About the Book
Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Pages: 109. Chapters: Iyer, Boyar, Rajus, Telugu Christian, Balija, Goud, Kamma, Arya Vysyas, Vaidiki Brahmins, Mala, Niyogi, Yerukala, Balija dynasties, Madiga, Kuruba, Vanniyar, Velama, Vanjari, Domba, Telugu castes, Reddy, Gavara, Naidu, Kondha, Devanga, Gondi people, Yellapu, Settibalija, Turpu Kapu, Mulukanadu Brahmins, Sora people, List of Velamas, Aaraama Dravidulu, Chaush, Telugu Brahmins, Mangali, Andhra Muslims, List of Kurubas, Bene Ephraim, Khonds, Twenty four Manai Telugu Chettiars, Hazaris, Datla, Aiyarika Patrulu, Gowda, Bonda people, Kattunayakan, Chenchu, Jhetty, Jaddu, Kalingi, Gadabas, Hill Reddis, Adi Dravida, Uppaluri, Uppara, Goravayyalu, Bagata, Jatapus, Ontari, Katkuri, Thoti, Kammara, Goudu, Yenadis. Excerpt: Iyer (pronounced ) (Tamil: , Kannada: , Malayalam: ) (also spelt as Ayyar, Aiyar, Ayer or Aiyer) is the title given to the caste of Hindu Brahmin communities of Tamil origin. Most Iyers are followers of the Advaita philosophy propounded by Adi Shankara. The majority reside in Tamil Nadu. The title 'Iyer' was used as a designation for all Tamil Smartha Brahmins during the medieval period, during which they were organised into single community. However, during the 11th century, a breakaway sect formed a new community called "Iyengars," worshipping Sri Vaishnava. According to popular tradition, Iyers are descendants of Indo-Aryan migrants from North India. Iyers are sub-divided into various sub-sects based on cultural and regional differences. Like all Brahmins, they are also classified based on their gotra, or patrilineal descent, and the Veda they follow. Iyers fall under the Pancha Dravida Brahmin sub-classification of India's Brahmin community and share many customs and traditions with other Brahmins. In recent times, they have felt affected by reservation policies and the Self-Respect Movement in the Indi...
