Kulala is a Hindu caste whose traditionally pursued pottery trade and farming as a profession commonly found in the Indian states of Andhra pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and southern parts of Tamilnadu.[1][2][3][4][5] They belong to the Other Backward Class group.[6]
In terms of social classification, Kulalas are included in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in India. While their traditional occupation places them among artisan groups, some sections of the community identify themselves with the Vaishya varna, reflecting their association with trade and agriculture.
Etymology
"Kulala are the descendants of the three sons of their original ancestor Kulalan, who was the son of Brahma. Kulalan prayed to Brahma to be allowed to create and destroy things daily, so Brahma made him a potter."[7]
Distribution
Andhra Pradesh
They speak the Telugu language and are also known as Kulala, Kummara,Salivahana[8] and variants of that name, like Kummari.
Tamil Nadu
Telugu-speaking Kulala in southern Tamil Nadu use the title Chettiyar (Also known as Telugu Chettiar). They are relatively recent migrants in the southern region of Tamil Nadu.
Some Tamil-speaking Kulalar in south and north Tamil nadu they use the title Velar and Udayar.[9][10]
Karnataka
In Karnataka they speak both Tulu and Kannada language and are also known as kumbara and Kulala.[11] They use the title Shetty.
Kerala
Kulala (Also known as Kulala Nair) community is found only in the Kasaragod district of Kerala state in India, where they have several exogamous gotras, including Banjan, Banjera, Salian and Upian.They use the title Nair.In Kasaragod district the Tulu speaking Kulala community has another name-Moolya.
This community has completely given up their traditional occupation in Kerala.[12][13][14]
Culture
They follow both Saivism and Vaishnavism.Their rituals and ceremonies are similar to those of the Kama or Vellalar. Some have priests of their own caste, while others employ brahmins.[15] They have claimed a higher social status.
See also
References
- ↑ Pottery production and trades in Tamil Nadu region: New insights from Alagankulam and Keeladi excavation sites. Heritage Science({Template:Year).
- ↑ Creators and Consecrators: A Potter Community of South India.
- ↑ Pottery-making Cultures and Indian Civilization{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}(1978). ISBN 9788170170914
- ↑ India's Communities{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}(1998). ISBN 978-0-19-563354-2
- ↑ Review: The Origins of Pottery and Agriculture.
- ↑ National Commission for Backward Classes. www.ncbc.nic.in.
- ↑ Creators and Consecrators: A Potter Community of South India.
- ↑ National Commission for Backward Classes.
- ↑ Creators and Consecrators: A Potter Community of South India.
- ↑ http://piketty.pse.ens.fr › dataPDFCastes and tribes of southern India - ENS Template:Nonspecific
- ↑ National Commission for Backward Classes.
- ↑ http://www.cds.ac.in › reportPDF Techno-socio-economic survey on the living and working conditions ... Template:Nonspecific
- ↑ http://www.heritageuniversityofkerala.com › ...PDF An Ethnographical Study of Pottery Workshops in Central Kerala ... Template:Nonspecific
- ↑ SEBC List – പിന്നാക്ക വിഭാഗ വികസന വകുപ്പ്.
- ↑ Tamil studies, or essays on the history of the Tamil people, language, religion, and literature.
Further reading
- Pottery-Making Cultures And Indian Civilization{{#if:Saraswati|, Saraswati}. Abhinav Publications(1979). ISBN 978-81-7017-091-4