KOZHIKODE: Amid calls for a separate caste identity for Thiyyas, a study by Kerala Institute for Research, Training and Development Studies of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (KIRTADS) has found that Thiyyas in Malabar and Ezhavas in South Kerala are two different communities culturally and anthropologically.
The institute undertook the study following a direction from the Kerala State Commission for Backward Classes. The Thiyya Kshema Sabha had approached the commission with the request that Thiyyas should be considered as a separate caste and should not be bracketed with Ezhavas and Billavas.
It is learnt that KIRTADS found that Thiyyas are different from Ezhavas, though toddy-tapping was the principal vocation of both communities. The institute is likely to submit its report to the commission soon.
In a related development, Minister for Welfare of SC/STs and Backward Classes O R Kelu told the assembly that Ezhavas and Thiyyas are recorded as single entry ever since the formation of Kerala State Service Rule in 1958.
In a reply to MLA N A Nellikkunnu, the minister said Thiyyas are not considered as a sub caste of any other caste. However, the minister did not give a direct answer to the question as to whether a separate identity will be given to Thiyyas.
Thiyya Kshema Sabha said the minister’s reply has only complicated the issue. “The government says Thiyyas are not a sub caste of any other castes, but is silent on our demand for separate consideration. If Thiyyas are not a sub caste, what prevents the government from giving a separate status to them,” asked Vinodan Thiruthi, general secretary of Kshema Sabha.
Meanwhile, the SNDP Yogam has come out strongly against separating the two communities, saying it is a move to weaken the Ezhava community.
‘A divisive attempt that will affect community’
“This is a divisive attempt that will adversely affect the community,” said Sudheesh Keshavapuri, secretary of SNDP Yogam Kozhikode taluk union.
“It was the Thiyyas of Malabar who whole-heartedly welcomed Sree Narayana Guru. Thiyyas of Thalassery were the first to install the statue of Guru at Sree Jagannath Temple,” he said. Sudheesh said there are many families in Kerala, the members of which are known as Ezhavas in southern and central parts while their counterparts in Malabar are known as Thiyyas. “This shows that the two communities are one and the same,” he said.
