Maarar

Maaraar or Marar is the name given to the temple musicians (hereditary profession) of Travancore, Cochin and Malabar region in the state of Kerala, whose primary duty was to provide the traditional temple "Sopanam" music. They live in the vicinity of temples; and are related with the temple and temple customs.
Known for their playing of drums and idakka in temples, Marars belong to Ambalavasi caste. They were also called as ambalavasi brahmins by some anthropologists. Marar ladies are called Marasyar. "Sopanadwani" is the monthly publication of "Akhila Kerala Marar Kshema Sabha".