
Parava or Paravas (பரவர்), also known as Parathavar (பரதவர்),Bharathar (பரதர்),Bharatha Pandiyar (பரத பாண்டியர்) or Bharathakula Kshathriyar (பரதகுல சத்ரியர்). Paravar is one of the ancient aristocratic,seafaring warrior castes of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. They are the prideful heirs of ancient Pandya Kings. They founded the Pandyan Empire and hoisted their Fish flag.They are the descendants Bharatha Vamsa of the Lunar Dynasty (Chandra Vamsam) and also called as Nila Paravar.The Pandyan empire was dominated by the Paravars. Later, due to geographical changes the boundaries of Pandyan Empire changed. Also,another predominant caste called, the Maravars(Devars) were also from the same clan. The earlier Pandya kingdom was under control of Paravas and Maravas. For centuries the Paravas had been pearl divers. However in the 19th century pearl oysters in the Gulf of Mannar, between India and Sri Lanka, became scarce.They controlled the entire tamil navy at all times and their armed forces were called as Parathavar Padai (பரதவர் படை ). Tuticorin city in Tamil Nadu, India which is still a stronghold of the Parava community was the centre of the pearl trade. The Paravas later diversified into fishing, salt-making and other maritime professions.
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