Iyers are Hindu Brahmins of Tamil origin who are Smarthas or followers of the Smritis.
[5] Syama Sastri and Muthuswamy Dīkshitar, who are part of the "Trinity of Carnatic music" were probably the first verified historical personages from the community, as the accounts or biographies of those who lived earlier appear semi-legendary in character.
[6] During the British Raj, Iyers and Iyengars dominated the services by their predominance in the legal and administrative professions.
[7][8] Most of the Dewans of the princely state of Travancore during the 19th century were Tamil Brahmins (Iyers and Iyengars).
Following independence, Iyers have diversified into a number of fields dominating the domain of classical arts in particular.