The Pulayar IPA: [pulɐjɐr] (also Pulaya, Pulayas, Cherumar, Cheramar, and Cheraman) is a caste[1] group mostly found in modern-day Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka and historically in Tamil Nadu.
They are classified as a Scheduled Caste under India's reservation system in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
[2][3] Pulayars are noted for their music, craftsmanship, and for certain dances which include Kōlam-thullal, a mask dance which is part of their exorcism rituals, as well as the Mudi-āttam or hair-dance which has its origins in a fertility ritual.
[4][5][6] The folk dance Chozhikali is performed by the Pulayar community of central Kerala.
[8] They are a Scheduled Caste under India's reservation system in the state of Kerala[2] and Tamil Nadu.