Vannar

Vannar is a Tamil caste found primarily in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and northeastern parts of Sri Lanka. The community has traditionally been involved in laundry, exorcism and as ceremonial officiators.[2][3] They are in Tamil Nadu classified as Most Backward Class.[4]

Vannar
Total population
2,072,625 [1]
Regions with significant populations
 India
Other significant population centers:
Languages
Religion

Etymology

The word Vannar is thought to be derived from the Tamil word vannam meaning "beauty".[5] The chief of this community use the title Kattadi, meaning exorcist.[6]

History

The Vannars traditionally occupy the Sangam landscape Marutham.[7] The Vannars were also involved in the practice of Ayurvedic medicine.[8] The Vannars served as kudimakkal or domestic servants, who also gave importance as ceremonial officiators.[9]

See also

References
  1. "Tamil News - Latest Tamil News - Tamil News Online - Vikatan". Vikatan. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
  2. Setty, E. Desingu (1990). The Valayar of South India: Society and religion. Inter-India Publications. p. 304. ISBN 9788121002387.
  3. Bahadur), Sarat Chandra Roy (Ral (1986). Man in India. A. K. Bose. p. 19.
  4. "Tehelka - The People's Paper". Archive.tehelka.com. 27 August 2005. Archived from the original on 11 December 2014. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
  5. Fuchs, Stephen (1981). At the bottom of Indian society: the Harijan and other low castes. Munshiram Manoharlal. p. 226.
  6. David, Kenneth (3 June 2011). The New Wind: Changing Identities in South Asia. Walter de Gruyter. p. 203. ISBN 9783110807752.
  7. Ramaswamy, Vijaya (26 September 2016). Women and Work in Precolonial India: A Reader. SAGE Publications India. ISBN 9789351507406.
  8. Cartman, James (1957). Hinduism in Ceylon. M.D. Gunesena. p. 134.
  9. Pranāndu, Mihindukalasūrya Ār Pī Susantā (2005). Rituals, folk beliefs, and magical arts of Sri Lanka. Susan International. p. 459. ISBN 9789559631835.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.