Nadar (caste)
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Nagercoil, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Salem and Chennai | |
| Languages | |
| Tamil | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism, Christianity | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Tamil people |
Nadar (also referred as Kshatriya Nadar, Nadan, Nataar, and Shanar) is one of the prominent castes of Tamil Nadu, South India. The term Nadar (Template:Lang-ta) literally means "one who rules the land". Nowadays, Nadars occupy various positions, including education, politics and mostly retail business. It is also common to refer the Nadars as "Annachi" (roughly meaning elder brother).
History
The Nadars are the heirs of the fallen, ancient pandyas [1].Considered to be a proud, ancient warrior caste and the initial rulers of the ancient Pandiya Nadu (Pandyan Kingdom), the Nadars are well known for their bravery throughout the southern part of Tamilnadu[2]. The ancient capital city of Pandiya Nadu, Korkai, is predominantly occupied by the Nadars. After successive invasions from the north by the Kalabhras and other Vadugas on the Pandiyan kingdom, Nadars were forced out of power and almost became extinct in the 18th century [3]. Unlike many other ancient communities who were considered as low castes by the brahmanical classes, they fought back and regained their original status. This process is known as Sanskritisation. The community which was known as 'Shanans' till the 19th century came to be known as Nadars. The title 'Nadar' is believed to be derived from the 'Nadans', the aristocrats and the highest of the old Shanan community. [4].
The traditional occupation of most of the nadars of today were agriculture(with palm trees prominently) and trade. Maritime trade had been the mainstay of Nadars in the ancient times when the Pandiyan ships were sailing from Gulf to China. The 19th century saw the Nadars embracing Christianity in large numbers; some accepted Christianity out of will and the others due to their dislike for Brahmanism. Today the distribution of Nadars between the two major religions, Hinduism and Christianity, are 60% and 40% respectively. The deities like Sudalai Madan, Karuppasamy, Isakki, Mariamman, and Murugan are prominently worshiped by Nadars of south Tamil Nadu. Nadars form more than 10% of Tamil Nadu's population, and they are predominant in the districts of Virudhunagar, Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, Kaniyakumari, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam (Kerala). They also constitute a major chunk in the districts of Ramanathapuram, Dindigul, Theni, Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Chennai, Cuddalore, Thanjavur and Namakkal.
Nadars have traditionally divided themselves by clans (Vamsam / Vagaira / Koottam). Although outwardly they are united as Nadars, there is a clear cut distinction between the Nadars of various regions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. For example the customs and practices of Nadars hailing from Tirunelveli are completely different from that of Nadars hailing from Madurai or Nagercoil. The aristocrats among the Nadars in those days were known as Nadans [5] and the poor among the caste, who did toddy tapping for a living, were known as Shanans [6]. The poor among the Nadars(Shanans) during early times possessed no agricultural lands due to the Nayak invasion[7]. They were landless laborers. One occupation that a large number of them took up, in circumstances where there were no opportunities for better undertakings, was toddy tapping. Their counter-parts(Nadans) were a wealthy, land-owning agricultural community that was also traditionally involved in mercantile activities. Though both rich and poor Nadars shared similar ancestry, they were separate castes at a time. Recent generations of Nadars, like the current generation of most castes in India, have started to open up to each other.
In the field of economics
The Nadars are well known for their work in small scale businesses. Most of the areas in Tamil Nadu have a grocery store run by someone from this community. They are referred as Annachi Kadai or Nadar Kadai. They are a powerful Tamil community and also greatly influence the field of politics. Nadars are generally concentrated in the southernmost part of Tamil Nadu. They are mainly from the south of Tamil Nadu but have migrated to different regions of India to extend and enhance their business. They are very much involved in trading agricultural products. Considering the general nature of agricultural pattern in the southernmost part of India, they have been associated in dealing with sugar, grains and other related cereals. From early stages, they have cultivated a close business acumen to procure farm products, at best prices, transporting them to ware houses and distributing them for both whole sale and retail markets all over India. Their range of products in the early stage of their development was confined to:
- Rice
- Pulses
- Edible oils
- Sugar, etc.
From early times they are the most essential link between the farmers and the consumers. They have emerged dominant, not only in wholesale purchase and sale, but also as retail shop owners in many towns and centers all over the country. This traditional business specialization has been their main strength for several decades. However, with the growing economy and improvements, in infrastructure all over India, they have been modifying their business pattern to spread into many other areas of business. Such new patterns started with the building industry and they developed equal skills in procuring such vital materials like:
- Cement
- Iron hardware for building
- Roofing materials
- Other constructional Inputs
- Paints, varnishes and related materials
The Nadars also have branched into electronics, applicances and silverware retail mega-stores. One important industry, in which they have been very dominant is the edible oil industry. Many brands of edible oils with constant innovation has been their effort. Such edible oils include coconut oil, groundnut oil, sesame oil, etc. Their latest attempts are to refine and improve such cooking media to high standards.
The industry which is considered to be the brain product of the Nadar community is the fireworks industry.
In a small town called Sivakasi, in the southern part of Tamil Nadu, India, the making of matches became a reality only before a few decades ago, thanks to the Nadar Community. These matches are made in cottage industries employing considerable number of people.
There is not much mechanization, and all the processes are practically manual and follow a stereotype process.
Hundreds of such units exist in and around Sivakasi, producing millions of safety matches every month. This entire business is run and managed by the Nadar community very successfully and very efficiently.
One of the offshoots of the match industry, is the making of fire crackers. This is also produced in a specialised manner and controlled closely by the Nadar community.
The supply infrastructure of chemicals and pyrotechnical requirements are also interestingly produced by them in the surrounding industrial areas.
Not only looking after the Indian requirements, they are also exporting the products to various other countries.
The Nadars are a very hard working people. They have been well known for their perseverance, courage, untiring energy, commitments and dedication to their business. They have become highly modernized and there are many famous business magnates from this community.
Kalaripayattu
Till the 19th century the martial art, Kalaripayattu, was meant to be practised only by the warrior castes of South India. Marma Ati was a great warfare practised by the Royal Thiruppad Nadans to defeat/kill the enemy without any external injuries. The art was practiced exclusively by Nadars, Kallars and Maravars of Tamil-Nadu and by the Nairs and Ezhavas of Kerela. Link [8][9]
Genetic study
Recent genetic studies on the antigenic variations among south Indian populations suggest Nadars share several genotypic characters with East Asian populations, consistent with the demographic history of South India, and also revealed that there are several genetic markers unique to the group. The study suggested a distinct evolutionary lineage with lesser admixture in the gene pool among groups of Tamilnadu. The gene pool of nadars show more similarity to the East Asian populations (Tissue Antigens. 2003 Dec; 62(6): 542-7), a trend not observed in the Brahmin communities of south Tamilnadu, who are more closely related to the branch of the Indo-European and Central Asian tree (Human Biology 1996, 68(4), 523-37) [10].
Clans
These are some kinds of Nadars
- Nelamaikara Nadan - Mirasdhars/Jamins/Merchants (the wealthy Nadars)
- Karukkupattayathar Nadar - Elite Guards
- Kodi Marathar Nadar - A clan which defended the Pandyan flag during battle.
- Sivanthi Nadar - Elite Suicidal army of the ancient Pandyan dyansity.
- Mara Nadar - Mara means brave/veeram in archaic Tamil.
- Virudhunagar Nadar - Nadars from Virudhunagar (Merchants)
- Vallikutti Nadar- Nadars settled at Sivakasi and Virudhunagar
- Mettur Nadar- Nadars from Mettur, Ramanathapuram.
- Nattatti Nadar - Nadars from Nattati.
- Pullukai Nadar - The term Pullukai means 'Spear handed' in Ancient Tamil.
- Pannaeri Nadar - Palm tree climbers
- Servai/Kattilkatti Nadar - Cot makers (Not kallar or Agamudayar).
- Koolian Nadar- Nadars migrated from Udangudi area to Nagercoil, Madurai & Virudhunagar.
- Idamari Nadars - Nadars migrated from Theri forests of Thiruchendur, Sattankulam, Udangudi to Sivakasi and Mamsapuram.
- Vettumperumal Nadar- A warrior tribe.
