The Royal Nadar

The Royal Nadar

The Pandiyan kings had the titles .

The Kings had the title Maravarman and Maran, Chadayan, Nelveli,Maveli,Seeveli etc.The main ancient Pandian dynasty is from Mara Vamsam. (unchanging or Permanent dynasty). Nadar community descends from the ancient Pandian kingdom of Nadalvar Kulam. The lords of Pandia dynasty were called Maran, Maranadar/Mara Nadalwar.Nattar, Rayan, Nadar, Kshatriya Nadar, Nadan, Nadavaru Nadava, Alwar, etc Karukkupattayathar(Elite guards),Kodi Marathar(who defend the flag),Sivanthi(Elite Suicidal army) Panicker(one who trained in Martial arts) are some other titles. Gramony or Gramaniar was the village head. Asan (teachers of Martial arts medicine arts and history). Vaidyar (practitioners of indigenous medicine). The soldiers were called Chanar (chan=Iron,those who carried iron implements when iron was rare)( Sanar, Shanar) Pullu Kai Chanar are hired soldiers who threw spears. (Pullu = spear or stake)Enadhi were archers etc. Modern Nadar(caste) community descend from all the elements of Pandiyan kingdom from kings, soldiers and slaves.

Early kingdom
The initial capital was Korkai Pattinam which was a harbour city. Later Then Madurai was founded at Then Madurai in a land south of Kanyakumari (Kanniya Kumari , Cape Comerin , Komerin ) which was latter destroyed by the rising waters. The Pandiyan acquired the title Thennavan during that time. The extent of the country was between Kumari to Paquruli rivers ( Pakruli ). When the raising waters drowned the country, Kumarikkandam the capital was shifted to Vada Madurai

Pandyan Heritage and Legends
King Maveli Thampuran of Onam, could be a Pandiyan king as Pandiyan kings were the only kings before 3000 yrs in Kerala. Maveli was a title of Pandiyan kings. Local legends talk about a king Ulagudaiya Perumal , a Tenkasi Pandiyan king who ruled from Eranial in Kanyakumari district, could have been Maveli Thampuran. Avanam (Onam) was the day in which the records were verified each year (Avani, Singa masam). Hiranya Kasibu was an ancestor who ruled perhaps from Eranial ( Kanyakumari). Mavelikkara also might have been named after Pandiyan kings. Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar received an Pandion emissary at 13 BC. Roman Emperor Justinian also received an embassy from Pandion in the fourth century AD. Srilankas ancient name was Tamraparni named after Thamraparni river homeland of Pandiyans. Arjuna of Mahabharata is believed to have married Alli, the daughter of Pandian king by tying a Thali while she was sleeping. (1200 BC). Alli Arjuna Katha has been sung for eons as Villupattu (Bow string song) a folk art form. Indonesia has one island named Madura where people talk a language called Madurese. Java (Chavaham), Sumatra (Swarnatheevu) also mentioned in the Sangha Literatures. Ancient Records Roman Historian Pliny who visited India, Kodungalloor (Trichur) in the 1 century AD who was met by the Pandian kings representative. Periplus of Erithrean Sea , Tolemy, Mahabharata , Mahavamsa mention Pandiyan kingdom.

The People
Ayar or Konar, the Pastoralists were ruled by Ayvel princes. Maravas who lived in the dry arid Palai region were valiant warriors and Bandits. Koravas were half nomadic people, who lived in the hilly regions invented the Siddha medical system.Kombais were settled in remote hamlets in the hills. Vellalas or agriculturists,poets who occupied the wet land ie Paddy fields were ruled by Vel princes.Parathavar were fishermen who lived in the Neythal, Sea and seashore,had some role in founding the Pandiyan kingdom.The Chetty or Chettiars were merchants and ship owners.Eiynar were archers.Valluvans were philosophers and learned.Mara Nadars occupied the Palai, dry deserty area and evolved as Alwars(rulers)(Kshatriyas)from the Palmyra cultivators and archers.Some Nadars had the title Enadhi(Eiynan + Adhi=ancient archer)linking them to Eiynans.Some Nadars were perhaps drawn from the ranks of fishermen community.

Extent of the Ancient Pandiyan kingdom
Southern and western Tamilnadu Kerala South Karnataka Sri Lanka Indonesia Provinces

Tamil Nadu Pandiyan Kingdom of Mara Nadars evolved at the banks of Tamraparni rever before millennia. The Capital was shifted to Madurai in the later times. The Royal house of Mara Nadars was at Tenkasippatinam with minor capital at Sivakasippatinam. From Tenkasi they could control the affairs of southern Kerala too. The Pandiyan country was divided into Nadu, Valanadu, Kottam and Kuttam. ( Desam in later periods ). The Nadu was ruled by Nadalvar ( Nadu + Alvar ) who was a close relative of the King. Each Nadalvar maintained their own temple, collected tax and maintained a contingent of army.

Kerala Before 300 BC whole of Kerala was under Pandiyan Suzernity. The Chera Kingdom founded by people from outsiders Cheras Purayan Vellians perhaps Bana or Pana people, Banapperumal was the title of Chera kings, the Pandiyan kingdom was bisected. Laterdays Mahodayapuram (Kodungalloor) (Trichur, Thrissur) became the capital of Cheras, while Musirippatinam became the Port. The countries north and south of the Chera kingdom were still under the Sovernighty of the Imperial Pandiyans.

The three Pandiyan principalities of Kerala.
Nadar Pandiyan Kingdom - The minor capitals like Nelveli, Nelkinda and Nenmara may represent the Nelvelimaran of the Royal house of Mara Nadars of Tenkasi and Thirunelveli. Pulnadu (Land of Grass, Punnadu ) Southern Karnataka & Northern Kerala Dakshin Kanara- Mangalore- Kasaragod area extending to Eruma Nadu ( Mysore) (Land of Buffalows). The Pandiya descendents are believed to have assimilated by the local Jain Hoysala Dynasty of Ballals. Nadavas a sub group of (Bunts of Tulunadu) still claim that they descend from Pandiyan rulers called Bootha Pandiya ( 150 AD), Deva Pandiya and Jaya Pandiya. Nadava could be a variant of of Nadalvar. The titles Marla(n), Ray(an) and Alwa(r)s are also found among them. The Alupa kingdom of the Bunts might derive its name from Pandiyan Aluvars. The Nadavas might have joined the Bunts at a later period. Aliya Santhana (Marumakkathayam, Matrilineal inheritance ) might have been adopted in a later date due to the admixture of northern saka people, more related to Nairs. Some of the Billavas living in south Karnataka also have surnames Aluvar and Alwa which they might have acquired by marriage with Pandiyan descendents. Pandikkallu believed to be a frozen ship of Pandiyas, a land mark at Kasaragod still reminds us of Pandiyan times. Maranadu According to the Nadar oral tradition there was an ancient Pandiyan principality comprising of Palakkad, Malappuram, Gudalur and Wayanad (Ezhimala) districts. The Capital was Nenmara in Palakkad district which was named after the Pandiyan Nelveli Maran. Pandikkadu at malppuram district could have been one of the strongholds. Even now among many tribals of Gudalur and Wayanad, Maran is a common name. Pandiaru at Gudalur could have been the boundary. The overlordship was in the Pandiyan governor of Central Kerala. Nadar legends say the Pandia Nadavar of Malappuram became tribals.

