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Revision as of 08:14, 3 June 2015 by Sitush (talk | contribs) (→Etymology and Nomenclature: this is WP:OR - the 1950 constitution does not mention Cheramar, so the synonymity is not verified)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) Ethnic group| Regions with significant populations | |
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| India Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka | |
| Languages | |
| Vernacular: Malayalam | |
| Religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Dalits, |
Cheramar Christians is a Christian-Converted Caste people living mostly in Kerala State and also in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka of southern India; and they belong to the “Dalit” communities (not factually, for they have no reservations and privileges as of other Dalits) or “Dalit Christians” called in India and in its constitution referring to castes categories and sub-castes of India as one among the thousands of thousands castes of India, but with lower levels irrespective of their long back historical existence and contributions as of any castes in Kerala and India.
Cheramar - Name
Fundamentally these caste people belong to the Aadi Dravida Community called “Pulaya” or “Pulayans” tribe who also were called Cheramans styled in the vernacular Cherumakkal. The term 'Cheruman' from the word 'Cheru' which means 'small' in Malayalam and also the Cheruman denoted the short physical stature of these people. And ‘Cheru’ has another meaning “Cheli or Mannu” (Mud or Clay or Soil) and “Makkal” (Sons) which means the sons and daughters of soil or land. They belong to the agricultural community, as in ancient Kerala and south India; having own –caste-bound livelihood and works. They have dark complexion and strong physique.
And in the modern century, the name 'Cheramar' was officially given to the Pulayas as per their request to the Government because they claimed that they were the descendants of 'Chera Emperors' who ruled over Kerala in the AD 1st century. The name came into official use from the time of Sreemoolam Thirunal Maharaja. Now their official Government Records and certificates or wherever or in whichever refers to caste, it is written “Cheramar Christian”.
Also Read
References
- A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PULAYAS OF KERALA 08_chapter1. pdf
- A memorandum signed by one of the Pulaya leaders—John Joseph08_chapter1. pdf
External links
- People of Kerala-Cheramans-Parayas
- Cheramars get inconvertible status or certification
- Mandal COmmission Report
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