Pariah, (Tamil language) or Paraya in Malayalam, is the name of the Pariah caste of Indian Hindu society. The word has gained widespread use as an analogy, especially in the phrases "social pariah" and "pariah nation" or "pariah state", as a term for anyone considered an outcast, isolated, or different by others. The word is considered to be offensive to the Pariahs (Pariah drummers). More recently, they have taken to calling themselves Sambavas.

Pariah may also refer to:

• Pariah (comics), a DC Comics character.
• Pariah, a founding member of The Threshold, an organization in Doctor Who comics, as featured in Doctor Who Magazine
• Pariah (video game)
• Pariah (album), a 2005 album by the band Naglfar
• Pariah (song), a song by the band Lamb of God.
• Pariah Dark, a fictional character from the Danny Phantom animated series.

Famous Paraiyars

• Iyothee Thass Pandithar, founded the Sakya Buddhist Society (also known as Indian Buddhist Association).
• M. G. Pandithan, Founder & President of "Indian Progressive Front", former "Malaysian Indian Congress" vice-president, Member of Parliament for Tapah, Parliamentry secretary to the Trade and Industry Ministry, Malaysia.
• Irattaimalai Srinivasa Paraiyar, freedom fighter,Tamilnadu State, India.
• Kakkan, former Minister of Social Justice & Police, Tamilnadu
• Thiruvalluvar, celebrated Tamil poet.
• Auvaiyar, celebrated Tamil poetess.
• Nandanar (Hindu Saivite saint)
• Ilayaraja, Music Director, Tamil, Hindi and many Indian Films
• Thirumavalavan, president, "Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi", political party. [(http://www.vck.in)],[(http://www.thamizhmann.com)].
• A.Raja, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, India.
• Parithi Ellamvazhuthi, Hon’ble Minister for Information, Tamilnadu.
• Prof. Periyardasan, Tamil scholar, film actor & follower of Periyar.
• Sivamani, world famous percussionist & musician
• Gangai Amaren, director, lyricist & producer of Tamil Films .
• Deva, music director, Tamil and South Indian films.
• Srikanth Deva, music director of Tamil films (son of Deva).
• Vadivel, comedy actor, Tamil films.
• Venkat Prabhu, director of Tamil films.
• Yuvan Shankar Raja, music director of Tamil & Hindi films.
• Dr.Poovai M.Moorthiyaar, M.A.,M.L.,Ph.D., founder & president - "Puratchi Bharatham"(APLF)
• Dr.Poovai M.Jegan Moorthiyaar, M.L.A., president, "Puratchi Bharatham"(APLF)
• Er.Soma.Manirasa Paraiyar, B.E., State Organiser - "Puratchi Bharatham"(APLF)
• Samuel Paraiyar - leader, "Tamilnadu Paraiyar Peravai".
• Ian and Ivan - "those who hold calls that nobody attends".
• J.R.Samy M.LM., M.Phil, Director - "AREN TRUST" [Action for Rural Empowerment Network Trust] - an organisation working for the promotion of Paraiyar community. [(http://www.arenngo.webs.com)]