Paraiyar
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- For other usage of this term see the disambiguation page Pariah
Paraiyar also Parayar, Paraya, Pariah, Berava or Sambavas are a social group found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and in Sri Lanka. See Caste in Sri Lanka.
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[edit] Origin
In archaic Tamil, the word "paRai" (பறை) meant "drum", often one used to make announcements. They are attested to in the earliest Tamil literature as bearers and players of the paRai, though it's impossible to tell whether it was an occupational or caste grouping. They are mentioned in late Sangam era literature as a specialized group within the larger depressed social groups associated with paRai (drum) playing for ceremonial and shamanistic purposes.
Eventually the term replaced the archaic Tamil term Pulayar, to denote untouchables in Tamil Nadu. In Kerala both the terms are in vogue. The modern Tamil/Malayalee word Parai means to speak or to tell, deriving from the paRai's ancient use as an announcement device. In Sri Lanka, the term Berava denotes a Sinhalese nominally Buddhist caste of drum beaters, and Paraiyar denotes drum beaters as well as general agricultural laborers among Sri Lankan Tamils. At one time they were traded as slaves by the upper castes.
[edit] Exclusive Development
Separated from mainstream community, at the bottom of the caste system in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, they maintained many pre-Hindu beliefs unique to that area and era. Sudalai Madan is a deity associated with this community.
Their spiritual life includes the knowledge of what are considered arcane mysteries, magic, rituals and beliefs. In consequence, members of the mainstream community consult Paraya shamans, or Velathans in Kerala, for advice that is not otherwise accessible.
They are noted for their musicianship, craftsmanship and dance. Dances include Kōlam-thullal or mask dance, part of their exorcism rituals, and the fertility dance Mudi-āttam or hair-dance.
[edit] Current Condition
Due to affirmative action in post-independence India and conversion to Christianity, some Paraiyars can be found in all walks of life, but in general they are still day laborers in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
[edit] See also
- Pulayar related group
- Pariah an English term in dictionary denoting marginality
- Mariamma Chedathy A folklorist
[edit] References
- The role of Berava Sorcerer or witchcraft
- A Tamil Parayar village in transition
- Discrimination Against Dalits in Tsunami Relief and Rehabilitation in Kerala
- Dalit struggle and a legend
- Parayan Thullal a Kerala dance form where the dancer is covered in charcoal indicating his black color
- Paraiyar Education Fund
- The Changing Fortunes of the Drummer in Medieval Tamilnadu
- Paraiyars Ellaiyamman as an Iconic Symbol of Collective Resistance and Emancipatory Mythography
