Transition from Caste to Tribe: The Political Transformation of Piramalai Kallars Constructed through the Memories of the Perungamanallur Massacre

Abstract

Piramalaikkallar community is living predominantly in the Southern part of Tamil Nadu. Now Piramalaikkallars are identified as one of the castes under the community of ‘Mukkulathor’ which is also referred as ‘Thevar’ community. But Piramalaikkallars are culturally different from the Kallar community of other parts of Tamil Nadu. In Piramalaikkallars, the marriage relationships are decided based on their clan deities. Munusaamy temple in Karumaathoor and Ochaandamman temple in Paapaapatti are the clan deities of the people of Piramalaikkallar. This community has been dominating the political landscapes of Tamil Nadu. In the year 1911, Criminal Tribes Act came to action in Tamil Nadu. Piramalaikkallar community was identified as ‘Criminal Tribes’ under this act. On 3rd April 1920 in the village named Perungaamanallur near Usilampatti in Madurai District, Piramalaikkallar community people protested against the British government for listing their community under Criminal Tribes Act. 16 people shot dead at this protest including women. In 2020, hundredth anniversary of this protest has been conducted. In this event, two strong political proposals were made i.e. Kallar naadugal (States of Kallars) and DNT certification. Though Piramalaikkallars are politically dominant, their representation in education, economy and job opportunities are scarce. As they are in the OBC category of national list and MBC/DNC category in State list, they are asking to certify them as DNT for their emancipation. This article talks about this political changes in the community of Piramalaikkallars and also the changes in the political landscapes regarding the proposals of ‘States of Kallars” and “DNT Certification’ by Piramalaikkallars.