paraiyar

Paraiyar, also spelled Parayar, is a Tamil-speaking caste traditionally located in Tamil Nadu, India. The name derives from the parai, a hollow wooden drum that is played in temple rituals, funeral processions, and village ceremonies. The community has historically been classified as Dalit within the Hindu caste system and has faced caste-based discrimination and social marginalization, including restricted access to education, land, and public life in some periods.

Traditionally, paraiyars served as temple drummers and performed percussion for ceremonies, weddings, and funerals. Their music and ritual duties have been an integral part of Tamil ritual life, and the parai drum is a distinctive element in Tamil folk art.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, social reform movements and the Dravidian movement challenged caste hierarchies in Tamil Nadu. The community benefited from affirmative action policies in education and employment, and many from the Paraiyar community have pursued higher education and public service. Today, Paraiyar communities are found predominantly in Tamil Nadu, with smaller populations in other Indian states and abroad; they speak Tamil and often participate in both traditional music practices and modern professions. In contemporary times, there are ensembles and individuals who preserve and innovate with parai performances, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance cultural preservation with social advancement.