Pulayar Caste, Gotra And Marriage Traditions

Pulayars are a caste group found primarily in the South Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, and historically in Tamil Nadu. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha in Kerala are areas where the Pulayar community also has a significant population. Also in Tamil Nadu, Pulayars are mainly found in districts like Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, and Madurai.

Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad are some of the urban cities where Pulayars migrated in search of better opportunities, and not only that, they also migrated across the world to countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia where they adapted to the new environment while maintaining their cultural identity.

Who are Pulayars?

If we talk about the term “Pulayar” is mainly derived from the simple Tamil word that is “Pulai”. Which commonly refers to the group of people who keep themselves engaged in the work of agricultural labor. There are some interchangeable terms also that are often used in place of Pulayar such as Pulaya, Pulayas, Cherumar, Cheramar, and Cheraman.

Pulayar Caste: Origin & Historical Background

• To find out where the Pulayar community originated, we can trace their origins back to the agrarian societies of southern India, particularly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where they are particularly engaged in farming and manual labor. They often work on lands which are owned by higher caste landlords and importantly their association with agriculture has been a defining characteristic feature of their identity.
• If we talk about the medieval period, Where in local economies, Pulayar has contributed significantly to agricultural production, With such a great significant contribution they even had to face many problems due to systemic discrimination and marginalization at the same time. Due to their caste status, they are considered ill-mannered as lower caste. Which further limited their social mobility.
• In the Colonial era of the British. The British policies brought further challenges for Pulayars as the Britishers interrupted their traditional land-holding patterns that were carried out by Pulayar. But this was fought by the leader called Ayyankaliin, who belongs to the Pulayar community only. Who fought against caste discrimination and worked towards improving education and social rights of the community.
• After Post-independence, the Pulayar community was finally classified as a Scheduled Caste (SC) which enabled them to access certain affirmative action programs.

Pulayar Gotras

Gotra matching is very important during traditional marriages in Pulayar Caste, especially in Hindu culture. Gotra matching plays an important role during arranged marriages.

While every other community has a well-defined gotra system, the Pulayar community has no well-defined system of gotras. Instead, they are often identified by different family names or local sub-groups that are identified in this community.

While specific gotras may not be formally recognized in this community, there are surely here are some family names and sub-groups that are commonly associated with the Pulayar community that are listed below:

Pulayar

The primary identity of this community is Pulayar and they had a long association with agricultural labor and various traditional occupations. They have a rich cultural heritage that includes folk traditions, music, and dance.

Muthar

The name "Muthar" is commonly associated with certain families that come under the Pulayar community. Muthar families may have some specific roles or contributions in agriculture or local trades.

Kochuparambil

The Kochuparambil family name is often linked to specific agricultural practices. Members of this sub-group may be involved in farming activities and they often work as laborers or tenant farmers.

Puthenveettil

The Puthenveettil family name is associated with particular local trades or crafts. Puthenveettil is mainly involved in traditional crafts such as basket weaving or pottery. Families under this name may contribute to the local economy through their talent for craftsmanship and trade practices.

Vellakkal

The Vellakkal sub-group within the Pulayar community is mainly involved in agriculture and labor. Members of these Vellakkal sub-groups may work on farms and are often engaged in various agricultural activities that contribute to food production and local economies.

Pulayar: Language and Religion

If we talk about language, the Pulayar community speaks two main languages - Malayalam in Kerala and Tamil in Tamil Nadu. Most Pulayars follow Hinduism. However, some other members of the community identify as Christians or Muslims. Their religious practices mainly reflect a mix of traditional customs with the local beliefs of the community.

Pulayar: Customs and Traditions

If we talk about the customs and traditions of the Pulayar community, their agricultural practices are deeply rooted in Pulayar customs, many festivals are centered on crop cycles with Onam and Pongal being the two most celebrated harvest festivals.

Community participation is seen in these traditional festivals celebrated by the community that strengthen social bonds within the community. There are two prominent key festivals that are celebrated by the Pulayars include:

Onam

The most celebrated harvest festival that is celebrated in Kerala which features feasting, music, and dance.

Pongal

Pongal is the most celebrated Tamil harvest festival in Tamil Nadu. In this festival, rice is cooked in new pots as a part of customs and rituals, and then after it is offered to the sun god.

Types of Pulayar Marriages

If we talk about what type of marriages are most preferred in the Pulayar caste then traditionally Endogamous Marriages are usually more preferred in the Pulayar community. Which means marriage occurs within their community.

This endogamous marriage practice is more favored to preserve their cultural heritage, and social identity and strengthen family ties.

Members belonging to the Pulayar community often give significance to marrying within their community as their basic motto is to maintain their customs, traditions, and shared values. Which are essential to maintain their identity.

So, they want their values to be passed down to their future generations also. But now with time, love marriage is also getting accepted and families will also get approved for their marriages that are done by personal choice.