Arayan is a Malayali caste of Kerala, India. They inhabit the coastal regions of the state. The main source of income of this community is fishing. Many legends of historical and mythical importance are associated with this community.[1]
This small community endured a great loss due to the Tsunami that hit the southern states of India following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.
Traditionally, the naval armies of both Travancore and Cochin were headed and manned by Arayans, while they along with the Muslim Marikkars formed the naval forces in Malabar. The Arayans of Travancore under Velu Thampi Dalawa and Chempil Arayan rebelled against the British in 1808, which was the first rebellion against the British in Kerala.
Some historians treat them as subsect of Mukkuvar community found across South India and Sri Lanka although in caste hierarchy Mukkuvars are considered inferior to Arayans. The Indian spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi was born to an Arayan family.