Holiya are a scheduled caste of India, mainly belonging to present day Karnataka State,[1][2] Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu and also Madhya Pradesh[3]
Originally, they were one of the out-caste, commonly an agricultural labor. The term Hola means an agricultural field and term Holiya is derived from Hola.[1]
In British India, Holiyas lived in Canara, Coorg Province and Mysore. They were one of the lowest class, a perdial slave, who can be sold by the owner of the estate in which they were located.[1][2]
Holiyas are considered to be a sub division of Dher. Among Dhers there were three principal class of slaves called Holiyas, Yemaru and Paleru.[1]
Holiya are also known by name of Pariah in some areas.[1][4] The old Tamil poems and early Christian writing don not mention the word Pariah or Paraiyan but mention name of a tribe called Eyninas, who were quiet distinct form the rest of people and did not live in villages, but in forts of their own. Mr Francis, a historian, regards them as ancestors of present day Pariahas or Holiyas.[1]