Jenu Kurumba language is a Dravidian language. It is spoken by people called 'Jenu Kurumbas'. These people live in the borders of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu. The total population of these people is around 1 lakh. They are called as 'Kaatunayakas' in Tamilnadu and Kerala. They are called as 'Jenu Kurumbas' in Karnataka.

Jenu Kurumbas live in the forest and mountain areas. In the earlier days, they were living deep inside the forest. But these days they are living in the outskirts of forest area. Some of them live in settlements of 15 to 20 families. Some of them live in the colonies made by the Government. In the earlier days, honey-tapping was their main occupation. These days, they not only tap honey, but also work as daily labourers. Some of them work as mahouts.