Ezhavathy
Encyclopedia
Ezhavathy are a sub-caste in Kerala. They are traditionally barbers to the Ezhava
caste, and would not work for any other class, even the Nampootiri Brahmins, and are ranked along with the Velakkathala Nayar
and Nassuvan
. The caste also serves as priests to the Iluvar
caste (of which they are a part).
Ezhava
The Ezhavas are a community with origins in the region presently known as Kerala. They are also known as Ilhava, Irava, Izhava and Erava in the south of the region; as Chovas, Chokons and Chogons in Central Travancore; and as Tiyyas, Thiyas and Theeyas in Malabar...
caste, and would not work for any other class, even the Nampootiri Brahmins, and are ranked along with the Velakkathala Nayar
Velakkathala Nayar
The Velakkathala Nayar are a caste of barbers found in Kerala state, India, who traditionally barbered the Nambuthiris and Nair castes...
and Nassuvan
Nassuvan
The Nassuvan are a caste of Tamil barbers, who also serve as village doctors, and assist in death rituals.A sub-caste, also Tamil, Nasavan-Vetta was noted in the 1981 Indian census....
. The caste also serves as priests to the Iluvar
Iluvar
The Illuvar are a caste of people from Tamil Nadu or Kerala. They are also known as Iluvar, Ezhuvar, Ezhuva, Izhuva, Illathar...
caste (of which they are a part).