Channar (surname)
Channar or channan is a surname used in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In kerala it was used by members of the Ezhava community. In kerala, concentrated around kollam and Allappey Districts, they are warriors, who where engaged in Kalari payat and also very rich. They even referred in many books written during sangam period. Even though, all channars were warrors, prior to that some of them were also related to palmyra tree (were coconut growers), but became major traders with the British East India company and other colonists. Some of them even acquired positions as local chiefs from the ruler. The name Olivan Channar (Ezhavan channar) is found among those trading with the British (Letters to Fort St. George, Vol. XII, No. 89 dated 26 August 1719). Link[1]
Famous channars include Aloommuttil channars Link[2], Chempakappaly channars, Channars of Mayyanad Link [3], Kottur pothinikkal channars of Kaviyur etc. The female members are called channaattis. These surnames are not common any more in kerala.
In Tamil Nadu those who engaged in Toddy tapping called channars. They are also engaged in Arrack brewing. They also known as Nadars which derived from the old name of shannars. They are also found in Thiruvanathapuram district of kerala.
External links
See also
- Ezhava caste
- Chekavar Another Ezhava warrior sect from kerala
- Kuruppanmar An Ezhava sect from kerala associated with Bhadrakali temples