Venad - Ai Nadu ( Thiruvidankur or Travancore )
Thiruvattuvai Nadu (Kottayam & Aleppey ) was the centre from which ancient Pandiyan Kings ruled Southern Kerala. The Pandiyan headquarters was in Kottayam District at Nelkinda ( nelcynda nylcyndi ). Aye kings were were vassals of the Pandiyans ruling at Madurai. Aye kings ( Ayvel, Ayoi) were Vallals (Philanthrophists) as mentioned in the Sangha literature. Aye kings like Ay, Oi, Kari, Pari etc supported learned poets ( pulavars). The places Ayur,Oyur,Kariavattom,Parippally etc in the Quilon district are named after them.Poet Kapila built a temple for his friend the slain king Pari. Some of the Aye kings had the title Nadan. They were perhaps more related to Nadars in the ancient times. Kottar, Pandalam, Mavelikkara were minor capitals. Later periods four major Aye Vel rulers ( Yadhava Ayar Kon ) from kurekkeni Kollam , Vizhignam , Purakkadu and Thiruvattuvai Nadu and their king, the Venmannan ( king of Vels) had been under the overlordship of Madurai Pandiyan kings. When Roman historian and traveller Pliny was residing at Kodungalloor ( Trichur-Thrissur) in the Chera kingdom, the representative of Pandian King invited him to come to southern Ports (Quilon, Purakkadu) which were under pandiyan control. The Powerful Pandiyan Navy protected the harbours in the Pandian territories. The Pandiyan ships carried hill produce, spices, sandal wood, Pearls to middle east through Red sea and to Persia and ultimately reaching Rome and Egypt.

Greater Pandiyan Kingdom
Sri Lanka ( Tamraparni, Ezham, Ezhatheevu, Heladiva, Serendib, Ceylon ) Srilanka was ruled by Pandiyan kings since time immemorial. Srilanka was called Tamraparni after the Thamraparni river at Thirunvelveli district. Ancient greeks called Sri lanka Taprobane (Tamra parni, Thamra Barani , Thambapanni ).The other name was Ezha Theevu (Southern island)or Heladiva. The Sri Lankan Kshatriya Pandian kings (Pandu, Pandya) had powerful dynasties who often invaded mainland India to help their relatives ruling in India and vice versa. The Pandiyan kings were called Panya_Mara (Pandiya Maran)at 99 BC. Nadar armies had gone from India especially from Travancore to help their cousins. Some of the Nadar legends clearly mention that they were recruited by the Pandiyan king of Madurai to fight a war at Sri Lanka which they won. Sinhalese Vijaya a prince from Kalinga (Orissa), married the daughter of the Pandiyan king of Madurai brought the Buddhist Aryan culture to Sri Lanka at 543 BC. The Dravidian inhabitants of Ezhanadu were called Ezhavas.Pandya Nadars who ruled Sri Lanka and returned were also called Ezhavas or Ezha Nadar in the ancient times. ( Ezha = Sri Lanka in Tamil). After the decline of Pandiyan kingdom in the mainland after 880 AD, the Pandiyan influence at Sri Lanka waned. The people of Pandiyan origin from Sri Lanka were gradually evicted by the Sinhalese. Puthalam Nadu (Battola) mentioned by Ibn Batuta a Moroccan visitor in the 1350s, could be a Pandiyan kingdom. The Sinhalese Nahalava and Nalavar though intermingled with non nadar castes, originally might have been related to Nadalvars of Pandiyan kingdom. Indonesia Sangha literature which was composed in the Pandiyan court mention about Java (Chavaham), Sumatra ( Swarnadweep) and Mani Pallava theevu. Manimekhalai daughter of Kovalan and Kannagi travelled to Manipallavam as a jain nun. The early colonizers of Indonesia, the ancient Pandiyan mariners and warriors, were called Thirayars ( People of waves)( Thiyyars of Kerala, a variant) Dweeparu, Deevaru, Dheevara, Devaru etc meaning Island people. ( Theevu or Dheevu = Island). Ilanthirayan, who came from waves became Chola king. Among the Madagaskar citizens Ranadirayan and Ilanthirayan names are common titles. Thirayars founded many countries including Indonesia and many South Asian countries. Thiraiyars returned when Indonesia was invaded by Chinese, to populate various communities of the Southern four states.

Pandiyan Legacy While Chanarappalayam could have been named after an ancient Pandiyan army camp, Chadaya Mangalam, Thirunelveli, Mara Nadu, Mavelikkara, Nenmara, Boothappandy, Parthivasekharapuram are few of the places named after the Pandiyan kings of Mara Nadar dynasty. Chanar malai in the Western Ghats where the chanars lived after the Naicker war. The minor provincial capitals were usually named afterer Nelveli Maran, the Pandiyan king Nenmara, Nelkinda and Nelveli.

Languages The language of the Pandiyan kingdom had been an archaic form of Tamil which evolved into various modern Dravidian tongues like Tamil,Malayalam,Kannada,Telugu and Tulu. Religion The Pandyans were mostly Hindu devotees of Shiva and Vishnu. However some other traditions did enter into South India. Jainism or Samana or Sramana was a major religeon of ancient Pandiyan kingdom. Aruga Kadavul was a Jain deity. Sangha Age Many Tamil Sanghams organized over millenias preserved the ancient Tamil language, literature and culture over a widespan of time over more than thousands of years. The last Thamil Sangam ended when the Kalabhras invaded the Pandiyan kingdom at about 300 AD.

The people who came from the West
Pandian kings had given permission for the Yavanas (ionian) (fair people) (Greeks,Romans Hebrews and Syrians) to construct fortified towns at Quilon, Purakkadu, Kodungalloor many centuries before Christ. Hebrews, Syrians and other semitic people also might have resided in the same Yavanappatinams or Yavanacheris. Western countries were called Mel Nadu ( Upper countries) in ancient Tamil while the Eastern countries were called Keezh Nadu ( Lower countries). The Jews and Arabs have been staying in kerala from time immemorial. It has been suggested that Poovar at Trivandrum district is the place from where gold was brought to the King Solomons Temple in 1200 BC. All the immigrants from Western countries ie Europeans and the middle east (Arabia, Palestine , Syria and Turkey ) were called Methanmar (Mel + Thara + Karanmar ) meaning westerners, was a honorific title. The foreign sailors who married the local girls were called Mappillaimar ( maplamar, moplah, Mappillahs) meaning Son-in-Law in Tamil.As in the ancient Pandiyan Kingdom marrying maternal uncles was also in vogue some girls addressed their husbands Maman.The semitic Christian sailors who married among the local Dravidian girls were called Syrian Nasrani Mappilla (mappillamar),so as to differentiate them from other mappillas ( Yavana, Arab, Turkish, Jewish etc). The Syrian Christians who were brokers of spice were called Tharakan.

