| Ayyankali | |||
| Total population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,041,540 | |||
| Regions with significant populations | |||
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| Languages | |||
| Religion | |||
Hinduism |
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| Related ethnic groups | |||
The Pulayar (Malayalam: പുലയര്), also Pulayar, Pulaya, or Pulayas or Holeya or Cheramar, are one of the main social groups found in Kerala, Karnataka and in historical Tamil Nadu or Tamilakam.
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The Pulayar people have their separate and exclusive traditions and beliefs, partly due to their segregation from the mainstream community at the bottom end of the caste system in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Thus they have maintained their local folkloric or pre-Hindu belief systems that were unique to that age and area.
Their marriage rituals were described by Edgar Thurston,. Nowadays many of these customs have fallen into disuse. Traditionally women of this caste are more independent compared to the women of other caste. The spiritual life of the Pulaya includes certain ancient magic rituals and practices that have a certain reputation. Members of the mainstream community may consult Pulaya sorcerers (Manthrikavadi) in Kerala, for advice.
Pulayas are noted for their music, craftsmanship, and for certain dances which include Kōlam-thullal, a mask dance which is part of their exorcism rituals, as well as the Mudi-āttam or hair-dance which has its origins in a fertility ritual.[1][2][3][4]
Other Pulayar traditions include the Theyyannam, a ritualistic dance performed by the Pulaya and Kurava communities. Theyyannam is found in Mavelikara, Pandalam and some places in Alappuzha District. When man turned to cultivation, his liking and respect for it began to increase. Though he cultivates different crops, he has a partiality for paddy cultivation. This is the theme of Theyyannam.Drum, Cymbal, Kuzhal, Perumbara, Conch, Cherututi, Utukku and Chermangalam are well known musical instruments used in Theyyaattam. The rhythm of the playing of these instruments varies from Theyyam to Theyyam. The continuous playing with measured interludes helps to make the performance very interesting. According to the rhythm of the instruments, the same instrumental players recite Thottams also of the particular deity.The thottam of pottan theyyannam (of pulayans) depicts the dialogue between Sree Shankaracharya and a elder of pulayan community, the verses "even if I am stabbed what comes out is blood and even if you are stabbed what comes out is blood" is very popular.
Bhadrakali thullal is a devotional offering of Pulayas for the deity Bhadrakali. Special pandals are constructed in the fields after the harvest and the dances are performed. They are quite drawn-out and have numerous phases.
Pulayars are considered to be the original inhabitants of Kerala, and held much power. They gradually lost power to the Ezhavas, who immigrated from Sri Lanka. It is also said that they hail from the Chera dynasty. Hence many even today call themselves as Cheramar. They believe they were once the royal blood line of King Chera. Later they were made a low caste by the higher castes like Nambudri's and Nairs. They are the first community in Kerala from Dalit community with local priests and Swami of Ramakrishna Missions.
Snake worship (nagaradhana) was prevalent among many Pulaya families all over Kerala.
They did use surnames like other groups. But off late many have been identified calling themselves as Cheramar or Cheraman Pulayan or Cheramar Pulayar or Cheramar Christian
In the 19th century, Ayyankali was influential in the upliftment of this downtrodden group. The followers of Ayyankali have an organization called Kerala Pulayar Maha Sabha (KPMS). It was formed with the help of C. P. Ramaswami Iyer.
In general the Pulayar have seen a revival in their Hinduism and economic conditions; some Pulayars like the former Chief Justice of India K. G. Balakrishnan have risen to high positions.
In neighbouring Tamil Nadu state, the word Pulayar was replaced by Paraiyar and Pallar.
Due to affirmative actions including Land Reforms and better education avenues in Kerala, Pulayars are making some progress.
According to the 2001 Census, the Pulayan population in Kerala stands at 1,041,540 forming 3.27% of the total population of Kerala.[5] However, during earlier times, the Pulayan community constituted for a larger share of population in Kerala. For example the 1891 Census recorded 515,000 Pulaya Hindus comprising 8.68% of the total population. In Malabar, Pulayar comprised 12% of population in 1856 (the year when slavery was abolished), and in 25 years (1881) only 2% of population was Pulayar. The rest were converted to Islam as the status of a low-class Muslim was near Hindu Tiyar (Izhava) caste.[6] But no large scale conversion of lower castes occurred during the 20th century.
In Travancore, the Hindu Pulaya population increased by 15% during the 1901–41 period, while the total population grew by 105.6%. Along with the conversion to Christianity, low birth rates might have caused the decrease in population share. According to 1941 Census, Ezhava and Nair women had an average of 3.84 and 3.61 children respectively, while Pulaya women had 3.43 children and the Paraiyar had 3.13 children.[7]
Arts of Pulayar caste: