Kammalar (caste)

Kammalar
Religions Christianity, Hinduism
Languages Tamil
Subdivisions
  • Tatchar
  • Kartatchar
  • Tattar
  • Kollar
  • Kannar
Related groups Tamils, Sri Lankan Tamils

The Kammalar is a Tamil caste found in in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in northeastern part of Sri Lanka. The Kammalars, also known as Vishwakarmas, are involved in crafting.[1] Kammalar is a generic term that in Sri Lanka comprises the communities of Kannar (brass-workers), Kollar (blacksmiths), Tattar (goldsmiths), Tatchar (carpenters) and Kartatchar (sculptors).[2]

Etymology

Their name is said to be derived from the phrase "one who gives the eyes", referring to their providing the eyes for statues of deities.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Ramaswamy, Vijaya (2017). Historical Dictionary of the Tamils. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 184. ISBN 978-1-53810-686-0.
  2. ↑ Nyrop, Richard F.; Studies, American University (Washington, D. C. ) Foreign Area; Army, United States Dept of the (1986). Sri Lanka, a country study. US Government, Dept. of the Army. p. 108.
  3. ↑ Bernadette Longo (May 2000). Spurious coin: a history of science, management, and technical writing. SUNY Press. pp. 160–. ISBN 978-0-7914-4556-3. Retrieved 24 May 2011.


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