Fall of the ancient Pandyas

Kalabhra Invasion
The classical Pandiyan kingdom was destroyed and weakened by the invading Kalappiras in the 3rd century a.d. While the kings were called Mutharaiyars or Mudhiraju the soldiers and commoners were called kalappala or Kalava or kalavar along with Servai and Servaikkarar The Kalappalas conquered and ruled all three states,the Chera,Chola and Pandiyan kingdoms.The Kalappira/Kalappalas were from northern Karnataka or central India. The Sangha age and learning came to an abrupt end. Kalappalas were Buddhist and Jain Kannada speaking people. The Pandiyan kingdom was eclipsed completely from 300-600 A.D. Pandiyan kingdom never attained the ancient glory and learning again. Some of the ancient tamil Soldierly communities like Maravas (soldiers) of Pandiya and Agricultural communities from Chola kingdom mixed with the Kalappalas (Kalappirar or Kalava) and became related communities.Shanans,the soldiers of the Pandiyan army who defected to the Kalabhras might have been given Muthiriya Moopar(Shanan) the post of chieftains. In the later periods Kalabhra_descendents claimed to be the founders of all three kingdoms. Sangha literature mention about Marava as dwellers of Palai Nilam who were Bandits and soldiers but nowhere mentioned as related to Pandiyan Aristocracy or Pandiyan Kings.Muthariyars were Kalabhra Kings while Maravars Kalavars were soldiers. Kallarum Maravarum mella mella Vellalaranar was an old saying indicating the position of the Kallar and Maravar was far below Vellala, the Agriculturists in the ancient times.The Pandiyan Nobility,the Mara Nadars were definitely above the Vellalas, the serfs. When the Kalabhras and Maravas married among the agricultural castes of Chola Nadu a Chola-Kalappala alliance was formed which was hostile to the ancient Pandiyan Nadars throughout the later ages.

Kongus Kongus were an archaic kannada speaking community with Kalabhra roots,who became agriculturists - Vellala in the later periods. Around 300-500 AD the Kongus invaded and occupied most of the north eastern parts of Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, Salem,Erode and Ooty areas.. They are mentioned in the Sangha literatures as Vadugas – Northern people. They invaded the Pandiyan kingdom as far as Pothihai ( Sahya Parvatham Thirunelveli ). The Ay Andiran the king of Ayakkudi had assisted the Pandiyan king in defeating them. In the later periods they adopted the title Vellala and became agriculturists.

Revival of Pandiyan Kingdom
The classical Pandiyan kingdom of Mara Nadars was revived once again around 600 AD by Maravarman Ari Kesari (640 AD), a staunch Hindu Saivite king who hanged 8000 Jain scholors who perhaps were Kalappiras.The Kalabhra descendents were chased away from Pandiyan kingdom though they continued to rule from Thanjavur by Mutharaiyar Kings. Pandiyan Nedumaran was converted by Perial Maran to Vaishnavite religion around 750 AD.

Defeat of Pandiyan Varaguna Maran The Pallava king Abarajitha defeated Pandiyan Varaguna Maran and killed him at 880 AD. This lead to the ascendency of Chola Kingdom.

Alwars, Nayanars and Marans

Many hindu saints had the old Pandiyan titles. Eg Nammalwar maran, Perial maran, Enadinatha Nayanar(Shanar Swordsman who tutored Princes)Ilakkulaccanrar Enadi(Ezha Kula Chanar Enadhi)

Rise of Later Cholas
In the period from 300 AD onwards Kalabhra soldiers of the Mutharaiyars and Maravas intermarried among the Chola agriculturists slowly transforming themselves to Vellalas. Finally around 800 AD, the Kalabhra soldiers started supporting the Chola kings( Udaiyar) of Uraiyur abandoning their own Mutharaiyar kings(who were of fishermen or Valayar caste).The Kalabhra descendents and Maravas of Pandiya Nadu also supported Cholas against Pandiyan Nadars. Cholas created Kerala by making the Venad ruler to accept the suzernity of Kerala perumal(The Chera king). In the earlier times the southern kerala (Travancore) had been integral part of the Pandiyan kingdom.

Chalukya Cholas Kulothunga Chola Devar who was crowned as the Chola king at 1070 AD started the dynastic rule of Telugu Chalukya kings of Vengi.Telugu weavers and agriculturists were given large land holdings and settled down in the thondaimandalam during this period, some of whom were made Padai Mudalis.

Two rival Pandiyan dynasties
Between 1000 AD to 1120 AD the Chola princes ruled the Pandian kingdom as Chola Pandiyas with the help of Maravas and Kalabhra descendents. Gradually the nadar community was pushed southwards towards Tenkasi pattinam where the ancient Royal house of Pandiyans was present.The country was divided into Northern Chola Kalappala dominated area with Madurai as capital and Southern Mara Nadar dominated principality with Tenkasi as capital.In short the later Pandiya Kings who ruled from Madurai after 1000 AD were of Chola and Kalabhra descent. When at 1120 AD Madurai became free of telugu Chalukya Cholas,Chola princes continued to rule Pandiyan kingdom while Maravas became increasingly powerful and might have added their blood to the later Pandiyan dynasty. After 1200s the Tenkasi was occupied by the Northern rival Pandiyan kingdom and the Nadars were reduced to petty feudal chiefs.

Muslim invasion by Malikafur ,the general of Allaudin Khilji destroyed the Pandiyan kingdom and plundered it in 1311 and a new Sulthanate called Mabar established.

Tenkasi occupied by Travancore
The Venad King Yadhu Kula Kulasekhara Ravi Varma Devar who perhaps had an understanding with the muslim invaders, captured the southern capital of Pandiyas Tenkasi/kalakkad area and formed the Kalakkad swaroopam. He further assumed the title Maravarman and had a coronation at Kancheepuram as a king with three crowns ( Chera Chola and Pandiya ).Many ancient Nadar families might have been displaced from Tenkasi during that time.

The Vellalas , the Agricultural serfs under the Pandiyan mara nadars gradually mixed with the agricultural settlers from each of the invaders ,Vadugas including Kalabhras, Kongus, Pallavas, Telugu, Tulus and Nairs. Some of these mixed Vellalas supported the invading Naickers.

Naicker invasion
At 1543 Madurai was invaded by the Vijayanagara Naicks.Many tamil warlike communities sided with the Naickers and divided the country among themselves. The Pandiyan kingdom was divided into 72 Palayams which were ruled mostly by the Telugu Naickers who descended from Kurubas and the Indo Scythians or Saka. The Thuluva and Telugu people who came with the Naickers from Thulunad became the Lords and Generals(Padai Mudalali). In the naicker rule the Nadar lords called Vellai nadars were executed( according to the Nadar oral tradition ) with five hundred thookumarams. In the later periods they had to undergo many difficulties.All Nadar lands were seized.The Naickers and marava were hostile to nadars.Nadars were forced to leave Tenkasi.Many Nadars took refuge at the high ranges of Westernghats (1550 to 1700s).Nadars became outcasts in their own Pandiyan homeland. They were not even allowed in the temples their Pandiyan ancestors had built.Many got converted to islam.A Karnataka sub group of Muslims,who have the surname Nadar, say that they got converted following Naicker invasion.Many escaped to Kerala.Till 1801 when British annexed south Tamil Nadu Nadars had to undergo all indignities. The Last Pandiyan kings from the Old dynasty According to Nadar legends till the 18th century the last Pandiyan royal family is believed to have survived the Naickers and finally he and his nobles escaped to Kerala. Many Nadar families in Trivandrum had the title Rayan until recently. Pandiyakula Kshatriya Nadar of Thirumangalam and Maran (Nadar) of Tenkasi may descend from original Pandiyan dynasty.

Brititish Attitude
When some Nadars approached the Britishers in 1801(Thirunelveli Collector) claiming that all these countries were their own and that they were local Kshatriyas belonging to the Pandian dynasty, the British officer ordered them to bring a gold coin issued by their Pandian king in the past. They were not able to bring the coin but they did bring a coin a Shanan Kasu which was infact had been issued in a foreign country. This convinced British that the Nadars claim about their Pandiyan ancestry was false. Nadars claim that they were Kshatriya Nadars whose ancestors ruled Kerala and Tamil nadu could not be digested by the British. Nadars were mostly poor landless labourers that time. A collector recorded in the British archives the outrageous claims of the Shanan tribe. When another Nadar told the British officer that he is a descendent of Pandiyan the British officer was sure that the Nadar had read the Ptolemys version about Pandion king who send an emissary to Augustus. Appearance Nadars in that time used to grow long hair spread out hanging up to the waist like their Pandiyan ancestors.Chadayan was a title of Pandiyan. Nadars used to tuck the Dhoti between legs.

British Rule
The establishment of British rule in 1801 in Tamil Nadu ended the 250 yrs of oppression by Naickers and Maravas starting from 1546. In the Early years of 19th century many nadars got converted to Christianity in the southern Tamil Nadu(1800 to 1830).Though the Europeans understanding about the Nadars Pandiyan Heritage,Bishop.Caldwell who was working at Idaiyan kudi in the midst of Palmyra groves with the cultivators of Palmyra, the Shanars suggested that Nadars could be pure Dravida Kshatriyas. A rich land owning class called Nadans (Pannaiyars,Mirasudars)were the last to be converted. Eg Tharangambadi Nadars the landless agriculturists and Palmyra climbers were called Shanan.The titles like Maran,Rayan and Adityan were hidden fearing reprisals from the landed gentry. In the 1800s many Nadars got educated, some got jobs as Kanganis in the tea estates some joined estates.

The Claims of the Shanars of 19th Century
They were the survivors of an ancient great flood.(British thought it was biblical Noahs flood while Nadars were talking about drowning of Kumarikkandam) They are the Kshatriya Nadalvars of ancient Pandiyan dynasty which once ruled Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Sri Lanka. Their ancestors had issued many gold coins. ( Pandiyans) They sailed to distant lands and fought wars over there ( Indonesia & Polynesia)

Nadar Organizations
Nadar Uravin Murai and Pettais (Fortified storehouses) further increased the prosperity of Business community of nadars in the 19th century.The Nadar Mahajana Sangham which was founded in 1910 was another milestone. The Dekshina Mara Nadar Sangham is another community organization founded around the same period.

Thamilisai
Rao Bahadur Abraham Pandithar , of Thanjavur, descended from an ancient Pandiyan family from Tenkasippandiyan . His did research on the origins of Native Dravidian music – Thamilisai at the late 19th century.

Kalugumalai Riots 1895
In 1895 riot broke out at Kalugumalai within the Ettaiyapuram zamindari estate in the Tirunelveli District of Madras Presidency: started when Roman Catholic Nadar community of Ettayapuram took the procession in the main road near the temple. The Ettaiyapuram Jamindars were Telugu Naickers and Palayakkars.

Kerala Nadars
In the ancient times entire Kerala was in the Pandiyan kingdom prior to 300 BC. When the Chera Kingdom,founded by perhaps immigrants as the names Chera,Vellian and Puraiyans suggest,founded the chera kindom which extended to western sea at Kodungalloor the sea from Vanji(Karuvur)around 3rd century BC. the Pandiyan kingdom was biscected in the middle. By the early years of Christ Kerala had three principalities ruled by pandiyans.

Malayalee Nadars Southern kerala, south of Trichur was integral part of the Pandiyan Kingdom. Nadars were the original inhabitants of kerala who founded the Pandiyan kingdom which lasted for thousands of years. Nadars lived on both sides of the westernghats throughout history. Nadars as Pandiyans were ruling kerala long before Nairs and Namboothiris arrived around 800 AD. The Ays were originally related to Nadars as many of them have their names ending with the title Nadan. Trivandrum was founded by a Pandiyan king.

Pandippada Because of their Pandiyan ancestry Nadars are often derided as Pandippada by nairs. Many Nadars who had been living in the northern parts of kerala and southern Karnataka have been assimilated or exterminated by the new tribes. It is believed that the Pandiyan nadar descendents of Malappuram District mixed with other tribes and completely disappeared. A place called Pandikkadu is still found at malappuram district. kerala Nadars always believed that they were Kshatriyas from Nadalvar kulam, who descend from Kings and warriors of the ancient Pandiyan kingdom. Kerala Nadars - Travancore always maintained that they were vanquished Kshatriyas who had once ruled Tamil nadu and Kerala. `Nadalum Ramavanmanukkum Nadalvar Kulathil Penn Kodom’ is an old saying which is, perhaps coined during the regime of Travancore king Rama Varma in the 1750s for about 250 yrs ago. Perhaps created only to boost the sinking morales of the old Nadar families during that period of oppression. At present Trivandrum Nadars are the single majority community at Trivandrum District forming about 40 percent of the population while Quilon has got considerable Nadar population.

