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Channar

Channar or '''Channan''' was a surname used in Kerala till early 20th century. It was used by members of the Ezhava community and concentrated around Kollam and Allappuzha Districts. They were also known as Kollakkar. In Malayalam, channar means Headman, showing their transcendency in the society . Channar was the headman of the village and since they followed Matrilinear system of inheritance, the office were hereditary from uncle to nephews. They were warriors who where engaged in Kalarippayattu. They were also called chevannar and hence considered as cognate of the word Chevakar. They even referred in many books written during Sangam period. Even though all Channars were warriors, 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). Linkhttp://www.keralahistory.ac.in/agrariansociety.htm This Headmen, channar or channan,were also responsible for conducting marriages and presides at all important ceremonies, for which he receives presents of Tobocco etc. Among them, Alummoottill channars were part of Kayamkulam Army and were Kalari trainers.http://www.alummoottil.com/Heritage/Article/IndiaToday/Page2.jpg Other famous channars include Chempakappaly channars, Channars of Mayyanad Link http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape10/PQDD_0023/MQ50688.pdf, Kottoor Pothinikkal Channars of Kaviyoor etc. The female members are called '''Channaattis'''. These surnames are not common any more in Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, Channar is the other name used to refer Nadars which derived from the old name of ''Chevannar''. They are also found in Thiruvanathapuram district of Kerala.

External links

- India today News 2003 Feature 1http://www.alummoottil.com/Heritage/Article/IndiaToday/Page2.jpg
- India today News 2003 Feature 2 http://www.alummoottil.com/Heritage/Article/IndiaToday/Page3.jpg
- Alummoottill Website — Link http://www.alummoottil.com
- Kerala History http://www.keralahistory.ac.in/agrariansociety.htm

References

Related Images

- Ezhava/Channar Musicians from the 19th century: Performing the traditional "Villadichaampattu"

Sources: StartLearningNow, Wikipedia | Usage license: GNU FDL

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