Senaithalaivar

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Senaithalaivar
ReligionsHinduism
LanguagesTamil
RegionIndian state of Tamil Nadu
Related groupsVelalar

Senaithalaivar is a Tamil-speaking caste mainly from south Tamil Nadu.[1] They are also known by the names Senaikudiyar, Ilaivaniar.[citation needed]And they use the title Pillai, Chettiar and. Moopanar .

Literary evidence[edit]

The original name of these people is said to be Ilai Vaniyar.[2] The earliest literary evidence about the word Senaithalaivar occurs in Adhi Diwakaram, a Tamil lexicon written by Sendan Diwakarar.[citation needed] At olden days this title were used by many communities. It meant the profession of Senaithalaivar (commander-in-chief)[3]

Distribution[edit]

They are mainly populated in Tirunelveli District, Kanyakumari District, Nagapattinam District, Thanjaur District and Madurai District. including places like Tenmalai, Kayatharu and Seevalapperi.[4] T

Society and caste organisation[edit]

They are included in the Tamil Nadu state's list of Backward castes.[5]

References[edit]

  1. Madras District Gazetteers ... - Madras (India : State), B. S. Baliga
  2. Kumar Suresh Singh (2001). People of India, Volume 40, Part 3. Anthropological Survey of India. ISBN 8185938881.
  3. K. S. Singh (1997). Tamil Nadu, Part 3 Volume 40. Affiliated East-West Press. ISBN 8185938881.
  4. B. S. Baliga, Rao Bahadur (2002). Madras District Gazetteers: Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur Districts (erstwhile Chengalpattu District). Superintendent, Government Press.
  5. List Of Backward Classes Approved