Languages of Kerala Nadars Nadars especially Asan families still talk the original language of ancient Ay and Pandiyan Kingdom a kind of Manipravalam which was different from Malayalam (with two consonants only Ka Ga instead of four in Malayalam) perhaps derived from the earlier Pandiyan period.Many Manipravalam books existed among asan families, in which libi is difficult to follow as it is written in a single scratch. Many Kerala Nadars have adopted Malayalam as their mother tongue in the past 300 yrs though with a heavy Tamil accent. Some words used by Travancore Nadars are not there in Tamil, Malayalam or Sanskrit. For Eg Pakki ( Butterfly), Puttan (Dragonfly) Chara (Centipede) Mikutty (Caterpillar) Puruthi Chakka (Pineapple), Panchi (Sitha). The Manipravalam used by Nadars was a mixture of Sanskrit , Tamil and Malayalam. The Non-Brahmanic Sanskrit knowledge is from Nadars Jain Pandiyan past.

Kerala Pandyan kingdoms The Southern Ay Nadu (Travancore), Maranadu Pulnadu see above

Foundation of Trivandrum
Trivandrum was founded by Pandiyan Nedumchadayan from the old dynasty at 781 AD who had been converted by Perial maran. After 880 when the Pandiyan king Varaguna Maran was defeated Venad (Southern Kerala) became independent of Pandiya Nadu. The Syrian colony at Quilon ( Kurekkeni Kollam) Quilon era ( Malayalam era) was started commemorating the establishment of a Syrian Colony at Kurekkeni Kollam ( 825 AD). The land for Tharissappally Church (St.Threseas Church) was given by Venad king Ramaradigal Thiruvadigal to the Persian Nestorian Metron Mar Sapir Easo at 892 AD.

The Pandiyan attack As the main revenue was from spice exports, the establishment of the colony might have made the Venad rulers more powerful and independent of Pandiyans. The allegedly Pandiyan army attacked the Christian colonies and Churches of Quilon at 900 AD.[1] The Christians assistance to the Venad kings against the Pandiyan overlordship might have provoked it.

Northern tribes
The Tulunadu records mentions about a tribe called Nayars who came from north and had been settled down at Tulunadu. They disappeared from Tulunadu (mangalore) arond 800 AD.The Kadamba kings allegedly brought them from North. Immediately following that period Nairs appear in kerala inscriptions.(Thiruvalla sasanam (1000 AD)The Scythians or Saka people,apeople of steppe, in the west Asia north of Iran, had invaded India and occupied most of the Northern India few centuries before christ.They had converted to Hinduism and had mixed with the Kuruba people of central India who had been pastoralists and Hunters. Scythians were fierce warriors and followed Martilineal descendency.The Scythian mixture produced many warrior castes including Nayakar,Naicker,Nayak,Gowda etc. The title Kuruppu along with Nair could be Kuruba titles.[2]The Nayaka in sanskrit is leader.But the word might have been derived from the Dravidian root for hunter especially who used to hunt with dogs. Naiyattu in Malayalam means hunting. In the middle ages these mixed blooded people started moving towards south. They were accompanied by Brahmins whom they were protecting.They had adapted Aryan ways and sanskrit.Northern tribes started coming from 800 AD who were more related to Kuruba and Nagas and had a affinity to Sanskrit and followed matrilineal descendency. Cheras and Pandiyas followed only Patrilineal inheritance.Neither any of the Aryan clans follow matrilineal descendency. Only Bunts of Tulunadu and Nayars follow matrilineal inheritance.While the Chera kings talked archaic Tamil the new tribes were familiar with Sanskrit and Prakrit. The new comers married among the native Vellala,Valluvan and Aye descendents.Polyandry practiced by these Northern tribes,Sakas.Though some ancient Aryans practiced Polyandry no ancient Dravidian ever practiced Polyandry.Northern Gods especially Kali and Snake worship was prevalent among Nairs. Many Dravidian temples of Kannagi was converted to Bhagavati temples. The Northern people might not have been familiar with Dravidian goddess Kannagi. The temple built by cheran Chenkuttuvan and Ilangovadikal at Kodungalloor was reconsecrated as Kurumba Bhagavati Temple. Many other Kurumba temples exist at the Northern and middle kerala in the nair area. Second Chera Kingdom When the nairs joined the second chera kingdom as warriors the prestige of the Chera rulers increased. After the Pandiyan defeat in 880 AD, southern Kerala became independent of Pandiyan kingdom while accepting the overlordship of Mahodaya Chera kings,who had been crowned as Keralapperumals (Cheraman Perumals) with the support of Chola kings.

Rise of Venad
At 1100 AD when the Cheras became weak, the Chera capital Kodungalloor was occupied by the then independent Venad. Venad extended their rule to the southern kerala upto Kanyakumari ( Nanjil Nadu or Nanja Nadu) in 1120 AD.

Nanjil Nadu Kanya kumari district where rice cultivation was made possible by the dams built by the Pandian kings. Nanjil Nadu had been in the Pandiyan kingdom since time immemorial. Kanyakumari was annexed by the Venad Kingdom in 1120 AD when the Southern Pandiyan kings of old Nadar dynasty of Royal house of Tenkasi were defeated by the Cholas. Ramar Thiruvadi, the Venad king chased away the Pandiyan army from Kottar while retaining the Chola army. This indirectly points to the fact that Pandiyas from the old dynasty still survived even during the Chola Pandiya rule (1000 to 1100 AD). Rice of Nanjil Nadu solved the food problem of Venad ( Thiruvidankur). The Vellalas who had been serfs under the Pandiyas were given hereditary land deeds with title Pillai and preferential treatment who later mixed with Nairs. The hatred for Nadars originates from the times of Pandiyan overlordship which lasted many thousand years. Nadars were often derided as Pandippada by Vellala / Nairs because of their Pandiyan origins.

Aryanization
After 1000 AD kerala was dominated by Aryan Namboothiris who had migrated from the north with their scythian helpers around 800 AD. Namboothiris with their enormous land holdings dominated after 1120 AD when the last chera king Ravivarma Kulasekhara converted to islam and left for mecca at 1112 Kerala fell in the hands of princes(Naduvazhis) and namboothiris.By the 12th century when the Chera kingdom collapsed Namboothirs had well developed feudal system. Each Namboothiri Sankethem (Zamins) had atleast 10000 acres of land.(total about 1000 Namboothiri sankethams.This land holdings was protected by Samurai like Nairs.Unlike Nadars Nairs,though had Dravidian blood had adopted Aryan ways and language.

Malayalam and Marumakkathayam When Tamil and Sanskrit were added Malayalam was born around 1200s. Marumakkahayam (matrilineal inheritance) which had been hitherto practiced by Nairs was adopted by the Royal families after 1300s.

The Age of Naduvazhis Kerala was divided among the princes many of them claimed descent from Cheras. In reality the feudal lords(Madambis)ruled the country since 1200s. After 1300s Namboothiris became princes themselves. After 1400s Namboothiris started marrying among the Royal families of Chera,Koobaka and Mooshika dynasties erasing their identities.Most of the Pandiyan principalities was occupied during that time.Though many families still have vague memories of their Pandiyan Past,the lineage is lost.

Keralolpathi a book written in the 16 th century by Namboothiri claimed that Kerala itself had been created by Lord Parashurama and donated to Namboothiris, a clever modification of Velkezhu Kuttuvans earlier legend.

