Valluvar (caste)
Valluvar is a sub-caste belonging to the Paraiyar community in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. They are the hereditary priests of the Dalits of Tamil Nadu.[1][2][3]
Origin
Valluvars are believed to have been the priests of the Pallava kings before the introduction of Brahmins and for sometime after their arrival.[1] The exalted position of Valluvars in the social hierarchy during those times is indicated by inscriptions which refer to Valluvars in a respectful manner.[4] Moveover, the Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar is believed to have been a member of this community[5] and there is a subsect of Valluvars claiming descent from him.[4][3]
An Independent Community
Though Valluvars were regarded as Paraiyars by caste Hindus, Thurston mentions that Valluvars did not eat with Paraiyars.[6] Valluvar houses were generally located at a significant distance away from the parcheri where they lived.[6] Owing to their occupation as preists, all males over twelve wore the sacred thread.[6] The Valluvars were also noted for their abstinence from beef.[6]
Sub-Sects
The important sub-sects of Valluvans are Paraiyan, Tavidadari and Tiruvalluvan.[7] Valluvars are broadly classified into two main sub-divisions: Arupadhu Katchi or sixty clans and Narpadhu Katchi or forty clans [7]
The Arupadhu Katchi considered themselves the descendants of Nandi Gurukkal and have his name as their gotra.[7] The Narpadhu Katchi are of the gotra Sidambara Sayichya Ayyamgar.[8] The sub-division alvar claim descent from Tiruppan Alvar.[8]
Practices
Valluvars follow both Saivism and Vaishnavism. Saivite and Vaishnavite Valluvars dine together, but not intermarry.[4]A particular class of Valluvars officiated as priest at Paraiyar funerals.[4]This particular class of Valluvars was known as Paraiya Tadas and were regarded as inferior by other sections of Valluvars.[4] Another section of Valluvars wear a necklace of tulsi beads and are known as Alvar Dasari or Tavadadhari.[4] Some hold that the true Valluvan is one who practices astrology and that those whho officiate as priests aren't true Valluvars.[7] The affairs if the commmunity are handled by a caste-council.[8]The community is headed by a Kolkaran or a Kanakkan.[8] There are the hereditary astrologers of the Indian temple town of Vaithiswaran Koil and are considered experts in Nadi astrology.[9]
Prominent Individuals
See Also
Notes
- ^ a b Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 303
- ^ Bayly, susan (2004). Saints, Goddesses and Kings: Muslims and Christians in South Indian Society, 1700-1900. Cambridge University Press. p. 387. ISBN 0521891035, ISBN 9780521891035.
- ^ a b Daniel, E. Valentine (1996). Charred Lullabies: Chapters in an Anthropography of Violence. Princeton University Press. p. 30. ISBN 0691027730, ISBN 9780691027739.
- ^ a b c d e f Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 304
- ^ Forlong, J. G. R. (2003). Encyclopedia of Religions Or Faiths of Man Part 3: V. 3. Kessinger Publishing. p. 432. ISBN 0766143090, ISBN 9780766143098.
- ^ a b c d Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 310
- ^ a b c d Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 305
- ^ a b c d Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 306
- ^ Raghavan, M. "Turning over old leaves". The Sunday India. Retrieved 2008-09-20.
References
- Thurston, Edgar (1909). Castes and Tribes of Southern India Volume VII. Madras: Government Press.
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