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Iyer (also spelt as Ayyar, Aiyar, Ayer or Aiyer) is a caste of Hindu Brahmin communities of Tamil origin. Most Iyers are followers of the ''Advaita'' philosophy propounded by Adi Shankara.〔Folk Songs of Southern India, Pg 3〕 The majority reside in Tamil Nadu, India. Iyers are sub-divided into various sub-sects based on cultural and regional differences. Like all Brahmins, they are also classified based on their gotra, or patrilineal descent, and the Veda they follow. Iyers fall under the Pancha Dravida Brahmin sub-classification of India's Brahmin community and share many customs and traditions with other Brahmins. In recent times, they have felt affected by reservation policies and the Self-Respect Movement in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This has helped encourage a large migration to other parts of India and the English-speaking world. Apart from the prevalent practice of using the title "Iyer" as surname, Iyers also use other surnames, such as Sāstri or Bhattar.〔Cochin, Its past and present, Pg 300〕 == Etymology == The word Iyer is derived from the title ''Ayyā'' which is often used by Tamils to designate respectable people. There are number of etymologies for the word ''Ayyā'', generally it is thought to be derived from Proto-Dravidian term denoting an elder brother. It is used in that meaning in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. Yet others derive the word Ayya as a Prakrit version of the Sanskrit word ''Aryā'' which means 'noble'. In ancient times, Iyers were also called ''Anthanar'' or ''Pārppān'', though the usage of the word ''Pārppān'' is considered derogatory in modern times. Until recent times, Kerala Iyers were called ''Pattars''. Like the term ''pārppān'', the word ''Pattar'' too is considered derogatory. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Iyer」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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