Do Tamils have caste system?

There is no specific and separate caste for Tamil people or people of Tamil Nadu (People whose mother tongue is Tamil). Caste as a social institution divides the Hindus vertically as inferior and superior castes and [forces] them to strictly adhere to certain [arbitrary] rules which are in violation of human rights.

What is the caste system in Tamil Nadu?

The caste (varna) system has four ranked categories: priests (Brahmins), warriors (Kshatriyas), farmers and mer- chants (Vaisyas), and labourers and servants (Sudras). Major scheduled castes of Tamil Nadu are Pallan, Paraiyan and Chakkiliyar, belonging to the Dravidian lin- guistic group.

Why do Tamilians not have surname?

#1 The Reason. Caste based surnames slowly started becoming popular in 20th century. Their dire need to follow the pan-Indian culture probably resulted in surnames like – Iyer, Iyengar, Thevar, Pillai, Chettiyar, Mudhaliyar, Nadar, Moopanar etc. And therefore, their are tons of Tamilians without a surname.

Do Tamil people have last names?

In earlier times a caste name or village name was used by the Tamils as their last name, but due to the influence of the Dravidian movement, Tamils of all castes have mostly given up caste surnames. However, frequently adopt their father’s or husband’s name and take it for successive generations.

What are the different castes of Tamils?

Tamils were divided on the basis of four castes and on the basis of work they did. There were references about ‘high born’ and ‘low born’ in the Sangam Tamil Literature. There were mentions about four types of soldiers: Chariot, Elephant Brigade, Cavalry and Foot soldiers (Ratha,Gaja,Thuraga,Pathathi) as well.

What was the caste system like in ancient India?

If it sounds awful, it was: The caste system trapped people into a social stratification they couldn’t escape from. The ancient texts helped perpetuate stereotypes about each caste, the Logical Indian reports.

What is the oldest Tamil book referring to caste system?

Oldest Tamil book Tolkappaiam also refer to the caste system in several places. The word “Four Varna” is used in Tamil epic Silappadikaram: 6-164, 14-183, 14-212, 22-10; Manimekalai 6-56 Silappadikaram 8-41 used the word “Jathi” (Saathi). Words Varna and Jathi are used in Silappadikaram for the first time.

Why do lower castes tend to have darker skin?

The lower castes tend to have darker skin, which is seen as less desirable by many. “ If it sounds awful, it was: The caste system trapped people into a social stratification they couldn’t escape from. These images come from the manuscript Seventy-two Specimens of Castes in India.