The
Ezhavas are a community with origins in the region of
India presently known as
Kerala. They are also known as
Ilhava,
Irava,
Izhava and
Erava in the south of the region; as
Chovas,
Chokons and
Chogons in
Central Travancore; and as
Thiyyas,
Tiyyas and
Theeyas in the
Malabar region. Some are also known as
Thandan, which has caused administrative difficulties due to the presence of a distinct caste of
Thandan in the same region. The Malabar Thiyya group have claimed a higher ranking in the
Hindu caste system than do the others, although from the perspective of the colonial and subsequent administrations they were treated as being of similar rank.
