Variar


Variyar is a Hindu forward caste in Kerala, India. This surname is not related to Varrier, a Kashmiri Muslim surname, or the English name 'Warrior'.

Etymology

The term Variyar has its origin in the Dravidian word 'Variyam', which refers to a committee or a board. Variyam refers to an office of supervision. Thus variyar is a supervising officer or a member of a supervisory board or committee. The word is commonly used in the plural form as Variar to denote respect. The feminine equivalent of Variar is Varassyar. It is a combination of Variacchi/Variyassi/Variaththi and the plural suffix -ar.
These people assist Namboothiris in poojas, manage accounts and ensure a smooth functioning of the temples. They are well educated and serve as teachers, poets, ayurvedic physicians and sanskrit scholars.

Prominent Variyars