Paravar

Paravar (also known as Bharathar or Bharathakula Kshatriyar) is a predominantly Catholic Tamil maritime community, mainly living in the state of Tamil Nadu, and in Sri Lanka. Historically, they were inhabitants of the Neithal (coastal) lands of Tamil Nadu, and find mention in various ancient Tamil literary works.^[1][2][3]

In modern India, Paravars are concentrated along the coastal belt extending along the Gulf of Mannar, from Kilakarai to Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin). They also live in some pockets along the Arabian Sea coast in Kanyakumari District as well as central Kerala. Paravars have been significant among the population of the port city of Thoothukudi and Ramanathapuram, since the 1580s.^[4] Apart from Thoothukudi and Ramanathapuram, Paravars also live in many of the big cities and towns in South Tamilnadu like Tuticorin, Nagercoil, Tirunelveli, Rameshwaram, Thiruchendur and Madurai where they are into diverse professions.

In Sri Lanka, the Paravas (called Bharathas in Sri Lanka) have been a more affluent, merchant community since the British colonial times.^[5][6] Today, they are found in significant numbers in the cities of Negombo and Colombo.^[5][6] A section of the Bharathakula community in Sri Lanka has been classified as a separate ethnic group since 2001,^[7] whereas another section which identifies itself as Sri Lankan Tamil live in towns such as Vankalai in Mannar District and Puttalam.^[8]

The Paravars have a rich history, starting from their major economic contributions to the coffers of the ancient Pandya kings through their pearl-harvesting and trade,^[9] to their later interactions with the Portuguese in the 16th century and later.^[10] The arrival of Portuguese soldiers and missionaries in their midst, including the great missionary St. Francis Xavier, resulted in their conversion to the Catholic faith, adoption of Portuguese surnames and also protection against marauding enemies.^[10]