Pulayar | |
---|---|
Religions | Hinduism,Christianity,Buddhism |
Languages | Malayalam,Kannada |
Country | India |
Populated states | Kerala,Karnataka,Tamilnadu |
Ethnicity | Malayali |
Notable members | Ayyankali,P. K. Chathan Master |
ThePulayarIPA:[pulɐjɐr] (alsoPulaya,Pulayas,Cherumar,Cheramar, andCheraman) is acaste[1] group mostly found in modern-day Indian states ofKerala,Karnataka and historically inTamil Nadu. They are classified as aScheduled Caste under India'sreservation system in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.[2][3]
Pulayars are noted for theirmusic,craftsmanship, and for certain dances which includeKōlam-thullal, a maskdance which is part of their exorcism rituals, as well as theMudi-āttam or hair-dance which has its origins in a fertility ritual.[4][5][6] The folk danceChozhikali is performed by the Pulayar community of central Kerala.[7]
According to the 2011 Census, the Pulayan population in Kerala was 1,338,008.[8] They are aScheduled Caste under India'sreservation system in the state of Kerala[2] and Tamil Nadu.[3]
Arts of Pulayar caste: