Sambavars

Sambavar Community
Regions with significant populations
Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Nagercoil, Madurai, Salem, Chennai, Kanyakumari and Kerala state
Languages
Tamil, Malayalam
Religion
Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism
Related ethnic groups
Tamil people and Some Kerala people

Sambavars are a group of people who are living in the southern states of India especially in the state of Tamil Nadu. The word Sambavar came from "sambo" (lord shiva).[1] They are the former agriculturalists, priests, poets, writers, dancers, musicians, and warriors. These people form the majority social group in the Kanyakumari district. Sambavars are the ancient priests of Lord Shiva who himself it is believed belongs to Sambavar caste.

Etymology

Historians believe that the Word Sambho is derived from "Sambho Mahadev" a honorific term used by Shaivites to praise Lord Shiva. Some historians claim that the word Sambavar came from "Sambuvarayar" a small chiefstains ruled in Thondaimandalam of ancient Tamilnadu. Some historians believe that the term Sambavar came from Tamil word Sambal (Ta: சாம்பல்) meaning Ash used as the divine symbol for the followers of Lord Shiva. Some historians claim that the root word Sambal (Ta: சாம்பல்) denotes the skin colour of these group of people due to the tropical region temperature.

Kalaripayattu

Kalari popularly known as Varmam or Kalaripayattu is a Tamil Martial art practised by warriors of Chera kingdom.Some historians claims that Sambavars including Nadar, Kallar, Thevar practised this martial art form.

References

  1. ↑ "Thiruvalluvar Foundation.org". Thiruvalluvar Foundation.org. 1976-05-01. Retrieved 2010-05-08.
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