Kaniyar
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Kaniyar (Kaniya, Kaniyaru, Kaniyan) The term Kaniyar means people who cultivate and predict. They are located in the districts of Bangalore, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Mandya, Hassan and Dakshina Kannada of Karnataka state, India.
However, the community is notified as a scheduled tribe under the nomenclature Kaniyan and Kanyan in Kollegal taluk. They speak Kannada. Adult marriage is the rule and mates for marriage are acquired through negotiations. Monogamy is the general form. Residence is patrilocal. The nuclear families predominate. Parental property is divided equally among the sons and the eldest son inherits succeeds the father. Women take part in economic activities and contribute to family income. Ancestor worship exists. Astrology, the practice of herbal medicine and exorcism are the traditional occupations. In villages, agricultural labour, silkworm rearing and silk reeling are the other occupations followed by them. They have a community association. They are Hindus and the followers of Ramanujacharya. They celebrate festivals. They have positive attitude towards formal education, modern health system and family welfare.
There may be some relations between Karnataka kaniyars and Kerala Kaniyars.
CategoryEthnic groups in India
