Chekavar
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Ezhava, also known as Thiyyar is a major caste division in Kerala, a state on the southwestern coast of India. It is estimated that roughly 25% of Keralites are from this community. They are also known as Chovan or Chekons.
Etymology
Chekavar is derived from the Sanskrit words Sevakar, Sevakan or Sevaka, which means soldiers in service or soldiers in royal service.[1][2] Hermann Gundert's English-Malayalam Dictionary, defines the term as militiaman and warrior.[3]
According to George Mathew, "In the south and in some parts of central Travancore the community was known as Ezhava, Chovan or Chekavan."[1]
Origin
Hero stones found in Kerala depict Chekavar engaged in combat, often on behalf of a lord. On these hero stones, Chekavar are generally depicted by an image of an armed man along with a Shiva Linga.[citation needed] Hero stones were traditionally erected during the Sangam period to commemorate men who had fallen in battle or cattle raids.[4]
Military exploits of the Ezhavas are recorded in folk songs such as the Vadukkan Pattukal.[2]
See also
- Aromal Chekaver
- Chandu Chekaver
References
- ^ Jump up to: a b Mathew, George (1989). Communal Road to a Secular Kerala. Concept Pub.Co, 1989. p. 30. ISBN 81-7022-282-6.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Smith, Bardwell L. (1976). Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia. BRILL. p. 27. ISBN 90-04-04510-4.
- ^ Gundert, Herman (2000) [1872]. Malayalam-English Dictionary (3rd ed.). Sahythia Pravarthaka Sahakarana Sangham, Kerala.
- ^ Orr, Leslie C. (2007). "Domesticity and Difference/Women and Men: Religious Life in Medieval Tamil Nadu". In Pintchman, Tracy (ed.). Women's Lives, Women's Rituals in the Hindu Tradition. Oxford University Press. p. 113. ISBN 978-0-19-517706-0. Retrieved 13 December 2008.
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