Paraiyan (Paraiyar) History - Few unknown and known facts

The earliest mention of Paraiyan / Paraiyar is in the 11th century, ie, during the Chola period. It was during this time Chola power was at its zenith. Their rule extended from present day Tamil Nadu to as far as part of Bengal in the East. The Chola kings constructed huge temples. From 9th century to 13th century huge temples were constructed at regular intervals in present day Tamil Nadu. These temples were constructed of Rocks. Rock in Tamil is Parai. Huge labourers (manpowers) were required to transport these rocks to the temple construction site. At the temple construction site these rocks were made into various structures of various shapes. There are the pillars. There are the fine art works of gods and goddess in various poses in these pillars. Each part of the temple is made of rocks. The chain from carrying the rocks to the actual construction consisted of many castes. This chain of many castes was housed in Parai Cherri. Sari or Saree or Cherri can also mean in Tamil as Fix. Parai Cherri can also mean Rock Fixer.

Take current example, An office consists of various people. There is the owner, there is the managing director, there is the CEO, Accountant, Peon, Computer Operators, Reception, staff and lot many people. Likewise in Parai Cherri too there were many castes and each caste or people over there had a definite role to do.

In later times the people residing in Parai Cherri came to be known as Paraiyan / Paraiyar. Many castes might have left Parai Cherri also, as their role in Temple Construction might have ended. As per the first population census which was conducted in between 1865 to 1872 as many as 138 castes were included in Paraiyan / Paraiyar, this includes the Sambhavan, Valluvan, Kōliyan and others.

There is no mention of the caste of the artisans who made beautiful statues of gods and goddess with these rocks. Now it is anybody guess. My guess says it has to be one of the caste residing in Parai Cherri who made the statues or helped in making the statues.

After the decline of the Chola Empire gigantic temple construction came to an end.  The latter rulers added a new temple in the existing temple complex or repaired the temple whenever needed.

In 1311, Alauddin Khalji army led by Malik Kafur invaded Tamil Nadu. He succeeded in subjecting many local kings. He looted the temple wealth. From 13th century Paraiyan / Paraiyar status started to decline. The Muslim invaders were forcibly converting non-Muslims to Muslims. There is no written record of Paraiyan / Paraiyar being converted.

By the 17th century the Britishers had established their power in India. They employed Paraiyan / Paraiyar in large numbers in Army. But that too came to an end after 1857.

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Part 1 - The History of Paraiyan / Paraiyar - An Analysis

https://valluvashastri.blogspot.com/2018/09/paraiyans-paraiyars-untold-history.html


@gomadityavalluvan

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