Pallars

Pallars are a community of people primarily residing in the southern part of India, specifically in the state of Tamil Nadu. They are also known as Devendrakula Vellalars, a name that was officially granted to them by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2021. The Pallars traditionally engaged in agriculture, and they are one of the major subgroups of the larger Vellalar community.

History

The history of the Pallars can be traced back to the ancient Sangam period, which lasted from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. During this time, they were known as Mallars and were recognized as a warrior class. Over time, their societal role shifted towards agriculture, and they became known as Pallars, a term derived from the Tamil word pallam, which means low-lying land.

Social Structure

The Pallars are divided into several sub-castes, including the Kudumbar, Pannadi, and Kadaiyar. These divisions are largely based on geographical distribution and occupation. Despite these divisions, the Pallars as a whole have a strong sense of community and shared cultural practices.

Culture and Religion

The Pallars follow a variety of cultural practices and rituals that are unique to their community. They celebrate festivals such as Pongal, which is a harvest festival, and Adi Perukku, which is a festival to honor water. In terms of religion, the majority of Pallars practice Hinduism, with a significant number also following Christianity.

Current Status

Today, the Pallars are recognized as a Scheduled Caste by the Indian government, which entitles them to certain protections and benefits under the Indian constitution. However, they continue to face social and economic challenges, including discrimination and poverty.

See Also

• Vellalar
• Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
• Tamil Nadu

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