Ezhuthachan (caste)
[1][2][3][a] They mainly belong to the districts of Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram and Kozhikode of Kerala, has also presence outside and other parts of India.
Pattar(Bhattar) Brahmins who were boycotted from Kadu village of medieval Chola, Pandya region, Due to the introduction of Buddhism.
[19] Evidence suggests that Kadupattan was a Jain guild that formed Kaduru and Patancheru which was prominent in the teaching profession.
Kadupattigal one among thirteenth century rulers of the southern Arcot who were present on the banks of Kaveri River should have been the ancestors of Ezhuthachan(Kadupattan).
[5][20][b] Wars that took place during the course of thirteenth and fourteenth centuries (Sadayavarman Sundara Pandyan I and Kakatiya, Delhi Sultanate), Caused Kadupattans came to Kerala through the path which was present from banks of Kaveri through the Nilgiri mountains, and with the influence of the Bhakti movement they were Hinduised as Vaishnava(Ramanuja), Shaiva and Shaktheya; In Occupation Ezhuthachan (Village school master), Teachers who practiced Shakthi worship became known as Gurukkal.
[35][36][11] Although the Aithihyamala says about a magician(Chembra Makku Ezhuthachan) who belonged to Kadupattan caste a disciple of the Kakkassery Bhattathiri and member of a family who had been a teacher of traditional heritage, his lifespan is unclear.
Clashes between soldiers of Zamorin and Portuguese India Armadas that took place during sixteenth century on coastal areas of Malabar region, caused many Kadupattans who were inhabitants of coastal areas of Kingdom of Tanur to move to Kanniyampuram of Valluvanad (southern Malabar)(In present Ottappalam taluk), Chittur and other parts of Kingdom of Cochin and settle there.
[5][11] Kadupattans played major role in spreading Vattezhuthu in Palakkad, Malabar regions and Kingdom of Cochin.
[13] Kadupattans used the prayer of Jain Tirthankara jina dheva(Namosthu jeenathe) in their Ezhuthupalli(pronunciationⓘ, Malayalam: എഴുത്തുപള്ളി, eḻuttupaḷḷi), And taught Vattezhuthu, Mathematics etc.
The envy of the Zamorin's minister (Mangattachan) have put them under the burden of low class shudra in society.
[44] They taught wealthy people by staying at their home and this practice was called Ezhuthachan thamasikkuka(pronunciationⓘ, Malayalam: എഴുത്തച്ഛൻ താമസിക്കുക, eḻuttacchan tamasikkuka).
[45][46] Traditionally, although caste gave importance to teaching, other tasks such as palanquin bearing, carrying salt, oil, and their marketing, agriculture etc.
[52] The skin complexion of Ezhuthachans(Kaduppattan) varies from dark to inter linked black and white.
Edgar Thurston observes that they are 'dark & white skinned people, medium in stature, with simple nose and curly or wavy hair'.
[2] At the wedding ceremonies there are rituals like Ganapathy homam(ritual dedicated to Lord Ganesha, performed to seek his blessings), Dhakshina giving(Give donation to elders and seek blessings) and Panigrahanam(The groom holds the hand of the bride).
[37] It is believed that Adi Shankara instructed Kadupattans in Shakti worship; Even now their descendants follow this tradition and claim it is inherited from their forefathers.
Though Adhyapaka Samajam made several reformations in caste customs and rituals, Kunjunni Ezhuthachan's efforts were not successful and he abandoned his project.
He was also a freedom fighter, a member of the congress party and also in Cochin State Prajamandal, whose founder was Sri.V.R.Krishnan Ezhuthachan, his son-in-law.
[64][65] E. P. Bhaskara Guptan a writer and independent researcher in local history from Kadampazhipuram, Palakkad; supports conclusion of K. Balakrishna Kurup about Thunchathth Ezhuthachan's caste.
