community and one of the important research done by a French Linguist Called Christian Pilot raichoor.
She has proved that Badugas are the aboriginal Tribes of Nilgiris and they speak an unique language, not a dialect of any language.
"Tundu" (a white piece of cloth) forms an integral part of the attire of Baduga women, and it is presented to dignitaries visiting the villages as a gesture of goodwill. Badugas marry within their community, and there are strict rules about which clan may intermarry with which others. They celebrate Mari Habba, Uppu Attuva Habba, etc., and their important festival is Hethe Habba.
Religion
Badugas worship several Hindu deities, including Shiva, but their main deity is Hethai, Ayya. They celebrate Hethai Habba in a grand fashion spread over a month during December–January every year, and the festival is celebrated all over the district.