🧑🌾 Origins & Identity
- Parkavakulam
is a Tamil-speaking caste/community primarily found in Tamil Nadu that
traces its roots to ancient Chola times; the name is linked to the
legendary king Paari, dubbed “Mullaikku Ther Kodutha Paari” in Purananuru
literature Community members use different titles: Parkavan for men
and Parkavi for women; collectively referred to as Udayar
- It
is subdivided into five main groups: Malaimannar, Moopanar, Nainar,
Nathamannar, and Shruthimannar
Geographic Distribution
- They
have a significant presence across Tamil Nadu—including districts like Pudukottai,
Thanjavur, Trichy, Salem, Namakkal, Madurai, and in Chennai,
Villupuram, Ariyalur, Ramanathapuram, and beyond.
- Many
also reside in Puducherry and cities like Bangalore
Religious & Cultural Aspects
- Nainar
subgroup frequently follows Jainism, especially in central and
northern Tamil Nadu.
- The
other subgroups—Malaimannar, Moopanar, Nathamannar, Shruthimannar—primarily
follow Shaivism or Vaishnavism. There are also Christian
adherents due to historical conversions during the 18th century
Community Initiatives & Sangam
- Parkava
Kula Sangam (community association) operates to:
- Unite
members under a common platform
- Maintain
directories and profiles
- Support
education via institutions, free hostels, scholarships
- Offer
career counseling, matrimonial services, community halls, and elder care
home initiatives
- Promote
unity and national pride
Prominent Personalities
- Late
N. Arunachala Udayar: Founder of the Parkavakulam Sangam, led the
first statewide gathering in Salem
- N.P.V.
Ramasamy Udayar: Founder-Chancellor of Sri Ramachandra University
- T.R.
Pachamuthu Udayar: Founder-Chancellor of SRM University
- Other
notable figures include academicians like Prof. M. Ponnavaikko, Dr.
P. Thangaraju, Dr. P. Ramasamy, and political leaders such as G.K.
Moopanar, G.K. Vasan; plus artists like Vijaya T. Rajendar
and Silambarasan Rajendar .
Demographics & Classification
- Estimated
population: around 68,000 across India
- Classified
as an OBC (Other Backward Class) Hindu group, cultural-affiliated
with the Dravidian linguistic family
Summary Snapshot
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
Subgroups |
Malaimannar, Moopanar, Nainar, Nathamannar, Shruthimannar |
|
Religion |
Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Jainism, Christianity |
|
Regions |
Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Bangalore |
|
Community Org |
Parkava Kula Munnetra Sangam |
|
Notables |
University founders, politicians, artists |
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