Nalavar ( Tamil: நளவர், romanized: Naḷavar) is a Tamil caste found in Sri Lanka. They were traditionally occupied in palm tree climbing and toddy tapping. [1]
According to a folk etymology is the name Nalavar a corrupted form of Naluvinavar (those who decamped), which they gained after withdrawing from a battle field. [2] Another theory suggest the name is derived from Nalua meaning to climb, in reference to their traditional occupation. [3]
It has also been proposed that the name is derived from Naravar (from Naravu, ancient Tamil term for toddy). [4]
According to Yalpana Vaipava Malai were the Nalavars originally called Nambis who originally Vanniar chieftains and served as bowmen. [5] A former subdivision among them were known as Kottai Vayil Nalavar i.e. "Nalavars in service of the fort". [4]
Under the Dutch Ceylon was the Thesavalamai law codified. [6] This law allowed landlords to have slaves, and the Nalavars were also employed as agriculture labors, and were classified along with the Pallar under the term Adimai (slave). [7] [8]
The badge and cattle brand mark of the Nalavars is the bow and arrow. [9] The Nalavar along with the Pallar worship Annamar, their caste deity. [10]
Nalavar ( Tamil: நளவர், romanized: Naḷavar) is a Tamil caste found in Sri Lanka. They were traditionally occupied in palm tree climbing and toddy tapping. [1]
According to a folk etymology is the name Nalavar a corrupted form of Naluvinavar (those who decamped), which they gained after withdrawing from a battle field. [2] Another theory suggest the name is derived from Nalua meaning to climb, in reference to their traditional occupation. [3]
It has also been proposed that the name is derived from Naravar (from Naravu, ancient Tamil term for toddy). [4]
According to Yalpana Vaipava Malai were the Nalavars originally called Nambis who originally Vanniar chieftains and served as bowmen. [5] A former subdivision among them were known as Kottai Vayil Nalavar i.e. "Nalavars in service of the fort". [4]
Under the Dutch Ceylon was the Thesavalamai law codified. [6] This law allowed landlords to have slaves, and the Nalavars were also employed as agriculture labors, and were classified along with the Pallar under the term Adimai (slave). [7] [8]
The badge and cattle brand mark of the Nalavars is the bow and arrow. [9] The Nalavar along with the Pallar worship Annamar, their caste deity. [10]