- Pachamaal Nadar/Mukkanda Nadar -
- Vathiar/Asan Nadar - Experts in Kusthi or Varmakalai
- Nattamai Nadar - Nadars who perform local panchayats and solve community problems.
Prominent Nadars
Politics
- K. Kamaraj — Former Indian National Congress President, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
- Aladi Aruna (V Arunachalam) - Former Law Minister, Written 3 books in Tamil and 3 books in English.
- M.John Vincent - (former MLA, Tamilnadu Assembly - Nanguneri Constituency)
- Parisutha Nadar- Tanjavur, Congress Veteran.
- Marshall Nesamani, freedom fighter, father of kanyakumari district, M.P
- N. Dennis - Parliamentarian (6 term 07,08,09,10,11,12 Lok Sabha)
- K.T.K. Kosalram - Parliamentarian (3 term 06,07,08 Lok Sabha)
- R. Dhanuskodi Athithan - A member of the 14th Lok Sabha of India (5 term 08,09,10,11,14 Lok Sabha)
- AVP AasaiThambi - Power Self Respect Movement and later DMK leader.
- V V Ramasamy Nadar- Advocate of Self Respect Movement and DMK leader.Ex MP
- S D Adhimoolam Nadar- Swathanthra Party leader and community reformer from Mukkudal.
- N.Soundra Pandian- (1923 - 1999) Former MLA (Radhapuram Constituency), former President (Dhakshinamara Nadar Sangam), former President (Farmers wing, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee)
- Vasanthakumar- President, Tamil Nadu Trade Congress, M.L.A.
- K T K Thangamani- a barrister and communist leader.
- Tamilisai Soundararajan- President, Tamil Nadu B.J.P
- Thiru Kumari Anandan- Former Tamil Nadu Congress Chief.
- Sarath Kumar - Tamil film actor cum politician.
- Ramarajan- Tamil film actor / former parliamentarian.
- S.Mani Nadar- MLA (TMC), represented the recently famed Sathankulam constituency.
- Dr.(Tmt). Poongothai Aladi Aruna - Minister for Social Welfare. (Alangulam constituency) -
- P.H. Pandian, MP - Former Speaker of Tamil Nadu Assembly.
- C.Aranganayagam- Former Educational Minister of Tamilnadu.
- K.P.Kandasamy- Former Minister of Tamilnadu.
- Tamaraikanni - Famous Tamilnadu politician. (Satur constituency)
- Pon. Radhakrishnan - Member of Parliament.
- Rajammal Samraj - Ex.M.L.A Tuticorin constituency.
- V. Radhika Selvi - Minister of State for home affairs.
- N.P. Geetha Jeevan - Minister of Animal Husbandry.
- N.Periasamy - Ex M.L.A of Thoothukudi.
- Kadambur Janarthanam- Ex M.P of Nellai constituency & ex Central Minister
- Mrs. Sarguna Pandian- Famous Tamil Nadu Politician from Chennai
- Mr. Sundaran - Kerala Assembly Deputy Speaker
- Mr. Neela Logithasan- Former Kerala Misnister
Social
- W.P.A. Soundra Pandiyanar - renowned social reformer, leader of Self-Respect Movement, a follower of E.V. Ramasamy Naicker, Vice President of Nadar Mahajana Sangam for two decades.
- T.Rathinasamy Nadar, Porayar, Founder-President, Nadar Mahajana Sangam.
- Sivagnanm - Tamil writer and freedom fighter.
- G.Karikolraj Nadar - Secretary of the Nadar Mahajana sangam
- N.R.Dhanapalan - Tamil Nadu Nadar Peravai.
- D.R.Sabapathy Nadar - Secretary Thirunelveli Dakshina Mara Nadar Sangam, Sindhu Poondhurai, Thirunelveli Junction.
- S.S.S.Nathan- Joint Secretary, Thirunelveli Dakshina Mara Nadar Sangam, Sindhu Poondhurai, Thirunelveli Junction.
- V.P.R.Gangaram Durairaj- Ex-Secretary, Nadar Mahajana Sangam
- Rao Bahadur T.Rathinasamy Nadar, First Founder President NMS
- Sivananda Pandian - Ex-Secretary of Nadar Mahajana Sangam.
- R.Sudharsan- Ex-Treasurer Nadar Mahajana Sangam.
- Thalamuthu Nadar - Kumbakonam, who lost life in crusade for Tamil language.
- Kandan Sangaralinga Nadar - Virudhunagar - lost life in fasting to rename Madras Presidency as Tamil Nadu.
- Poomani- researcher about the struggle waged by the Nadar community in Tirunelveli and Madurai districts during the 19th and 20th centuries
- K. Rajayyan - Author of Nadar Charitrarahasyangal brought out Nadar Coordination Council, Trivandrum
- Prof. P.Rajadurai - Researcher and author of Suyamariyadhai Iyakkathil Nadarhal Aatriya thondu.
Business
- Shiv Nadar — Chairman of HCL Infosystems (HCL Insys), HCL Technologies (HCL Tech).
- S.JeyaChandran Nadar - Jeyachandran Group of Textiles, Jewellery, Real Estate, Constructions, Jeyachandran Textiles, RamaChandran Textiles
- J.Chelladurai Nadar - JC Group of companies (www.jcresidency.com)
- S.G.Jayaraj Nadar - M/S SGJ (www.sgjgroup.com)
- J.P.Jeyasuresh Jayaraj Nadar - Managing Director, Jayaraj Group [11]
- A.D. Padmasingh Isaac - Founder M/S Aachi Masala (www.aachimasala.com)
- A.D. Jeyaveerapandian Nadar - Famous businessman of Nagapattinam.
- Dr V.G. Santhosam- industrialist who pioneered hire purchase scheme in the early 50s in Tamil Nadu and is the chairman of VGP group of companies who are leaders in shopping malls, travel and tourism in Tamil Nadu.
- V .G. Paneerdas - Founder of V G P Group of Companies, Chennai.
- Gunasekaran Ayyanathan- Industrialist who pioneered the import of printing machinery in India. They hold a maximum share in printing cinema posters.(Safire group of industries)
- Dr.K.Iyanar - CEO, TechnoMIKS USA.
- R.G. Chandramohan - M/s Arun Ice-creams.
- T.P.S.Hariram Sait - Founder Sokkalal Sangeetha Sabai
- Dr.Amarnath Prabhakar Ramsait- Industrialist
- M.S.P.Solai Nadar- Industrialist
- M.G.Muthu - Chairman of M G M group of companies, M G M Disney land
- A.Shanmugham Nadar- Founders of Standard fireworks and other firework companies in Sivakasi. Cousin of P. Ayya Nadar.
- P. Raja Gopal Nadar - Founder of Hotel Saravana Bhavan chain of restaurants.
- Arasan AMSG. Vijayayakumar- Arasan Group of Companies, Sivakasi.
- Mr. Selvarathinam - Saravana Stores, Madras.
- Vasantha Kumar - M/s Vasanth & Co.
- V.V.Dhanushkodi Nadar - Founder of V. V. D Group of Companies, Tuticorin.
- Muthu - M/s Idhayam Gingelly Oil Company.
- S.G.Soundra Pandian Nadar - M/S Soundra Pandian Match Works www.rkmatch.com
- V.N.P.R.Aiyaswamy Nadar - M/S V.N.P.R & Sons, Diamond Shipping (Tuticorin)
- Dilip Gunasingh - Bell Group
- Dr. A Besant C. Raj - CEO and Managing Director, Besant Raj International Ltd.
- V.K. Chelliah Nadar - Famous Business Man of Burma
Philanthropists
- S.G.Jeyaraj Nadar - Kodaikanal, Generous Donor.
- P. Ayya Nadar - Generous Donor, Sivakasi.
- N.R.K Rajaratnam Generous Donor, Sivakasi.
- A Shanmuga Nadar - Generous Donor, Sivakasi.
- M.S.P Nadar - Generous Donor, Virudhunagar,
- M.S.P Senthikumara Nadar - Generous Donor, Virudhunagar,
- S.Vellaichamy Nadar - Generous Donor, Virudhunagar.
