Pulayar

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Pulayar
Ayyankali Statue.jpg
Total population
(1,041,540 (2001))
Regions with significant populations
Languages
Malayalam
Religion
Hinduism,
Related ethnic groups
Parayar

The Pulayar (also Pulaya, or Pulayas or Holeya or Cherumar) are an untouchable caste[1] forming one of the main social groups in modern day Kerala and Karnataka as well as in historical Tamil Nadu or Tamilakam.

Traditions

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.[2][3][4]

Demography

According to the 2001 Census, the Pulayan population in Kerala was 1,041,540, being 3.27 per cent of the total population.[5]

Notable people

See also

Arts of Pulayar caste:

References

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  4. http://www.soas.ac.uk/research/publications/journals/ijjs/file46109.pdf
  5. http://censusindia.gov.in/Tables_Published/SCST/dh_sc_kerala.pdf