Total population | |
---|---|
(1,041,540 (2001)) | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Languages | |
Malayalam | |
Religion | |
Hinduism, | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Parayar |
The Pulayar (also Pulaya, Pulayas, Holaya, Cherumar, Cheramar and Cheraman) are an untouchable caste in Hinduism, forming one of the main social groups in modern-day Kerala and Karnataka as well as in historical Tamil Nadu or Tamilakam.
Pulayars are noted for their music, craftsmanship, and for certain dances which include Kōlam-thullal, a mask dance which is part of their exorcism rituals, as well as the Mudi-āttam or hair-dance which has its origins in a fertility ritual.
According to the 2001 Census, the Pulayan population in Kerala was 1,041,540, being 3.27 per cent of the total population.
Arts of Pulayar caste: