Burton Stein describes an essentially continuous process of expansion of the nuclear areas of the caste society into forest and upland areas of tribal and warrior people, and their integration into the caste society at the lowest levels. Many of the forest groups were incorporated as Paraiyar either by association with the parai drum or by integration into the low-status labouring groups who were generically called Paraiyar.
Burton Stein describes an ongoing expansion of nuclear areas within the caste society into forested and upland regions inhabited by tribal and warrior groups, followed by their integration into the caste system at its lowest levels. Many forest communities were incorporated as Paraiyar either through association with the parai drum or by being integrated into low-status labor groups that were generally referred to as Paraiyar.