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Thevar/Mukkulaothor
File:PMThevar.gifFile:Janaki thevar.jpg
U. Muthuramalingam Thevar · Janaki Thevar · Ramachandra Tondaiman
Total population
11,950,000 in Tamil Nadu [1]
Regions with significant populations
Tamil Nadu, North Eastern Province, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, Cen. Province, Chattisgarh
Languages
Tamil, English, Indian Languages
Religion
Saiva Siddhantam, Hinduism
Related ethnic groups
Tamil people

Thevar/Mukkula’oathor

The Thevar/Mukkula’oathor (English: the three clans) are a warrior group, native to the southern districts of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The name "Mukkula’oathor" alludes to the three roughly designated groups, Kallar[citation needed], Maravar and Agamudaiyar, which make up this wide endogamous social group. The Mukkula’oathors are of Chola, Pandya and Pallava lineage.[2] Mukkula’oathors are also collectively known as Moovender.

Mukkula’oathors are found all over the southern and central districts of Tamil Nadu, North-east Sri Lanka and amongst Tamil expatriate communities in South-East Asia and America. There is also a small community in Chattisgarh where they had migrated during British rule. The Royal houses of Sivagangai, Ramnad and Pudukkottai belongs to the Thevar community[citation needed]. They were people of high valour and strongly resisted every British attempt to subjugate them[citation needed].

Kallar

Kallar (Tamil: கள்ளர்) Meaning Thief, One who Steals[3]. They were in fact classified under the British as a criminal tribe[3]. Kallars are one of the three related castes which constitute the Mukkula’oathor confederacy. They are described as "A robbing community shows many signs of independence and non-submission to any form of arrests"[citation needed]. Kallars are people of high valour and strongly resisted every British attempt to subjugate them[citation needed].

Kallars are largely found in the Southern districts of Thanjavur, Madurai, Pudukkottai, Trichy, Ariyalur, Theni, Dindigul, Sivaganga,Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Ramanathapuram districts of Tamil Nadu. They are also present in Karur, Kanchipuram, Perambalur and Villupuram districts. One of their popular deities is Kallazhagar who is a warrior incarnation of "Lord Thirumala or Venkadavan"[citation needed].

The "Pandi Temples" (Muni Koil) found in Madurai and Southern regions of Tamilnadu were originally the Tombs of the Early Tamil Kings and Rulers. Pandiyar Kudavarai which is found in Aritapatti (near Melur) has been built for the Siddhars by the Early Pandya Kings[citation needed].

The Kallars are quintessentially a feudal society, with feudal classes such as the Ambalakarar. They are found mainly in the Madurai, Tirchuripalli, Ariyalur and Sivaganga districts. In these districts, each village is headed by an "Ambalam" (president of an assembly) and the Ambalam took upon themselves the power to adjudicate disputes that arose among the inhabitants in the Nadu. The term "Nadu" is an ancient political and administrative system found wherever Kallar populations migrated.

Thenpandi Singam by M. Karunanidhi is a book about Ambalakarars and it was also made into a Television serial broadcasted over Sun TV Network and music composed by Ilaiyaraaja.[4] They used to hear complaints, hold inquiries and punish the offenders. They wielded considerable powers to intervene in any kind of transaction or transfer of property among the people. No land could be alienated from one man to another without the permission of the Ambalams. The sur-name "Ambalam"is given to them, because of their Administration in their Villages. So they are mostly called as "Ambalam".

Another important Kallar subcaste is the Piramalai Kallar. They are a highly traditional people and have preserved their ancient customs to the present day[citation needed]. They are also believed to be the oldest inhabitants of the Tamil country with reports of their presence going back to Tamil literary works of the 4th century B.C. They are found mainly in the districts of Madurai(Usilampatti), Dindigul and Theni. Their popular deity is Amman, the Mother Goddess. They have contributed enormously in the freedom struggle of India. Perungaamanallur people near Usilampatti were fought with british people and died still they have Thiyagigal Thoon (Pillar of freedom fighters) are there. Piramalai Kallars were also given big contribution in Nethaji's INA force when Subash chandra bose had calling for the INA force from the submarine radio lots of people from this community were joint and fought with british for India. They are keep alive of our ancient culture.

Some of the other feudal classes include Koothappar Kallars, Periyasuriyur Kallars, Gandarvakoatai Kallars and Esanattu Kallars found largely dominated in the Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Sivagangai & Trichy Districts.

Some of the surnames are seen in Tamil copper-plate inscriptions of Chola was also mentioned in Ponniyin Selvan (Tamil historical novel written by Kalki Krishnamurthy).

  • Paluvettaraiyar(பழுவேட்டரையன்)
  • Malayaman(மலையமான்)
  • Vallavaraiyar(வல்லவரையன்)
  • Muniaraiyar
  • Nilakkilar
  • Kaliyaraiyar
  • Puvaraiyar
  • Velar(வேளார்)
  • Vanataraiyar
  • Thondaiman(தொண்டைமான்)

Significant Kallar population also found in Srilanka and Malaysia. Samy Vellu, Ex-Works Minister (lost in 2008 election) and Leader of Malaysian Indian Congress, S. Thondaman, Leader of Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka are notable persons outside Tamilnadu.

Maravar

Maravar (Tamil: மறவர்) also "Maravan" (meaning "Grateful Warrior") is one of the oldest warrior caste of ancient Tamilakam to be mentioned in the Sangam Tamil literature. The Maravar are popularly given the title "Thevar / Devar". The caste term Maravar is derived from the Tamil term "Maram" meaning "Brave", "Warrior". The Maravar/Maravan are related to the Kallan/Kallars of the South India. This indicates an association with the Tamil land which is at least 2,000 years old. The name Maravar was made eternal by Lord Rama who famously exclaimed in good Tamil Maraven (I will never forget you) to the Maravar Padai for their noble help in assisting Lord Rama to unite with the Goddess Sita Devi.

Maravars are courageous breed and were involved in almost all the major battles and wars that ancient Tamilnadu witnessed. Maravars are found predominantly in the Southern districts of Tamilnadu viz., Madurai, Theni, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram, Dindigul, Virudhunagar, Thirunelveli, Thoothukudi districts of Tamil Nadu. They ruled the vast land mass of Tamilnadu. The coastal rulers called as Paravars (Paravans) are related to Maravars. Both these tribes seems to have common origin. The Southern martial arts of Kalarippayattu, Silambam, Varma Kalai have been practiced primarily by Nairs, Kallars, Thevars and Villavars of erstwhile Travancore areas.

The Maravar have close relation with Kalabhars even though they Maravars are a non-aryan, non-Kalabhar group. They were ancient rulers of Pandya kingdom from the First Sangam Tamil age. Another fishing caste called the Paravars and Maravars were called as Meenavar and Villavar respectively of the past. Their leaders were given the title "Meenavan" and "Pandyan" respectively. Edgar Thurston (1855-1935) a British museologist and ethnographer identified the use of the boomerang by Kallars and Maravars of South India.

Large number of Maravars served in the armies of many princely states of Kerala. But during the 18th and 19th centuries, most of them were assimilated in to the Tamil Padam Nair subcaste of the Nair community. The Maravar regiment of the Travancore army was known as "Maravar Padai", which supplemented Nair Pattalam, the larger indigenous military unit.[5] Tamil Padam Nair is recognized as a part of the Malayala Kshatriya social grouping. The Ramnad Zamindar's are accorded the title Sethupathi (protector of the Sethu bridge) even to this day.

There are 2 major subdivisions among the Maravar community. One is Appa Nattu Kondyankottai Maravar and another one is Chembiya Nattu Maravar. The Kondyan Kottai Maravars are related to the Vellalars and are still maintaining Killai(branches) as their sub sects. The Killai is inherited from mother. So a boy or girl will not marry in their same Killai. It is assumed that they are brother & sister. Such a practice is no longer prevailing amongst other maravars. The married womens of kondyankottai maravers wear "Thali" (Thirumangalyam) in the shape of Shiva lingam. So it is called "Linga Thali". Most of the Tamil castes wear the same type of "Linga Thali".

The Chembiya Nattu Maravars are Surya vamsam[citation needed]. They are historically from Thanjavur. Kondayan kottai maravars women were having habits of maruthalli. But Chembiya Nattu Maravars women were having habit of Udankattai yeruthal (Sati which is now banned and hence not in practise).

Agamudayar

Agamudayar(Tamil: அகமுடையார்) meaning "Landlords" are also known as Thuluva Vaellalars are one of the three castes that make up the Mukkulathor confederacy. Agamudayars are famously known by their title Servai - "A fearless community show many signs of independence and non-submission to any form of subjugation". They make expert soldiers, warriors and constituted the bulk of Chola and Pandya armies. The legendary Marudu brothers' came from the Agamudayar (Servai) community. The Agamudaiyars also known as Thuluva Vellalars are the original landlords of the Southern Tamilnadu and are related to the Vellalars of Tamilnadu, who migrated out of the Chola country to other parts of the South India. The lands the community owns are actually rewarded for their loyal and valuable service rendered for the cause of the Kings and the nation.

Agamudaiyars are found all over in Southern Tamilnadu in Sivagangai, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Pudukkottai, Madurai, Trichy, Ariyalur and Tiruvannamalai districts. "[6].

The word Agamudaiyan or Ahamudaiyan is derived from the root Aham which in Tamil means Land and also House.[7] Signifying that Agamudaiyars are Landlords and Householder ; the suffix Udeiyar indicating ownership. The word is also used in another form, Ahampadiyar, derived from another meaning of the same root, i.e., inside. And, in this derivation, it signifies a meaning of a particular profession, whose office it was to attend to the business in the Interior's of the King's Palace or in the Pagoda".[7] The name," Mr. J. H. Nelson writes, "is said by the Rev. G. U. Pope, in his edition of the Abbe Dubois' work to be derived from aham, a temple, and padi, a step, and to have been given to them in consequence of their serving about the steps of temples. But, independently of the fact that Madura pagodas are not approached by flights of steps, this seems to be a very far-fetched and improbable derivation of the word. Or, perhaps, the name comes from aham in the sense of earth, and pati, master or possessor."[7][8][9] The ordinary title of the Agamudaiyans is Servaikkaran, .[9] In Pudukkottai, Trichy, Sivangagai, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, Thirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari districts Agamudaiyans are also called Terkittiyar ("Southerners").[9].

The Agamudaiyans are divided into the following sub-sects: Aivali Nattan, Kottaipattu, Malainadu, Nattumangalam, Rajaboja, Rajakulam (Rajakulam and Parvatha Rajakulam), Rajavasal, Kalian, Sani, Thuluva Vaelalar(Tholuva), Maravan, and Servaikkaran. The Agam Udaiyars slowly migrated towards the Northern part of Tamil Nadu, settled there and became Thuluva Vellalars. Thuluva Vellala and Agam Udayar are one and the same and are also classified as same by the Tamil Nadu government, India.

Recent Scientific study

There are diverse theories with regard to the origin of Mukkulathors.

Dr Spencer Wells and Dr. Pitchappan have found the ancient DNA marker M130 in the blood of Piramalai Kallar that links them to the very first modern humans who migrated out of Africa and travelling through the southern coastline of Asia that eventually reached Australia.

Freedom fighters

British colonisation of India was strongly resisted in the South especially in Mukkulathor country.

Puli Thevar from the eighteenth century is remembered as the first Indian king to have fought and defeated the British in India. His exploits have since become legendary.

Resistance to British rule was also offered by Padal Vellaiya Tevan who fought the British along with Kattabomman. His son Desakaval Senbaga Tevan is also remembered for his exploits.

Rani Velu Nachiar, Queen of Sivaganga, is another noted personality who fought with the British during early British Era.

The Maruthu Pandiyar brothers are notable for their role in the Polygar Wars. They were eventually captured by the British and hanged in 1801.Golden Words for Servai People "Paayavum Theriyum Pathungavum Theriyum Bayapada Theriyathu"

Valukku Veli Thevan, a very strong Kallar Ambalakkarar rulled Paganeri Nadu in present Ramanatapuram District, who opposed the British rule.

