Origin and History of AIYANAGOUNDAR

Description:

The Ayyanagoundars are a caste of hereditary priests in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. They are also known as 'Kallar'. They are a Scheduled Caste. The Ayyanagoundars trace their origin to the Kallar community, a sub-group of the Ayyavazhi sect of Hinduism. They are believed to have migrated from the present-day Kerala state in the early medieval period. The Ayyanagoundars are a rural caste and are mainly found in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu. They are also found in the neighbouring states of Kerala and Karnataka. The Ayyanagoundars are traditionally involved in the practice of folk religion and traditional medicine. They are also engaged in the traditional occupation of weaving and dyeing. The Ayyanagoundars are a community of Schedule Caste and are considered to be one of the most backward communities in Tamil Nadu. They are also one of the most prosperous communities in Tamil Nadu. The Ayyanagoundars are generally bilingual and speak both Tamil and Kallar.