Iluvar

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The Illuvar also known as Iluvar, Ezhuvar, Ezhuva, Izhuva, Illathar, or Eravallar are a caste of people from Tamil Nadu or Kerala.

They are mostly engaged in toddy tapping, ayurvedic treatment, martial arts or the liquor business. In parts of Tamil Nadu, they are also known as Vadugan, "people from the north" - a reference to the fact that they have migrated from Andhra Pradesh. In Andhra they are variously known as Edigas, Goud or Balijas.

Illuvar from state of Kerala are similar to Kerala's Ezhava caste. These people are also found in Palakkad ditrict of Kerala; they speak a mixture of Tamil and Malayalam.

The caste in Tamil Nadu has following names as per the OBC list of Tamil Nadu central government

  • Eravallar
  • Ezhuva
  • Illathu Pillaimar
  • Illuvar
  • Ezhuvar
  • Illathar


[edit] See also