Kallar means "Thieves". Historians postulate the word Kallar, derived from Kalla, means "black" in Sanscrit and Tamil. (கள்வனென் கிளவி கரியோனென்ப' - திவாகரம்) They also postulate Dravidians were called Kalla by Aryans ..



Indiran or Devendiaran (Devar) also mentioned as Kalla

Thirumal is also stated Mal to mean he is black. Also Krishna means black.
In olden days black Dravidians were stated as Kalla to state their bravery. 

Many historians postulate Kallar means Black, to state their bravery and to relate their lineage from Chola and Pallava.


Surnames
Current Status
Meaning of Kallar
Pallavas