Nalavar

Nalavar (Tamil: நளவர், translit. Naḷavar) is a Tamil caste found in Sri Lanka. They were traditionally occupied in palm tree climbing and toddy tapping.[1]

Etymology

According to a folk etymology is the name Nalavar a corrupted form of Naluvinavar (those who decamped), which they gained after withdrawing from a battle field. [2] Another theory suggest the name is derived from Nalua meaning to climb, in reference to their traditional occupation.[3]

History

According to Yalpana Vaipava Malai were the Nalavars originally called Nambis who originally came with the Vanniar chieftains from South India and served as bowmen.[4] The Nambis after withdrawing from a battle, made a living by being hired by the Shanar (caste of palm tree climbers, locally known as Shandar) and took up the Shanars hereditary occupation as toddy tappers.[2] Through marriage alliances between the Nambis and Shanars, evolved the Nalavar identity.[5][6]

The badge and cattle brand mark of the Nalavars is the bow and arrow.[7] The Nalavar along with the Pallar worship Annamar, their caste deity.[8]

Under the Dutch Ceylon was the Thesavalamai law codified.[9] This law allowed landlords to have slaves, and the Nalavars were also employed as agriculture labors, and came under the term Kudimakkal (domestic servants).[10]

See also

References

  1. ↑ McGilvray, Dennis B. (1974). Tamils and Moors: caste and matriclan structure in eastern Sri Lanka. University of Chicago. p. 176.
  2. 1 2 Pillay, Kolappa Pillay Kanakasabhapathi (1963). South India and Ceylon. University of Madras. p. 161.
  3. ↑ Tambiah, Henry Wijayakone (2001). The Laws and Customs of the Tamils of Jaffna. Women's Education & Research Centre. p. 77. ISBN 9789559261162.
  4. ↑ Pulavar, Mātakal Mayilvākan̲ap (1999). The Yalpana-vaipava-malai, Or, The History of the Kingdom of Jaffna. Asian Educational Services. p. 34. ISBN 9788120613621.
  5. ↑ Arasaratnam, Sinnappah (1996-01-01). Ceylon and the Dutch, 1600-1800: External Influences and Internal Change in Early Modern Sri Lanka. n Variorum. p. 381. ISBN 9780860785798.
  6. ↑ David, Kenneth (1977-01-01). The New Wind: Changing Identities in South Asia. Walter de Gruyter. pp. 190–191. ISBN 9783110807752.
  7. ↑ Raghavan, M. D. (1971). Tamil culture in Ceylon: a general introduction. Kalai Nilayam. p. 179.
  8. ↑ Pfaffenberger, Bryan (1977). Pilgrimage and Traditional Authority in Tamil Sri Lanka. University of California, Berkeley. p. 136.
  9. ↑ University of Ceylon Review. University of Ceylon. 1952. p. 34.
  10. ↑ M. D. Raghavan & Tamil culture in Ceylon, p. 109.
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