Surnames and Titles

The surnames used by the Mukulathor people are Ambalakarar, Servai, Kalapadiyar Vandaiyar, Veeramundar, Paluvettaraiyar, Paandurar, Malayaman, Vallavaraiyar, Etrandaar, Mannaiyar, Nattar (not Nadar), kumarandar,Annuthipiriyar,Rajaliyar etc. It is a general practice in Tamil Nadu to address a Thevar woman as "Nachchiyaar". The Kallars of Dindigul, Trichy, Thanjavur, Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga, Pudukottai and Ramnad Districts have very distinct surnames. Some of the most common names are Papudaiyar, Kadampurar, Anjathevar, Olivarayar, Vanathirayar, Sendapiriyar, OOnayaar, Alathondamar, Ambalam, Aarsuthiyar, Kaadavaraayar, Kalingarayar, Vandaiyaar, Veeramundar, Sepillaiyar, Vallundar, Thanjaraayar, , Kandiyar, Pursaar, Vaanavaraayar, Mazhavaraayar, Payer, Kommatti, Mootar, Patti, Kannakkarar, Irungular, Singilaar, Ponnapoondar, Pullavaraayar, Servai, Karaimeendar, Vanavarayar, Vairayar, Ponpethiar, Gopalar, Thevar, Kandapillai, Vayaadiyar, Nattaar, Vallambar, Alankara Priyar, mavaliyar, Munaiyatriyar, Keerudayar, Saaluvar, Manraayar, Madhavarayar, Mudaliyar, Onthiriyar, Servai, Serumadar, Sethurayar, Vambaliar, Thenkondaar, Mankondaar, Moovaraiyar etc. There are over 700 surnames in use.

Some of the surnames are seen in Tamil copper-plate inscriptions was also mentioned in Ponniyin Selvan (Tamil historical novel written by Kalki Krishnamurthy).

Religion

They are traditionally Hindus of Saiva Siddhanta maargam. Today they constitute a significant part of the Tamil community in India, Sri Lanka, and in other parts of the world. Payer

Feudal/Caste System

Caste status of the Thevar community is martial class. The 1891 Census of India listed them as a part of the Martial Races. The Thevar community are accused of intimidating and attacking Dalits throughout Southern districts of Tamil Nadu.

Inscriptions

An inscription, from 1655, records an accord between the Sthanathar, a Chetti merchant community, and the Nattar to contribute fifty Kalanju of gold to the Elunattu Mutt at Chidambaram.[10]

Current Status

Although a great many of the members are still agriculturalists, many have also progressed up the social ladder as doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, politicians and civil servants.Especially in entertainment field this community is still has the dominating position. This community people are spread allover in the media world like Cinema, television etc. They are well placed in Politics as well. A large number of people from the community are serving the nation as military men. A large number of people are serving the Tamil Nadu police department.

The code of Predatory Warfare and Self-sacrifice by Maravars and warrior Tamil castes in ancient Tamilnadu

Avippali, Thannai, Verttal, Vallan pakkam, Pun Kilithu Mudiyum Maram and Marakkanchi: the forms of martial self-sacrifice and suicidal battle of the warrior as the ultimate expression of honour and his loyalty to his King. These six forms of martial self-sacrifice are defined as described by the works referred to above.

Pulla Vazhkai Vallan Pakkam – the martial attitude of the warrior who goes forth into suicidal battle is mentioned by Tholkappiyam. The other works refer to it as Thannai Verttal. Duarte Barbosa describes the practice among the Nayar(of the Chera kingdom). It was later noticed by British officials as well. It was also prevalent among the Maravar (of the Pandya kingdom) from whom the Aapathhuthavi bodyguard was selected. Thannai Verttal also refers to the self-sacrifice of a warrior on hearing that his king or commander has died (Purapporul Venpa Malai). Punkilithu Mudiyum Maram is the martial act of a warrior who commits self-sacrifice by tearing apart his battle wound.

Another form of martial self-sacrifice mentioned by all the works except Veera soliyam, is Avippali. Tamil inscriptions speak of it as Navakandam. Inscriptions found in many parts of Tamilnadu provide greater information on the practice. Navakandam is the act of a warrior who slices his own neck to fulfil the vow made to korravai – the Tamil goddess of war – for his commanders’ victory in battle. The Kalingathu Parani(10) – a work which celebrates the victory of the Chola king Kulotunga and his general Thondaman in the battle for Kalinga, describes the practice in detail. “The temple of korravai is decorated with lotus flowers which bloomed when the warriors sliced their own necks”(106); “they slice the base of their necks; the severed heads are given to the goddess”(111); “when the neck is sliced and the head is severed, the headless body jumps with joy for having fulfilled the vow”(113).

