Pulayar | |
---|---|
Religions | Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism |
Languages | Malayalam, Kannada |
Country | India |
Populated states | Kerala, Karnataka, Tamilnadu |
Ethnicity | Malayali |
Notable members | Ayyankali, P. K. Chathan Master |
The Pulayar IPA: [pulɐjɐr] (also Pulaya, Pulayas, Cherumar, Cheramar, and Cheraman) is a caste[1] group mostly found in modern-day Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka and historically in Tamil Nadu. They are classified as a Scheduled Caste under India's reservation system in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.[2][3]
Pulayars 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.[4][5][6] The folk dance Chozhikali 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 a Scheduled Caste under India's reservation system in the state of Kerala[2] and Tamil Nadu.[3]
Arts of Pulayar caste: