|
There are various theories, which suggest that they might have had a foreign origin but there are no concrete proofs for this theory. Another theory is that an ancient ruler of Kerela, Cheraman Perumal, invited a section of people, called Chekons, to his kingdom from Ezhathu Nadu (Sri Lanka) - hence the name Ezhava. Still another assumption states that their name, Thiyyas, is derived from Theevy, a corruption of the Sanskrit dwipa (island).
The word 'Ezhava' was probably mentioned for the first time in the 9th century. It appears in the Tariaspally inscription of the Emperor Sthanu Ravi and later in the Tanjavur inscription of Rajaraja Chola. In the latter it was used as the name of a community. The Sangam classics, like the Silappadhikaram and Manimekalai, do not contain any such term but they mention 'Uzhavars' (cultivators) and the phonetic closeness between the two words (Ezhava and Uzhava) is obvious. A possible inference is that the castes of South India had already come into existence a couple of centuries before these inscriptions as a result of the influx during the pre-Christian era of Aryan Brahmins. But their impact then was not as great as Buddhism was the predominant religion. Kerela was first ruled by the Chera dynasty and the Cheras were Villavas or Ezhavas. When, eventually, the Brahmins got the upper hand the social structure changed but the Ezhavas refused to submit to them and paid for it dearly.
(Last Updated on : 08-04-2009)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recently Updated Articles in Indian Religion
|
|
|
| • | Nadar Caste
One of the most renowned castes of Tamil Nadu is the Nadar caste. The Nadar community is a mixture of sub-castes and classes of different origins, which came under one banner of Nadar caste gradually.
| | | • | Concept of Ultimate Reality
Concept of Ultimate Reality in Bhagavad Gita states that Brahman is ground of existence and all realities. As per the Concept of Ultimate Reality, Brahman is all-embracing, uncreated and infinite. Brahman is the reason and objective of all that exists in the world..
| | | • | Elements of Vastu
Vastu Shastra is traditional Indian systems of architecture originating in India. Elements of Vastu are Earth, Water, Air, Space and Fire.
| | | • | Sati
Sati is the wife of Lord Shiva and the Hindu goddess of marital felicity and longevity. She is known to have immolated herself unable to tolerate foul words for her husband, spoken by her father Daksha.
| | | • | Legends of Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva
Legends of Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva mentioned in the Mahapuranas and Upapuranas. Lord Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
