Valluvar (Tamil: வள்ளுவர்) is a sub-caste belonging to the Paraiyar community in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. They are the hereditary priests of the Pallars and Paraiyars of Tamil Nadu.[1][2][3][4][5]

Origin

Valluvars are believed to have been the priests of the Pallava kings before the introduction of Brahmins and for sometime after their arrival.[1] The exalted position of Valluvars in the social hierarchy during those times is indicated by inscriptions which refer to Valluvars in a respectful manner.[6] Moreover, the Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar is believed to have been a member of this community[7] and there is a subsect of Valluvars claiming descent from him.[6][3][4]

An independent community

Though Valluvars were regarded as a subgroup of the Paraiyar community by caste Hindus, Thurston mentions that Valluvars did not eat with Paraiyars.[8] Valluvar houses were generally located at a significant distance away from the parcheri where they lived.[8] Owing to their occupation as priests, all males over twelve wore the sacred thread.[8] The Valluvars were also noted for their abstinence from beef.[8]

The Valluvars are also called Pandaram or Valluva Pandaram..[8] The priests of the Valluvars are sometimes called Vellala Pandaram, Thiruvalluva Nayanar.[8]

Valluvars were an untouchable caste.[9][10]

Sub-sects

The important sub-sects of Valluvans are Paraiyan, Tavidadari and Tiruvalluvan.[11] Valluvars are broadly classified into two main sub-divisions: Arupadhu Katchi or sixty clans and Narpadhu Katchi or forty clans [11]

The Arupadhu Katchi considered themselves the descendants of Nandi Gurukkal and have his name as their gotra.[11] The Narpadhu Katchi are of the gotra Sidambara Sayichya Ayyamgar.[12] The sub-division alvar claim descent from Tiruppan Alvar.[12]

Practices

Valluvars follow both Saivism and Vaishnavism. Saivite and Vaishnavite Valluvars dine together, but not intermarry.[6] A particular class of Valluvars officiated as priest at Paraiyar funerals.[6]This particular class of Valluvars was known as Paraiya Tadas and were regarded as inferior by other sections of Valluvars.[6] Another section of Valluvars wear a necklace of tulsi beads and are known as Alvar Dasari or Tavadadhari.[6] Some hold that the true Valluvan is one who practices astrology and that those who officiate as priests aren't true Valluvars.[11] The affairs of the community are handled by a caste-council.[12]The community is headed by a Kolkaran or a Kanakkan.[12] There are the hereditary astrologers of the Indian temple town of Vaithiswaran Koil and are considered experts in Nadi astrology.[13][14]

The Valluvars generally officiate in Paraiyar marriages[14] and funerals. During such occasions, Valluvar priests used to chant Sanskrit shlokas.[14]

Prominent individuals

Notes

  1. 1 2 Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 303
  2. ↑ Bayly, susan (2004). Saints, Goddesses and Kings: Muslims and Christians in South Indian Society, 1700-1900. Cambridge University Press. p. 387. ISBN 0521891035.
  3. 1 2 Daniel, E. Valentine (1996). Charred Lullabies: Chapters in an Anthropography of Violence. Princeton University Press. p. 30. ISBN 0691027730.
  4. 1 2 Astrological Magazine. 1986. p. 259.
  5. ↑ Ghurye, G. S. (1991). Caste and Race in India. Bombay: Popular Prakashan. p. 361. ISBN 9788171542055.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 304
  7. ↑ Forlong, J. G. R. (2003). Encyclopedia of Religions Or Faiths of Man Part 3: V. 3. Kessinger Publishing. p. 432. ISBN 0766143090.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 310
  9. ↑ Moffatt, Michael (2015). An Untouchable Community in South India: Structure and Consensus. Princeton University Press. p. 103.
  10. ↑ Deliege, Robert (1992). "Replication and Consensus: Untouchability, Caste and Ideology in India". Man. 27 (1): 155–173. doi:10.2307/2803599. ISSN 0025-1496. JSTOR 2803599.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 305
  12. 1 2 3 4 Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Pg 306
  13. ↑ Raghavan, M. "Turning over old leaves". The Sunday India. Retrieved 20 September 2008.
  14. 1 2 3 B. Pandian, Thomas (1895). Slaves of the Soil in Southern India. University of Michigan. p. 24.

References

  • Thurston, Edgar; K. Rangachari (1909). Castes and Tribes of Southern India Volume VII. Madras: Government Press.
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