Pothuval

Pothuval (Poduval) is a caste of Ambalavasis in Kerala. There are two classes in Pothuval community: Akappothuval and Purappthuval. Akappothuval works inside the "Chuttampalam" and Purappothuval works outside the "Chuttampalam". Purappothuval comprises Mālappothuval and Chendappothuval. Mālappothuvals, like Varriers and pushpakan Unnis, are garland makers. Chendappothuvals, like Marars in Kochi, are temple musicians. A Pothuval house is known as Pothuvattu. Many Pothuval ancestral house names thus have suffix attu. For example, Pulkunattu is a Pothuval family from Payyanur (and surrounding areas) of North Kerala. Neralattu (Neralattu Rama Poduval) is another Pothuval family name.

Historical References

Hermann Gundert illustrated Pothuvals as "Ardhabrahmana" (Semi-Brahmin) in his Dictionary. It is believed that they are migrants from Karnataka. It is also believed that originally they were Jainas and later, in the post-Vedic period, they were converted to Hindus.

Prominent Pothuvals

* Neralattu Rama Poduval - ( Sopanam artist, recipient of kendra sahitya akademi award)
* R. Vasudeva Pothuval - Archiologist.
* Krishnankutti Pothuval - Chenda Artist
* Appukkutti Pothuval - Maddala Artist
* A. P. Sankaran Malapothuval - Critique
* Nawab Rajendran, (the father of Indian class action suit / public interest litigation)
* A.V. Shreekanda Poduval ( Freedom fighter & poet)
* K.P. Kunhirama Poduval ( Freedom fighter)
* V.P.K. Poduval ( Renouned Astrologer)
* K.M. Kunhambu Poduval ( Freedom fighter, poet & Dramatist)
* Padinjathu Rama Poduval ( Sanskrit scholar )
* Ramankandathu Sankunni Poduval ( professor, Hindi & Sanskrit scholar )
* Aliparambil Sivarama Poduval (1925-2006)- Thayambaka, Melam, Sopana Sangeethacharyan