Koliyar is one of the artisan castes of the ancient Tamil society.[1] They are a community of weKolis who were regularly mentioned in medieval Tamil inscriptions.[2] They were classified together with the Taccar (carpenters, stonemasons etc.), Kollar, and Tattar as constituting the Kilkalanai group. According to historian K.V Subrahmanya Iyer, this term referred to the Sanskrit Anuloma.[3].Koliyars are Surya Kula by Origin and Claim descendancy from Koliyas
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu, India | |
| Languages | |
| Tamil | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Tamil people |
History
editThey seem to have been a powerful and influential group during the period of the Cholas as we find many sovereigns assuming titles such as Koliyar-Ko (King of Koliyar), Koliyar-Kula-pati (head of Koliyar), etc. so much so that historians sometimes use the term Koliyar as a synonym for the Cholas.[4][5]
It is of interest to note that Uraiyur, the early Chola capital was also known as Koliyur.[6] Though it is generally presumed to be named after the City of fowl or cock, it perhaps takes its name after this once popular community.[7]
Culture
editThe Koliyas Gotta is mostly Shiva Gotra and they mainly follow pattam Or Clan to identify their lineage. Their culture is unique in its own way but has in link many aspects of Mukkulathar, Mutharaiyar and Paraiyars and other Communities. Despite their claim being migrants from North india their culture and language is well assimilated and indistinguishable from the natives. The place they live is called Nadu which is further divided into grammar or kurram. Their Kula Deivam mainly includes Aiyanar, Pattavanswami, and Pothiamma and other deities. Their settlements are found mostly along with Kallar, Ambalakkarar, Asari
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Naṭana Kācinātan. "Ancient Industries of Tamilnadu". Special Commissioner and Commissioner of Museums, Government Museum, 2007. p. 18.
- ^ Raju Kalidos. History and Culture of the Tamils: From Prehistoric Times to the President's Rule. Vijay Publications, 1976. p. 18.
- ^ Auvai Naṭarācan. Art Panorama of Tamils. State Department of Archaeology, 1992. p. 17.
- ^ S. R. Balasubrahmanyam, Balasubrahmanyam Venkataraman, Balasubrahmanyan Ramachandran. Later Chola Temples: Kulottunga I to Rajendra III (A.D. 1070-1280). Mudgala Trust, 1979. p. 164.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ N. Sethuraman. Early Cholas: Mathematics Reconstructs the Chronology. Sethuraman, 1980. p. 43.
- ^ Kalaiñar Mu Karuṇāniti. Gleanings from Sangam Verses: English Version of Sangat Thamizh. Tamil University, 1997. p. 54.
- ^ C. P. Venkatarama Ayyar. Town Planning in Ancient Dekkan. Asian Educational Services, 1994. p. 11.
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