Kammalar (caste)

The Kammalar (கம்மாளர்) is a Tamil caste group found 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 comprises the communities of Kannar (brass-workers), Kollar (blacksmiths), Tattar (goldsmiths), Tatchar (carpenters) and Kartatchar (sculptors).[1][2]

Kammalar
ReligionsHinduism
LanguagesTamil
Subdivisions
  • Thachar
  • Karthachar
  • Thattar
  • Kollar
  • Kannar
Related groupsTamils, Sri Lankan Tamils

Etymology

The word Kammalar is derived from the Tamil word Kam meaning "art" or "operation".[3] The Kammalar finds mention in ancient Sangam literature, mentioning them by the name Kammiyar. [4] 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.[5]

Synonyms

Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka

In Tamil Nadu, Tamil Achary[6], Acharya or Asari are known as Tamil Kammalars. They are goldsmiths and landlords.

The Pather (Kammalar) community in Nachiyar Koil town of Tamil Nadu are renowned for making the ornamental brass Nachiarkoil lamps.[7]

See also

References
  1. Ramaswamy, Vijaya (2017). Historical Dictionary of the Tamils. Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 107, 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. Mahalingam, T. V. (1967). Early South Indian Paleography. University of Madras. p. 223.
  4. Pillay, Kolappa Pillay Kanakasabhapathi (1979). Studies in Indian history: with special reference to Tamil Nādu. Pillay. p. 340.
  5. 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.
  6. "Achari (surname)", Wikipedia, 19 July 2019, retrieved 19 July 2019
  7. PM Narendra Modi gifts Xi Jinping Annam lamp, Times of India, 11 october 2019.


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