Senaithalaivar

Senaithalaivar Senaikudiyar Illaivaniar சேனைத்தலைவர் சேனைக்குடையார் இலை வாணியர்
Classification	Tamil people
Religions	Hinduism, Christianity
Languages	Tamil
Region	Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Union Territory of Pondicherry
Related groups	Sengunthar, Vellalar

Senaithalaivar (Tamil: சேனைத்தலைவர்) is a Tamil speaking caste mainly from south and central Tamil Nadu. They are also known by the names Senaikudiyar and Ilaivaniar.

Etymology

Senaithalaivar means commander-in-chief as they were the commander-in-chief of army groups in Chola military. Ilaivaniar means leaf seller as some of their sub-sects were occupied for betel-leave sellings in the past

Legend about origin

Senaithalaivar claim that they are the descendants of Veerabahu, the great lieutenant of Lord Muruga. Since Veerabahu is the chief of Lord Muruga,the descendants of Veerabahu use Senaithalaivar name for their caste.

Literary Evidence about Senaithalaivar

Adhi Diwakaram

The earliest literary evidence about Senaithalaivar occurs in Adhi Diwakaram, a Tamil lexicon written by Sendan Diwakarar. This dictionary dated 8th-9th century AD says செங்குந்தப் படையார் சேனைத் தலைவர் தந்து வாயர் காருகர் கைக்கோளர். It meant the profession of Senaithalaivar (commander-in-chief)

Prestigious Title

Senaithalaivar being the commander-in-chiefs of Later Chola were referred to as Samantha Senapathigal.

Distribution and title

Senaithalaivar are mainly populated in Tirunelveli District including places like Sengottai, Tenkasi, Ambasamudram, Vickramasingapuram, Kayatharu, Surandai, Kadayanallur, Sethur, Sivagiri, Rajapalayam,Seyadunganallur and Pettai and a considerable number of people also live in Bodinayakkanur, Porayar, Nagapattinam, Tharangambadi, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Dharmapuri, Pondicherry, Tuticorin, Trichy and Pattukottai. They use Mudaliyar title in Dharmapuri, Pudukottai and Pondicherry, while Chettiar title is used by families in and around Tanjore, Nagapattinam. The same title is also used by the castes such as Komatis, Nagarathars, Beris, Devanga and 24 Manai Telugu Chettiars in the state. Mooppanar title is prevalent in and around Tirunelveli region and Pillai title in and around Madurai, Theni, Ramnad Districts.

Wedding customs

Wedding process is based on Tamil culture. Use of mangalyam or manjal thaali kayiru tied around the girls neck loosely with three knots by the boy in the presence of friends and relatives. Divine music by Nadaswaram and Thavil are performed live.

Family Deity

Like any other Tamil caste, each family of the caste has their own kula deivam either male or female. Intermarriage between families having the same family deity does not happen in the community.

Writing on the caste

• Senaithalaivar Marabu Vilakkam by Mahavidwan Kanchi Sabapathy Mudaliar
• Senaithalaivar Sempotralai by Naganandhiyar
• Velaanmanthar Senaithalaivar or Senaikudaiyar Poorva Charithram by Gopal Chettiar
• Senaithalaivar Kula Varalaru by Dakshinamurthy

Society and caste organization

They are included in the Tamil Nadu state's list of Backward castes. They are classified as OBC by Indian Government. The Madras Presidency Senaithalaivar Mahajana Sangam was formed on 23/6/1912 by K.C. Subramania Chettiar, Pattukottai Siva. MA. Narayanasamy Chettiar, Thillayadi Tamil Scholar Thambiyappa Chettiar and Kollam D.P. Moopanar. They have their own in-house magazine called Senaiyar Murasu published monthly. The very first state level Mahanadu was held at Mylam near Pondicherry on 9/6/1913.

Notable residents

• R. M. Veerappan, former minister

Judges

• M.S.Singaravel Chettiar, Jury - District and sessions court,Salem District[During 1950's],Honorary Magistrate - Dharmapuri District Court,Dharmapuri

External links

• http://www.senaithalaivar.com/Aboutus.aspx