- P.S.Chidambara Nadar -Generous Donor, Virudhunagar Nadar Mansion.
- G.S.Vasan - Generous Donor, Madurai.
Community Social Welfare Trusts and Foundations
- Natarajan Dhamayanthi Educational Trust, Nagapattinam
- Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar Educational and Charitable Trust- A trust started by Shiv Nadar
- V.S.K.Duraiswamy Nadar Trust & A.S.K.R. TRUST
- Janaki Ammal Ayya Nadar Trust & P. Ayya Nadar- Charitable Trust,Sivakasi.
- TDMNS College,T Kallikulam- Tirunelveli District
- Thangappa Nadar-Mahamayee Trust- Chennai patronising Avvai Kappagam and Ramanujan Museum
- Virudhunagar Hindu Nadar's V.Dhanaswamy Pariamaladevi Medical Trust- Blood bank and Old age Home
- Sri Kaliswari Trust- Sri Kaliswari Group of Companies, Sivakasi
- Nattathi Nadar Dharma Fund Hospital- Theni
- V.M.GANASABAPATHY NADAR - SARASWATHIAMMAL CHARITIES TRUST- VIRUDHUNAGAR.
- PUSHPA RATHINA MEDICAL CHARITABLE TRUST- Madurai.
- Annamalai Nadar Unnamalai Ammal Charities trust- runs Chinmaya Vidhyalaya Matriculation School in Tirunelveli
- K.P.P.E.P. Memorial Trust- Theni
- Aditanar Educational Institution- It is a society established by honorable S.P. Adityan. The Objective of the society is to uplift the poor and backward people of the rural area in and around Tiruchendur. At present the society runs six colleges.
- Sivanthi Academy- Conducts coaching classes for many competitive examinations with no profit motive.
- Guru Shenbagam Foundation Home, Madurai
- Kamaraj Foundation of India Library and Research Centre, Kamaraj Smaraka Hall, Thyvila Road, Thiruvananthapuram.
Government
- Admiral O.S.Dawson - Former Chief of the Naval Staff.
- Walter Devaram I.P.S - Former DGP of Tamil Nadu.
- Ravi Arumugam I.P.S - Former I.G of Police (1997 - 1999).
- Sailendra Babu I.A.S. Former collector
- Arul- I.G, Tamilnadu Police
- Joseph Dawson I.P.S - Former DGP of Kerala.
- Sunil Kumar - Chief of Indian Navy ,Rtd.
- Suzhil Kumar - Indian Army Chief.
- Joseph- Regional Director of RBI, Chennai.
- R. Richardson Asir- Former Chief Administrative Officer (Construction), S W Railways,Bangalore.
- Dr. P. Daniel- Former Joint Director, Botanical Survey of India, Coimbatore.
Media
- David Davidar — CEO and publisher of Penguin Books and prominent writer.
- Sam Rajappa- Famous journalist
- Solomon Pappayya- Renowned speaker
- Dr.B. Sivanthi Adityan - Founder of the leading Tamil Daily - Dinathanthi.
- Miss. Rani Jayaraj- Miss World - (3rd runner up).
Education, science&technology
- Dr. Gabriel D. Roy- Manager, Energy Conversion–Propulsion Program, U.S. Navy.
- Rt.Rev.Dr.G.RAJAKUMAR - St.John's International Residential School
- Dr.H.S.S. Lawrence — Director of School Education, Tamil Nadu, UNESCO Expert - Afghanistan
- Dr. Paul Dhinakaran M.B.A, P.hd - Founder, Karuyna Educational Trust, Karunya University, Coimbatore
- Dr.Ranjan Roy Daniel- World famous scientist, Padma Bhushan Awardee, C.V Raman award, Dean: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Secretary General - COSTED.
- Prabanjan - Famous Tamil novelist.
- Smt. M.Muthiah - National best teacher Awardee.
- Dr.Muthunayagam -Chief : ISRO (Atomic Energy, Tumba Rocket Station)
- M. S. S Pandian - Renowned social scientist
- Dr.Kaliraj - Dean, Institute of Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai.
