Paravar
Sign in to saveAlso known as Bharathakula Kshathriyar, Bharathakula Pandyar, Bharathar, Paradavar, Parathavar
Paravar (also known as Bharathar) is a predominantly Catholic Tamil maritime community, mainly living in the state of Tamil Nadu, and in Sri Lanka. Historically, they were inhabitants of the Neithal (coastal) lands of Tamil Nadu, and find mention in various ancient Tamil literary works.
~43 min read
Article
18 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- History
- [[Pandyan]] dynasty
- Arab arrival
- Arrival of the Portuguese and Catholicism
- Dutch control
- British control
- Post-independence
- Occupations
- The Bharathas of Sri Lanka
- Family names
- Contributions
- Notable people
- See also
- References
- Notes
- Bibliography
- External links
Paravar (also known as Bharathar) is a predominantly Catholic Tamil maritime community, mainly living in the state of Tamil Nadu, and in Sri Lanka. Historically, they were inhabitants of the Neithal (coastal) lands of Tamil Nadu, and find mention in various ancient Tamil literary works.
In modern India, Paravars are concentrated along the coastal belt extending along the Gulf of Mannar, from Kilakarai to Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin). They also live in some pockets along the Arabian Sea coast in Kanyakumari District as well as central Kerala. Paravars have been significant among the population of the port city of Thoothukudi and Ramanathapuram, since the 1580s. Apart from Thoothukudi and Ramanathapuram, Paravars also live in many of the big cities and towns in South Tamilnadu like Tuticorin, Nagercoil, Tirunelveli, Rameshwaram, Thiruchendur and Madurai where they are into diverse professions.