Decline of people of Pandiyan descent
Most of the Pandiyan Sakhas(principalities)and Pandiyan Alwancherys were occupied by Namboothiris. The Pandiyan kingdom had been divided into Nadus,Valanadu,Kottam and Kootams. The rulers of Nadu were called Nadalvars. Nadalvars used to be adminsitrators of Pandiyan kingdom who also managed temples residing at Azhvancherrys.Nattars,Nadans were the other titles of rulers. Pandalam,Mavelikkara,Quilon,Kottar etc were minor capitals of Pandiyas directly linking with Tenkasi the Royal house of Pandiyas.The Namboothiris who occupied the Pandian territories claimed Pandiyan lineage with Aryan Gotras like Bhargava or Viswamitra.(Pandiyans were pure Dravidians.In the later periods gradually the influence of people of Pandiyan descent decreased. The condition of Nadars and Nada Panickers became worse after the Naicker defeat. Nadars were often derided as Pandippada. Nadars maintained their martial tradition in the latter periods also. Asans and Panickers (Nadappanickan) trained students in the nadar Kalaries (school of Maritial arts) of Travancore. Nadars were traditionally trained at warfare since early childhood. Nadars of Travancore were proud of their own ancestry even in the times of opperession. `Nadalum Ramavarmanukkum Nadalvar Kulathil Pen Kodom' Intermingling In Pandiyan times Nadar strongholds existed throughout Kerala especially Trivandrum, Quilon, Aleppey and Kottayam districts. The Nadars of Quilon, Aleppey and Kottayam districts mixed with other communities and disappeared altogether.The Ezhavas of Alappey district are called Ezhava Shanars may be because of the intermingling with the Nadars of the earlier Pandiyan era. At Quilon most of the Nadars converted to Christianity and unlike the Trivandrum and Kanyakumari Nadars lost their identitity altogether.

Panickens
Panickan or Nadappanickken was a title given to the martial arts teachers in the Pandiyan times. In the later times when the Pandiyan kingdom collapsed, many of the Panickens might have joined the Nair,Ezhava ranks. The Nada Panickans who were the Martial arts trainers and warriors during the earlier Pandiyan period might have started serving the local kings belonging to Chera and Venad kings etc. In the later periods they might have joined the Nairs and Ezhava ranks after the collapse of the Pandiyan kingdom around 900 AD. Panicker is a common title for the Martial arts trainers among the Nairs, who are well versed in martial arts. Kalarippanicker is a sub group of Kalari trainers. The Nair panickers of Walluvanad had absorbed many ancient traditions of the Pandiyan kingdom. The Chaver Pada ( Suicidal army) fed by the king red coloured rice, had to fight till death like the earlier Pandiyan times. (Chenjottu Kadan). The Panickers among the Ezhavas were also maintained the ancient martial traditions. The Ezhava Panicker warriors served the later kingdoms of Venad and Kayamkulam. The Vallikada Panickers among the Syrian Christians of Kerala (Cochin ) had Nadar, Kshatriya roots from Tamil nadu before 500 yrs, during the arrival of Portuguese. The similarities in the style of the Kalaries , marmam and Adimura could be due to the Pandiyan legacy. Kalari Payittu ( Kalam ( battle field ) + Ari ( cut ) + Paittu (training) in old Tamil) is a purely ancient Dravidian art of warfare.

The Martial Tradition of Nadars
Nadar Kalaries and Kalarippayittu ( Kalam = Battle field + Ari = Cutting +Paittu = Training ) The Nadar Kalaries (martial schools) where compulsory training in martial arts, military training was given when a boy completes his 14th yr. The teachers of Martial arts were called Asans or Panickens. Adimura is a type of Kalarippayatu was practiced by the Nadars of South Thiruvidankur. Military service of Nadars The Nadars who were trained in weaponry (Ayudha Pariseelanam) called Panickens often served the Venad rulers. Sometimes whole families of Nadanmar were given to Naduvazhis - feudal lords. Valliathampi kunjuthampi Kadhaippadal a southern ballad written in the 18 th century mentions about the gift of many hundred Nadanmar, Panickanmar families to Thampimar, as warriors, who were princes of Venad then. The social status of Nadars soldiers and mercenaries was relatively lower than that of Nairs. Nadanmars and Nada Panickanmar thus lived as warriors even inside Venad which was increasingly becoming hostile. But later because of the opposition of Pillais Nadars military service in travancore came to an abrupt end while they were increasingly getting enrolled in the British Army in the 19th century. After the arrival of Portuguese some Nadars and Panickers might have served the Chrisitian armies of Quilon. Association with Kurups It is said that some of the Aramozhi Kuruppu families had been friendly with Nadar families throughout history unlike other Nairs. Aramozhi Kuruppus who remained a distinct group among Nairs defended the Aralvai Mozhi pass which is the Southwestern Boundary of Travancore for about 800 years.

Weapons Nadars though poor, had perfect military training under kalaries. They were trained in the use of swords, fencing with sticks ( Silambam ) and a short stick called Kuruvadi and fire arms. Nadar soldiers as well as robbers / Bandits used small homemade hand guns with double barrel about one foot long, with a curved wooden handle from the 1700s or earlier. They were familiar with the use of Gun Powder as well. They used to carry a heavy Broad curved sword. The Vettukathi is a small sword like with a heavy top which bends forward was a multi purpose tool in Nadar hands. The two metre long tail of Ray fish, Thirachi (Thirandi), which produce wounds do not heal or Dogsharks long jaw with teeth were also were used some times as weapons.

Art of Varmakkalai ( Marmam ) Varmam or Marmam is an ancient art practiced by Nadars since ancient times in which the warrior hits the vital spots of the enemy immobilizing, injuring or killing him (Varmam Thattu). For hitting the vital spots bare hands was used most of the times though a short stick was also used. Varmam may act immediately or it may take months to take effect. The severity of Varmam was also classified as Thodu Varmam , Padu Varmam and Kadetti Varmam.

