Siviyar


Siviyar is a caste found in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. They were traditionally palanquin bearers. They are a single community in Sri Lanka, but are however a subcaste of the Idaiyar caste of Tamil Nadu.

Etymology

The name is derived from the Tamil word Civikai meaning "palanquin" and the suffix -ar denoting honorific plural. The headmen of them were known as Kūriyan, meaning "proclaimer", in reference to his proclaiming or announcement of the titles of the person whom he carries before the palanquin.

History

The Siviyars worked under the kings of Jaffna Kingdom as palanquin bearers, woodcutters and water carriers. After the fall of Jaffna Kingdom, were the Siviyars under Dutch Ceylon serving as palanquin bearers under the Commanders and Dissavas, and were a influential class in Jaffna, who also held titles such as Mudaliyars. They are divided into three traditionally endogamous subcaste or labour groups; adikke-Siviyar, uppu-Siviyar, and arisi-Siviyar. The adikke-Siviyars are involved in ingraining wheat and curry-powder. The uppu-Siviyar are involved in salt making, and the arisi-Siviyar in rice cultivation.
The Siviyars of Tamil Nadu migrated from Mysore region to Tamil Nadu during the reign of Tipu Sultan.
Several from this caste were strongly represented in the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.