Is there such a caste in Kerala as kaniyan or a panicker?

Answer 1

yes , kaniyan is a backward cast in kerala (obc) known by different names like kaniyan, panikar,ganaka,kalarikurup etc,they are traditional astrologer,they also practice ayurveda ,

Their ancestors were the first group of ancient Brahmins who reached in south Indian region,far ahead of the arrival of the alien Brahmins of pre medieval era.

They (predecessors of Ganaka/kaniyar) were earlier known by the name Arivor .They had a supreme status in social hierarchy by virtue of their excellent sense of past ,future and present (Trikaala ngani)and profound skills in guiding the society.

They are actually descendants of sakadwipi Brahmins. Origin dates back to vedic period ,Before 2000BC . Their ancestors were " Maga"people came from indo- Iranian region, eventually migrated and settled at various parts of ancient India .Some of them had taken up the practice and belief of heterodox groups (Ajivka , Jainism, Budhism) .

Later their predecessors become separated and segregated in to different groups by taking up different calling or names at different places. Ganak Brahmins in Assam , Acharya in Tripura , Graha Bipra in Bihar, Nakshtra Darsa, Jothishi in Orrisa, Joshi in western and central India, Kaniyar, Ganaka , Kaniyan kanikal, kaniyar panicker, kalari panicker in south India.

They were scholarly people and were traditionally engaged in intellectual vocations such as Astronomy Astrology,Literature, Ayurveda, Teaching , physicking etc. Kannassa Panickers, Ayyappilli asan, and Ezhuthachan are some of the noted personalities among them who set out the process of development of a regional language ''Malayalam'' .

Generally they had taken up the role of astute physical and psychic healers ,as astrology is said to have a major role in social regulation by means of social and individual psychological intervention.

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