Brandhan Chanan
At 1730 Brandhan Chanan alias Anandha Padmanabhan Nadar helped Venad king Marthanda Varma in getting the thronewhen a group of Lords called Ettuveetupillaimar tried to topple him.Ananthan according to the local folklore belonged to the Pagode Kalari.He was called Branthan(mad in Malayalam)because he mimicked madness when caught by his enemies. Many places like Anandha Nadan Kudiyiruppu ,Ananthan Kadu are Named after him.Andandan belonged to the Pagode Kalari of Nadars. While the Thampuran Marthandavarma was hiding in the hollow of a Jackfruit tree which later was called Ammachi Plavu (Mother Jackfruit Tree),by the thankful citizens,Brandhan killed many Nair and Kurppu soldiers to save the king.Branthan has been depicted as Jalman in the Marthanda Varma Kilippattu.A local tradition says that the king thanked branthan and told him as long as Trivandrum stands his name will be remembered.Many Nadar warriors assisted in quelling the rebellion.Finally according to the contemporary records the Ettuveetupillais were defeated and hanged and the children and women were sold to while some of the relatives were sold to fishermen.Local tradition says that about four hundred families were exiled to Maldives where they became muslims(Addu atoll,Maldives).However in the later chronicles as well as the first Malayalam Novel Marthandavarma which was a masterpiece, by Shri.CV.Raman Pillai Branthan was depicted as a Nair warrior who was in disguise.While the virtues of Ettuveetupillaimar were extolled Nadars are derided.However the book is a masterpiece. The scenes does give some insight into the lifestyle of Nadar warriors in the 18th century.The swords,handguns and martial training etc has been grudgingly depicted.Branthan killed few warrior lords of that time with impunity.He refuses to hand over his gun even when surrendering.Though most of the Nadars of Trivandrum know it was not correct there was no way to counter it.Why should a Nair lord disguise himself as a Chanan in the first place?

Worst period of Travancore Nadars
From 1750 to 1850 Laterdays Nadars were tortured by the Nair/Vellala combine. Many restrictions including ban on double storey buildings. Strict laws banning the nadars wearing the Thol seela ( upper cloth). Nadars in the Pandiyan times used to wear Markaccha and Thol Cheela.Finally the law was removed when the Nadars revolted at 1859.(Thol Seelai Kalaham) The military service was banned too. Nairs though antagonistic to nadars, when compared to Naickers they were in less severity. some Aramozhi Kurups were friendly with Nadars. According to the Nadar oral traditions, the social status of Nadars deteriorated in the Travancore considerably only after 1750s when they were deliberately kept out of Travancore politics and army. After 1750s, though Nadars had better military tradition than others, efforts were made to deprive of their rights. Nadars though poor and landless, resisted the new laws with all their might and won.

Bandits
Sembulingam alias Swampulingam Nadar ( Chembu lingam) a Kshatriya Nadar became a country Robin Hood,a bandit,after the local feudal lords abused and killed his wife.He took his revenge and later periods used to rob the rich to help the poor.He and his fellow brigands Kasi nadan, Duraiyappa Nadar became bandits. They hid at the jungles of Westernghat at Travancore and robbed the passing Caravans passing that way.Maruthuvamalai near Kottaram,Kanyakumari became their secret hideout. The gold and money thus acquired was distributed among the poor and destitutes of Travancore.Chempulingam removed a tile from the roof of poor and dropped gold and money through the hole.The legend of Chembulingam became a folklore. Chembulingam was met by missionary Amy Carmichael an Irish national at Jungle.Though Chembulingam was not converted he was quite impressed by the lady missionary.On one account the Brigand when he was chased by the police leaped and crossed a 30 foot wide well and escaped.He never killed females according to the old Pandiyan rules. Instead he used to lock together the long ears of the ladies with a Mankapootu (lock in the shape of a Mango).When he realized that escape was not possible Chembulingam went to the compound of the Irish missionary and left his four year old daughter in the compound.Finally the British police killed all his friends one by one. After they killed Kasinadan Chempulinkam allegedly lost all his will to live.He stood on the hill of Maruthuvamalai and gestured the police to shoot him. Chembu lingams daughter was raised as a christian named Dona.The town Donavaur was named after her.

Christianity
Though some Nadars had converted to Christianity even before five hundred years,in the Portuguese period, like Vallikada Panickars ,most of the Nadars were converted in the Early years of 19th century. The Vallikada Panickers among the Christians of Cochin were originally Nadars, Kshatriya from Tamil nadu.The Nadar population of Quilon converted themselves to Christianity during the Portuguese period in the 18th century or earlier and lost their identity completely. But majority the Christian Nadars from southern Travancore and Tamilnadu were converted between 1800 to 1830 period by European missionaries.

The European Missionaries of Kanyakumari
The London Mission society (LMS) was established in the 1795. and the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in 1799. Ringeltaube ( Rev. William Tobias), an early missionary who came around 1806, built the first protestant church at Mayilady ( mailady), Kanyakumari district at 1809. Veluthampy Dhalava who initially opposed building a church there yielded when Colonel Mecaulay, the British Resident and Divan of Trivandrum and Cochin intervened. Most of the converts during the early years of 19th century were Nadars and all the schools started later were situated at Nadar Christian areas.

British Education
Many schools were opened by the British missionaries including the first school at Mayilady (1806)by Ringeltaube, Nagercoil(1812)and English school Nagercoil seminary (1819)was opened by Rev.Charles Mead.Ringeltaube a missionary from Brussels had amazing foresight when he opened these schools. He was followed by Charles Miller and Mault.The first Girls school with Boarding facility of Travancore was established at Nagercoil by Mrs.Mead at 1819. At 1820 the first public school for hindus was opened for the hindus especially Nadars at Nagercoil. The Neyoor Girls Boarding school was established at 1828 under the Neyoor Mission which was situated in an ancient Nadar area. School of Industry (technical)started at 1820 at Nagercoil this school provided technical education and trades such as priniting, bookbinding, tanning. Curing of leather etc. It is said that Veluthampi Thalava who opposed opening of Mailady school gave his concent when Lord Mecaulay who had been the Divan and British Resident exerted pressure.Col Munroe who followed Lord Mecaulay did did support the project.These were the first schools of western education in Kerala. The western education did not help Nadars locally since the Govt jobs were not available for them.Though they were well educated by mid 19th century, the education was useful only securing jobs as Kankanis in the British Tea Estates started the same period.Many parts of India still did not have any school that era. Even at Trivandrum schools were started only after 1936 while the Kottayam seminary for Syrian Christians was started around 1817.By 1824 Nagercoil had around 48 schools.

British Reforms
Hydar Alis invasion led to large scale migration of Nairs and Brahmins to Travancore,suddenly increasing the power and numbers of Nairs. Veluthampy Dalava, who favoured a Nair Pada (Pattalam),banned the other communities including Nadars from joining the army. At 1812 when the land from Namboothiri Sangethams were nationalised by Munro,then Resident,Divan of Travancore Cochin, the Namboothiris power decreased.

Progress Tea Estates Many Travancore Nadars joined tea estates and later some established Tea estates on their own as early as 1850 (HD Devasahayam and Mokshakkan). Some joined the British army. By the end of 19th century many nadar graduates were there. Karnataka A kannada speaking sub group among Bunts called Nadavas who reside at South Kanara District of Karnataka also regard themselves as the descendants of the Pandiyan kings including Bootha Pandia and Deva Pandiya. Like Nadars of kerala and Tamil Nadu they have titles like maran and rayan. At Karnataka, the Pandiyan kingdom existed at the Mangalore and Kasaragod and Mysore area. They are believed to have intermingled with the Hoysala dynasty of Karnataka who were Jains like early Pandiyas. The Jain community as well as the Bunts of Karnataka could have descended from the ancient Pandiyan kingdom. Some Billavas might have acquired Pandiyan blood by marriage as they have Pandian titles like Alwar or Alwa.