The epics of Chilapadikaram (5: 79-86) and Manimekalai (6: 50-51) mention the practice. To ensure the complete severing of the head, the warrior tied his hair to a bamboo bent taut before he cut his neck. Hero stones depicting this practice are found all over Tamil Nadu, and are called Saavan Kallu by locals. The warriors who thus committed self-sacrifice were not only deified in hero stones (saavan kallu) and worshipped but their relatives were given lands which were exempted from tax(11).

An area handbook (Tharamangalam) of the Tamilnadu archeology department notes that “the Nava Kandam sculpture which is found widely all over Kongu Nadu (Coimbatore, Salem) is to be seen at the Tharamangalam Kailasanathar kovil also. The people call it Saavan Kallu. “The practice of Nava Kandam existed in Kongu Nadu till the early part of this [i.e., 20th] century.”(12)

A Saavan Kallu at Thenkarai Moolanatha sami Kovil in Madurai, depicting the act of a warrior holding his hair with his left hand and slicing his neck with his right – 14th century – is said to be annually worshipped by the Conjeevaram Mudaliyars.(13) The Conjeevaram Mudaliyars are Kaikolar, a presentday weaving caste which was militarized under the Chola empire and was made into a special military body; there are indications that Kaikolar warriors practiced Nava Kandam(14).

Apart from these codified forms of martial self-sacrifice, a method called Vadakkiruththal is mentioned in Tamil heroic poetry. It is the act of a warrior king fasting to death, if some dire dishonour were to come upon him(15). The Tamil teacher, and the Dravidian propagandist, turned the song of the legendary Chera king Irumborai who committed self-sacrifice when he was taken captive by his enemies into a compelling theme in Tamil renaissance.

The Avippali form of martial self-sacrifice as the ultimate expression of loyalty to one’s commander, is deeply embedded in the Tamil psyche. Senchorru-kadan (the debt of red rice) is a phrase that is widely used today by Tamils as an expression of loyalty. One frequently hears of it in a popular Tamil song. The phrase sands for the ritual of partaking of rice by which Maravar and other Tamil military caste warriors bound themselves to their king or commander to die in suicidal battle for him, or to commit self-sacrifice on the day he was slain. Of Avippali, the Puraporul Venba Malai ([verse] 92) says, “thinking of nothing but the red (blood) rice the Maravar give their life as offering in battle.”

The ritual of red or blood rice was described by two Muslim travellers who had visited the Tamil country in the 9th century. “A quantity of cooked rice was spread before the king, and some three or four hundred persons came of their own accord and received each a small quantity of rice from the king’s own hands, after he himself had eaten some. By eating of this rice, they all engage themselvesto burn themselves on the day the king dies or is slain; and they punctually fulfill their promise.”(16) In modern times it has been observed that “when a Maravar takes food in the house of a stranger, he will take a pinch of earth and put it on the food before he commences his meal.”(17) This act freed him from the debt of blood rice.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.ambedkar.org/chandrabhan/Secularismor.htm
  2. ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=iCZuAAAAMAAJ&dq=pandyan+thevar
  3. ^ a b Review Indian Economic & Social History by A Beteille [1]
  4. ^ Thenpandi Singam by M. Karunanidhi
  5. ^ http://www.completemartialarts.com/information/styles/indian/silambam.htm
  6. ^ " Castes and Tribes of Southern India Vol I, Pg 5
  7. ^ a b c Castes and Tribes of Southern India Vol I, Pg 6
  8. ^ Castes and Tribes of Southern India Vol I, Pg 7
  9. ^ a b c Castes and Tribes of Southern India Vol I, Pg 8
  10. ^ http://www.hindu.com/2004/06/28/stories/2004062803670600.htm
  • Thurston, Edgar (1909). Castes and Tribes of Southern India Volume I - A and B. Madras: Government Press. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  • On Tamil Militarism- The suppression of Tamil military castes
  • Genetic structure of four socio-culturally diversified caste populations of southwest India

List of prominent Mukkulathors

See also: List of Mukkulathors

External links

Internal links

Mallakottai

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