'Idaiyan' literally means a 'Middleman,' because in the regional grouping he came to occupy the middle or the pasture land. He had to live next to the Eyinas on whom he depended for the supply of cows and buffaloes.[1] As late as the tenth century A. D. a man of any other tribe might become an Idaiyan or cowherd by following that profession. The Kalla and Samban sub-divisions of this caste connect them with the Kallans and Paraiyans. The latter sub-division which is by far the most numerous not only bears out their origin from Sambu or Siva, but also justifies the proximity of their residence to the Cheri of the Eyinas or Paraiyas in ancient Dravidian villages. The following description of a typical Idaiyan of old is very suggestive:—
பாசிலை தொடுத்த வுவலைக்கண்ணி
மாசுணுடுக்கை மடிவாயிடையன்—Pur.
(The shepherd with his thick (turned down) lips, dirty cloth and garland of green leaves.)
There was no such caste as Pallan, but in its stead we find in early Tamil literature Mallan and Kadai, gnan, the latter appearing as a sub-division of the Pallan caste. They are found chiefly in the Pandya country and correspond in their traditional occupation to the Palli or Vanniya caste of the Tondainadu. These people were agricultural labourers and soldiers.
The origin of the term Shanan is much di: puiid and it is found nowhere in Tamil literature in that form.
- ↑ In this connection lines 130-180 of the Perumanarruppadai might be read with advantage.