Nadava:

Related communities
The Ezhavas and Edigas (Ezhiyas) are not directly related to Nadars ethnically and all the apparent similarity could be due to inter-mixing during recent times. They could descend from the Pandiyan kingdom,Puthalam Nadu.The Ezhavas in Aleppey could be a mixture of Nadars(also called Shanars).But they originally may have belonged to Pandiya Nadu and may share common origin. Panickers an ancient Pandiyan title for the trainers and proponents of Martial arts.Many Ezhava families have Panicker title indicating connections with ancient Pandiyan kingdom.Ezhavas are pure Dravidian people like Nadars. Ezha-Nadu in ancient Malayalam and Tamil means Srilanka. The Puthalam Nadu described by Bathutha at the North western Srilanka was a Pandiyan kingdom and could be the place of origin for many communities including some Nadars(Ezha). The Puthalam kingdom perhaps collapsed around 1350s.The Pandiyan warriors who colonised distant islands including Indonesia were called Thirayar(the mariners-Warriors,People of waves) in ancient Tamil.A chola king called Ilanthirayan ruled in the early years of christ.Some of them came back and ruled Chola kingdom also. Theeevu or Deevu in archaic Tamil means island.Dheevar,Dhweepar or Devara are found in all four southern states.

The American Researcers
The research done by American researchers like Hardgrave, Templeman or any other foreigners will not only do any good to Nadar Community. The Americans cant be expected to master Indian languages especially Tamil and Malayalam in a few months. The American researchers and their assistants, usually foreign blooded Indian Christians from west coast, hardly have any idea about ancient Dravidian culture. Neither do the British who ruled India for more than three hundred years. Ancient Dravidian history should be analysed preferably by unbiased pure Dravidians who should be capable of understanding the Dravidian culture, language, traditions better.

Nadar History
Nadar Oral Traditions and legends Nadar community does not have any written history other than few small books of recent origin ( Valangai Malai etc). History of Pandiyan kingdom is the history of Nadars. Nadar oral tradition exists among few who were once ruling Pandiyan Kingdom. The Nadar History is scattered in bits of information in the Nadar households starting from Thanjavur to Trivandrum. Many records in Palm leaves have decayed and lost in the recent times. A common custom among Nadars is that only the eldest son is told about the ancient history.

Terms linking Nadars to Pandiya
Unless the researcher descends from a Dravida Kshatriya clan preferably from the ancient Pandiyan dynasty it will be very difficult to understand Nadar History. For example if one Nadar says I am a Maran or Rayan or Adityan any body who is familiar with ancient Pandiyan names and traditions and name will recognize that it is related to Ancient Pandiyan Aristocracy while a Non Pandiyan person will be looking for the meaning of Maran in a dictionary. The Name Sivanthi is an ancient Pandiyan title. Seevu (slash cut) – Anthi (till the end) given to the ancient Pandiyan elite suicidal body guards who surrounded the king who fought to the last. It is a title of Nadar nobles. But for a person who is not familiar with Pandiyan titles explained Sivanthi was the name of people who were tapping in the evenings with their Knives. Seevu ( cutting the Palm ) Anthi (Evening) meaning Tapping the Palm tree.

Kodimarathar was the title of the elite army who defended the Pandiyan flag post. If the flag is captured by the enemy soldiers the Pandiyan King had to accept defeat. Some times kings chose to sit towards North, fasted and died. A new researcher tried to explain that it was the title of Nadars who cultivated Vettila Kodi ( Betal leaves, Creeper ). Though literally true it is absurd. Nadars from many important families in Trivandrum , Tenkasi, Sivakasi Madurai and Thanjavur have memories of their Pandiyan origin. But they are not historians. Neither anybody can remember the whole history for generations. At only a minority of Nadars have the memories of their Kshatriya Pandiyan ancestory. Some segments among Nadars don’t have any memory about their Pandiyan past. Perhaps were never part of the ancient Pandiyan Kingdom. Or perhaps they forgot their own history. Likewise like other communities Nadar community also could be a mosaic, with new inclusions because of local mixings. All the researchers looking for ancient proof for nadars existence will fail because the name Shanan will not be seen in most of the places as it is the name of the common soldier and agriculturist of Pandiyan era. But Nadar Nadan may be seen occasionally while Maran, Maravarman etc will be seen more frequently in the old inscriptions and records if anything exists now. Nadalvan is often added to the place name. Eg Tenkasi + Nadalvan = Tenkasi Alvan. Palaces of Pandiyans as well as Temples were called Koils (Ko(King,God) Il ( House)). Hundreds of other Nadar titles might have been lost in the last 10000 yrs of existence. Nammazhvar a Hindu saint otherwise had the name Maran strongly suggesting of Pandiyan descent who might have been an agiculturist. Periazhwar and Perial Maran who converted Nedunchadaya Pandiyan are other saints who have Pandiyan titles.

Nadar Records
Some ancient Palm leaf scripts do exist among many families of southern Kerala and Southern Tamil Nadu. Some of the Nadars ancient books of Kerala are written in Manipravalam, a Sanskrit mixed language, derived perhaps from the Jain Period of Pandiyan kingdom. After independence the Asan families are not teaching their children this language. So many of these books are lost or not readable. Unless efforts are made to preserve these books there is a risk of loosing all the books of Nadars which may shed some light about the ancient Pandiyan Kingdom.

Progress of Nadars
When the British neutralized the rival Dravidian clans of Naickers , Nairs, Pillais and Maravas Nadars progressed, rather rebounded. Many Nadars always knew that they originally belonged to Pandiyan dynasty. Like jews they had a group consciousness. Nadars have been living in the familiar ancestral home land which they knew well for thousands of years. But still they are mostly backward with a strong class difference.

The humiliation of Nadars
Though Nadars perhaps created the first Dravidian civilization in India. Nadars as Pandiyan Kings ruled the South India and Sri Lanka Indonesia and South Asia for many thousand years. They sailed to distant lands including Rome. Still they had to undergo all the humiliation because of the hostile rival Dravidian clans who had occupied their home land. Nadars remained stable while all other Dravidian clans married among the new comers from north. Unmixed Nadars remained dark and primitive with strong Dravidian features. Even in the time of harassment Nadars refused to accept a lower position in the hierarchy. They were forced to live miserably for more than three hundred years. They always claimed that they were vanquished Kshatriya (Nadalwars) from ancient Pandiyan Kingdom.

Descendents of ancient Pandiyan kingdom
1)Nadars of Tamil Nadu and kerala. 2)Nadava of Karnataka who claim descent from ancient Pandiyan kings. 3)Some Karnataka muslim with the surname Name Nadar who claim to have converted before four hundred years.

Thanks to-Sathriya Nadar Sangam shared The Royal Nadar's status update