Tarai

Weather spirit-class being classed as deity. Forms the cosmological monsoon pair with Biliku; in some bands the two are spouses or siblings, in others rivals whose alternating dominance produces the seasons. Generally male where Biliku is female. Term given in Latin transcription (Andamanese is unwritten).

Domains

• storm and monsoon wind
• rain and the wet season

Powers

• send the southwest monsoon with his breath
• Sends the south-west monsoon with his heavy breathing

Relations

• spouse: Biliku

Sources

• A. R. Radcliffe-Brown, The Andaman Islanders, Cambridge University Press, 1922
• A. R. Radcliffe-Brown, The Andaman Islanders, 1922