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History of Thiyyars

Theeyars (also spelt as Thiyya/Thiyyar) are the largest single Hindu community in Malabar region. The most cultured, highly educated and influential in every aspect of social life, they have outshone other segments of people in every walk of life. Their population is estimated to be over 35 lakh When Malabar was a constituent district of the erstwhile Madras State, Theeyars were included in the list of forward Castes. After the formation of Kerala State they were added to the list of Other Backward Classes presumably for enjoying the advantage of reservation. That was how they were equated to a distinctly different caste, Ezhava of Travancore, who have their origin in Dravidian migrants from Ceylon.

Theeyars, the earliest inhabitants of Malabar are descendants of Indo-Aryan race who came over to Tian Shan region of Central Asia when their mother land - Crete Island – was inundated by a terrific flood in BC 1470-1450. Some historians say that their ancestors were the inhabitants of North Africa. From Tianshan area they spread over many regions including uninhabited land of Malabar, South Canara and Coorg. Some groups travelled still further and settled in Bali and Thahithi islands.

Social historians like Kambil Anandan Master, T. Damu and M.M. Anantharam hold this view by and large. They are unanimous in their opinion that Theeyars and Ezhavas have nothing in common. They are distinctly different in their culture, lifestyle, customs and social practice. Anandan Master deals in detail with the history of “Mannanars”, a Theeya Dynasty who ruled over an area of highland in present Kannur District. The last Theeya King Kunhi Kelappan Mannanar was stabbed to death in AD 1902.

There is another version about the origin of Theeyars. Alexander the great invaded India with a huge army numbering about 50,000. During the heavy battles nearly 30,000 of them lost their lives. A few thousands of the dejected soldiers left battle field and came down to south. Ultimately they settled in the uninhabited land of Malabar, South Canara and Coorg. They were the forefathers of Theeyars. Stories and legends may have some elements of truth in them, though we cannot take it for granted for hundred per cent accuracy. It is amply clear from these varied stories that Theeyars came to settle themselves in the uninhabited land of Malabar several thousand years ago. There are unique ethnic, social, cultural, spiritual and physical features of the Theeyars of Malabar, which no other community can claim. In this connection the following things are to be taken cognizance of :-

(a)Theeyars belong to any of the eight clans (Illams). Ezhavas have no such illam. Marriage between individuals of same illams is prohibited and it is still strictly followed in Northern parts of North Malabar.(b)Theeyars, till recently, were followers of Matriarchy. Ezhavas followed Patriarchy right from the beginning.(c)Theeyars do not give or accept dowry. Theeyars look down upon any caste or people who accept or give dowry. In sharp contrast, certain other castes of Travancore, whose organizations are striving to merge their caste with Theeyars and propagating the one caste theory, bargain for dowry.(d)Theeya ladies have right to property.(e)Rights and rituals of Theeyars are distinctly different from other castes.(f)Theeyars have their own way of worship (Kavu, Kazhakam, Theyyam etc).(g)Theeyars of Malabar have Mediterranean features.(h)Theeyars, anthropologically, have an architectural style totally different from any other castes including that of Ezhavas.(i)Theeyars had suzerainty over lower castes in Malabar.(j)Traditionally, Theeyars only have the right to be the Kalasakkaran in their Kavu as well as in the Kavu of other communities.(k)During the period when local judiciary existed Theeyars (Tharayil Karanavars) only were on the jury.

For generations, Theeyars worshiped Sri Vayanattukulavan as “Kuladeivam” and Sri Muthappan as “Kulanathan”.. The spiritual worship of Theeyars is through Kavu and Kazhakam. Large number of Kazhakams exist in Malabar, especially in North Malabar, who maintain hundreds of Kavus and hold annual Theyyam Kaliyattam. Theeyars have four Adi Kazhakams which are in existence for last several centuries, namely (i) Kuruvanthatta Kazhakam, Ramanthali, (ii) Ramavilyam Kazhakam, Thrikkaripur (iii) Nellikkathuruthi Kazhakam, Thuruthi, Cheruvathur and (iv) Palakkunnu Kazhakam, Uduma. Earliest Sub Kazhakams are Kanakathu Kazhakam and Koottamangalam Kazhakam. Now there are several Sub Kazhakams in North Malabar which control Theeyars’ Mundyas and Kavus. No other castes in Kerala have any such kind of spiritualism and culture. Kavu and Kazhakam are unknown to them.

The early inhabitants of Malabar consisted of different tribes as well as a most advanced and main Gothra communes of Theeyars, whose civilization was built around their own places of worship called Kavu and with their own administrative set up at different lev.. Forwarded as received from WhatsApp