Muthuraja (also known as Mutharaiyar) is a Tamil and Telugu[1] speaking community found in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
| Muthuraja|Mutharaiyar | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Backward caste |
| Religions | Hinduism • Jainism |
| Languages | Tamil and Telugu |
| Country | India |
| Populated states | Tamil Nadu |
| Region | Central Tamil Nadu |
Etymology
editThe etymology of the community name is unclear. The names Muthuraja and Muthuraiyar may be derived from two words, the Tamil name muthu meaning "pearl" and raja or raiyar both meaning "king".[2] Muttaraiyar may also be derived from mundru meaning "three" and tharai meaning "earth".[citation needed]
Titles
editTheir title Ambalakkarar is derived from the Tamil word ambalam meaning panchayat or "village council", as they served as the heads of these councils.[2]
Demographics
editThe pure Tamil Speaking community Muthuraja|Mutharaiyar are densely distributed in the Tiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai, Thanjvur, Thiruvarur, Karur, Madurai, Dindigul, Perambalur, Sivagangai districts of Tamil Nadu.[citation needed]
The Telugu speaking Naidu muthuraju(muthuraja Baidu) comparatively fewer in number are mostly distributed in the Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Viluppuram and Cuddalore districts of northern Tamil Nadu[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ "Communities, Segments, Synonyms, Surnames and Titles".
- ^ a b Kent, Eliza F. (26 March 2013). Sacred Groves and Local Gods: Religion and Environmentalism in South India. Oxford University Press. pp. 33–34. ISBN 9780199895472.
