Nalavar


Nalavar is a Tamil caste found in Sri Lanka. They were traditionally occupied in palm tree climbing and toddy tapping.

Etymology

According to a folk etymology is the name Nalavar a corrupted form of Naluvinavar, which they gained after withdrawing from a battle field. Another theory suggest the name is derived from Nalua meaning to climb, in reference to their traditional occupation.
It has also been proposed that the name is derived from Naravar.

History

According to Yalpana Vaipava Malai were the Nalavars originally called Nambis who originally Vanniar chieftains and served as bowmen. The Nambis after withdrawing from a battle, made a living by being hired by the Shanar and took up the Shanars hereditary occupation as toddy tappers. Through marriage alliances between the Nambis and Shanars, evolved the Nalavar identity. A former subdivision among them were known as Kottai Vayil Nalavar i.e. "Nalavars in service of the fort".
The badge and cattle brand mark of the Nalavars is the bow and arrow. The Nalavar along with the Pallar worship Annamar, their caste deity.
Under the Dutch Ceylon was the Thesavalamai law codified. This law allowed landlords to have slaves, and the Nalavars were also employed as agriculture labors, and were classified along with the Koviar and Pallar under the term Adimai.