- M.Shanmugavel (MS)- Editor Makkal Kural and Trinity Mirror newspapers, Chennai
- Paul Raj- President's Best Headmaster Award Winner, Former Headmaster SHNV Hr Sec School, Sivakasi
- A. Pown Raja- President's Best Principal Award Winner, Former Principal, ANJA College
Arts
- Sarath Kumar - Tamil cinema actor
- Harris Jeyaraj - Renowned music director.
- A. R. Murugadoss - Film maker
- Sathyaneshan Nadar — Malayalam film actor
- Hari - Famous film director
- Pandiyarajan- Tamil actor
- Ramarajan — Tamil cinema actor
- Charlie- Tamil comedian
- Kanal Kannan- A stunt master in the Tamil flim industry.
- Aaroor Doss (alias) Thiruvarur Jesudoss, Film script writer
- Prof. Mysia Daniel- English Poetess, included in 'Who’s Who in Asia and the Pacific Nations'.
Religion
- V.S. Azariah- The first Indian Bishop consecrated by the Church of England
- Bishop Ezra Sargunam - Founder, Evangelical Church of India.(www.pannaivilai.net)
- Dr.D.G.S.Dhinakaran - The founder of the Jesus Calls Ministry.
- Mudisoodum Perumal — Ayyavazhi reformer established Brahmin-free worship system
- Chairman Sri Sri Arunachala Samy Eral - spiritual person noted for healing the people's problems in Tuticorin and Thirunelveli regions.
- Bala Prajapathi Adigalar - Ayya Vazhi spiritual head.
- Enadhy Nayanar - one among the 63 Nayanmars belonging to Shanar tribe.
- Thiruppugal Swami - Muthia Nadar of Kattunayakkanpatti, Kovilpatti Taluq having worship centres at Virudhunagar and Kattunayakkanpatti.
Sports
- Smt. Helen Mary- Goal-keeper, Indian Hockey Team which won the GOLD for India in the Manchester Commonwealth Games,2002.
- Manuel Aaron - India's first International Chess Master and the first chess player to be honored with the Arjuna Award.
- Kiran Nadar- National Bridge Champion.
- Vijay Amritraj - Famous tennis player and a renowned tennis commentator.
- Mr.Rajarathnam - Captain of Indian kabadi team which won an Asian Gold.
Nadar's Heroes
- Venkatesha Pannaiyar Nadar - Former leader of the All India Nadar Padukapu Pervai. Renowned Don in Tamil Nadu and a philanthropist for the Nadars.
- (Karate) Selvin Nadar - Former don in the district of Tirunelveli
- Rocket Raja Nadar - Renowned don of the Tirunelveli district
- S.S.Singh Nadar
- Subash Pannaiyar Nadar- Brother of Venkatesha Pannaiyar Nadar
- S.G.S.Binny Steevert NADAR- Don and Leader of the Nadar Padukapu Pervai in Nazareth.
- Lingam Nadar - Kanyakumari.
- Shembulingam Nadar - Kalakadu (Tirunelveli district).
- Kapilan Nadar - Chennai.
- Asaithambi Nadar - Chennai.
- Ennore.Narayanan- Chennai
- Vaikonda Rajan Nadar- Tiruchendhur(Thothukodi district)
- Pagalavan- Former don in the district of Virudhunagar
- J.Lijin Nadar (J.Joshua Rabek NADAR) - Don and Leader of the Nadar Padukapu Pervai in Mumbai.
- Selvam - Nagercoil (Kanyakumari Dist)
- Karikolraj Nadar-Madurai/Virudhunagar
Matrimonial services
Further reading
- M. Immanuel (2002) The Dravidian Lineages: The Nadars Through the Ages. A Socio-Historical Study. From Indus Valley Civilization to present time. Published by: Historical Research & Publications Trust, 137/H-4 Bethel Nagar, Nagercoil-629004, Tamil Nadu, India.
- D. Templeman. (1996) The Northern Nadars of Tamil Nadu: An Indian Caste in The Process of Change (February, 1996): New Delhi: Oxford University Press
- Robert L. Hardgrave, Jr.(1969) The Nadars of Tamilnad; the political culture of a community in change. From year 1800 British records to 1968.