Malayarayan

Mala Arayan (alternatively Malaiyarayan, the word Malai Arayan means 'Monarch of the Hills') is a member of a tribal community in parts of Kottayam, Idukki and Pattanamtitta districts of Kerala state, southern India. They are listed (Central List No - 20) [1] as part of Scheduled Tribes by the Government of India. Among the Scheduled Tribes, Malai Arayans out class all the other tribes in socio-economical and educational aspects. When an evaluation in the educational and employment prospect is taken, it will be found that almost all the Government Servants and other employees are coming from this faction of Scheduled Tribes.


Majority of the Population follows Hindu religion.Some of the Malai Arayans turned their religious belief from their centuries-old "Mala Daivangal" (renegades and traditional Hindus following the hereditary regulations and customs are included in this group) to Christianity, especially to Church of South India. Malai Arayans are opened to exploitation of their illiteracy and cultural uniqueness for centuries.Traditionally Malaarayans, have good moral values. Malaarayans usually practice agriculture, but most of them lost their farm land due to exploitation.

Thirunizhalmala and Aranmula

It is interesting to note that Malayaraya community inhabiting the upper reaches of Western ghats at present, have many Vanjippattu songs included in their literature which are used in their artforms such as Kolakali and Ivarkali.[2] The presence of such songs which are exclusively used in the Aranmula tradition could be because Malayarayars were once the non-brahmanical, vama/Kaulachara "karmis" of Aranmula Appan or mahavishnu as attested by "Thirunizhalmala," one of the oldest poems in Malayalam language and it's creator Ayiroor Govindan.[3]

Malayarayars praise "Thiruvaranmula Appan" and "Ayiroor Bhagavati" in their tradional songs. They are believed to have left the plains for mountains after their defeat at Chotty sometime between AD 1407 and 1419. Malayaraya/ Malaya country known as "Maleam" in certain 17th century European maps of Malabar lying east of Chotti was transferred to Poonjar by the victoriousThekkumkur rajas.[4]

The last few lines of "Bana Yudham" reveals the true antiquty of Aranmula Vanjippattu tradition.


വഞ്ചിരാമൻ (രാമവർമ്മ കുലശേഖരപ്പെരുമാൾ ?) മന്ത്രിമാരിൽ (നാല് തളി ?)

മുൻപനാകും മഹാവീരൻ

പഞ്ചബാണാംബുജവീരൻ അംബുജനേത്രൻ

നെഞ്ചിലേറ്റം മോദമോടെ വഞ്ചിതന്നിൽ പാടുവാൻ

ചഞ്ചലം കൂടാതെ നല്ല വഞ്ചിയുണ്ടാക്കി' [5]

Malayarayas unfortunately have no historical memmory about their presence in Ayiroor, the relationship with Aranmula temple or "Vanjippattu". These facts have came into light through some studies concluded quite recently.

Beliefs

Ancestors of malaarayas used to worship natural forces and their traditional gods include Malamurthi, Azhamalamurthi, Thalaparamala, Kaali and Lord Ayyappan.

Traditional Art Forms
Malaarayans performing Ivorkali

Traditional art forms include Ivarkali, Koladikali. Ivorkali tells the story of panchapandavas and is used to worship devi

Details
  • Population: 36,000
    • In Kerala: 34,000
  • Primary Language: Malayalam
  • Religion:
    • Traditional Hinduism
    • Christian Adherents: 43.10%
    • Evangelical: Data not available

Sources

References
  1. P. Muthuswamy; V. Brinda (1996). Swamy's Compilation on Reservations and Concessions for SCs/STs, Ex-servicemen, Sportsmen Compassionate Appointments, Physically Handicapped and SEBC (Mandal Commission): Incorporating Orders Received Up to February, 1996. Swamy Publishers. Retrieved 26 December 2012.
  2. Harigovindam - Vanjippattu songs collected by melukara Shivankutty Ashan, Editor: Rajesh Kumar K, Pages 111, 329-332
  3. Padakkalputhamekel- Thirunizhalmalapadhanam, Rajesh Kumar K, Manjalkkuri (Jinesh Jills George) Pages 13-28
  4. Padakkalputhamekel- Thirunizhalmalapadhanam, Rajesh Kumar K, Manjalkkuri (Jinesh Jills George) Pages 13-28
  5. Malayarayarude Anushtanaganangal by shylaja Narayanan Page 81


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