| Kammalar | |
|---|---|
| Religions | Hinduism |
| Languages | Tamil |
| Subdivisions |
|
| Related groups | Tamils, Sri Lankan Tamils |
The Kammalar (கம்மாளர்) is a Tamil caste group found in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in northeastern part of Sri Lanka. The Kammalars are involved in crafting.[1] Kammalar is a generic term that comprises the communities of Kannar (brass-workers), Kollar (blacksmiths), Tattar (goldsmiths), Tatchar (carpenters) and Kartatchar (sculptors).[1][2].The are of Shudra status in the Hindu caste system, but claim to be Brahmins and wear the sacred thread.[3]
Etymology
The word Kammalar is derived from the Tamil word Kam meaning "art" or "operation".[4] The Kammalar finds mention in ancient Sangam literature, mentioning them by the name Kammiyar. [5] Their name is said to be derived from the phrase "one who gives the eyes", referring to their providing the eyes for statues of deities.[6]
Synonyms
Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka
In Tamil Nadu, Tamil Asari is known as Tamil Kammalars. They are goldsmiths and landlords.
The Pather (Kammalar) community in Nachiyar Koil town of Tamil Nadu are renowned for making the ornamental brass Nachiarkoil lamps.[7]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Ramaswamy, Vijaya (2017). Historical Dictionary of the Tamils. Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 107, 184. ISBN 978-1-53810-686-0.
- ↑ Nyrop, Richard F.; Studies, American University (Washington, D. C. ) Foreign Area; Army, United States Dept of the (1986). Sri Lanka, a country study. US Government, Dept. of the Army. p. 108.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ Kramrisch, Stella (1994) [1983]. Exploring India's Sacred Art. University of Pennsylvania Press, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Motilal Banarsidass Publishers. p. 61.
- ↑ Mahalingam, T. V. (1967). Early South Indian Paleography. University of Madras. p. 223.
- ↑ Pillay, Kolappa Pillay Kanakasabhapathi (1979). Studies in Indian history: with special reference to Tamil Nādu. Pillay. p. 340.
- ↑ Bernadette Longo (May 2000). Spurious coin: a history of science, management, and technical writing. SUNY Press. pp. 160–. ISBN 978-0-7914-4556-3. Retrieved 24 May 2011.
- ↑ PM Narendra Modi gifts Xi Jinping Annam lamp, Times of India, 11 october 2019.
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