Jāti system of Kerala
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"Kerala is a lunatic asylum of castes" : Swami Vivekananda
The Jāti heirarchial order of Kerala society, in the past, was a means of delegating duties and profession to people. Now considered to be outdated and unnecessary, it merely assumes a historical value. Note: This article has been named "Jāti system" since the Vedic "Varna system" is not applicable to South India.
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[edit] Savarna
The Savarnas or uppercaste Hindus of Malabar, Cochin and Travancore are mentioned below.
- Brahmins:
- Swadeshi Brahmins - Namboodiri Brahmins
- Paradeshi Brahmins- Migrant Brahmins like Iyers, Saraswats etc who were not allowed the priestly vocation
- Kshatriyas:
- Thirugudams- the Rajahs of Kerala, considered to be of the Nayar sect. A common surname is Varma
- Samanthans- Feudal landlords and rulers, including Nambiars, Unnithans, Nayanars, referred to as Erappali and Thirumukom. Some wear the Sacred Thread (Yajnopaveetam).
- Nairs- The traditional militia of Kerala
- Ardha-Brahmana- Ambalavasis like Variar, Marar, Chakyar, Unni etc who were assistants of the Namboodiri priests and temple servants.
[edit] Avarna
- Kammalans- The artisans, carpenters, sculptors, astrologers etc.
- Ezhava- farmers, peasants, toddy tappers, businessmen
- Mukkuvar- Fishermen
- Pulayan-Equivalent to Dalits
- Paraya-Equivalent to Dalits
- Adivasis-Scheduled tribes, indigenous people- equivalent to Dalits
Namboothiris traditionally referred to anyone less than themselves as Shudras (since they were untouchable to brahmins).
[edit] Dissolution of Jati System
Note the above professions and castes were the arrangements in the past, and merely of historical value. Today, men and women from all jatis have equal opportunity and the ability to achieve whatever goals or undertake any profession they wish to pursue. All members of all these castes have played a significant role in society, and today the jati of a person is a poor indicator of their wealth and prestige.
[edit] See also
- Jāti
- Varna
- Jenmi
- Samanthan
- Namboodiri
- Thevidichi
