Paraiyar /

Paraiyar, Parayar, or Sambavar, are a social group found in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and in Sri Lanka (see Caste in Sri Lanka). In the Indian state of Tamilnadu, though they have been enumerated under three different caste names, they have generally been referred to as Paraiyar. In the Northern Districts of Tamilnadu they are known as Paraiyars only. In the southern districts of Tamilnadu they are known as Sambavar. However, they themselves prefer the name Adi Dravidar to Paraiyar and Sambavar. The Indian census of 2001 reported the Paraiyan population about 9 Million. Adi-Dravida (Ancient Dravidian) is a modern name for the Paraiyar coined by the Government of Tamilnadu, it denotes only the Paraiyar Caste. Paraiyar/Adi-Dravida are the majority among the Scheduled Castes in Tamil Nadu. The scheduled castes are generally called 'Adi-Dravidar' by the Government of Tamilnadu. Paraiyan and Samban are synonymous with Adi Dravidar. The term 'Adi-Dravidar' means pre Dravidians in Tamil Nadu. The Paraiyar enjoyed a privileged position in the society of the Sangam period. They were traditionally farmers and weavers. One sub-group of Paraiyars, "Valluvan", were renowned as