| has gloss | eng: Chakyar (also; Cakyar, Chakkiar, Chakiar etc) is a caste from the Kerala state of south India. The women in this community are called Illotammas. They are Brahmins who, having mixed with Namboothiris, occupy a position in the Hindu Temple associated with the priestly caste in managing the affairs of the temple, though not the actual conduct of ceremonies. They are assigned with the holy temple ritualistic performance called Chakyar Koothu and Koodiyattam, which is the only surviving ancient Sanskrit theatre in India. They used to marry from Ambalavasi community Nambiar. |
