Senaithalaivar

Senaithalaivar is a Tamil-speaking caste mainly from south Tamil Nadu[1]. They are also known by the names Senaikudiyar, Ilaivaniar.[2]

Senaithalaivar
ReligionsHinduism
LanguagesTamil
RegionIndian state of Tamil Nadu, Union Territory of Puducherry
Related groupsSengunthar, Vellalar

Etymology

Senaithalaivar were chieftains and commanders-in-chief of the Later Cholas. Senaithalaivar commanders-in-chief were known as Samanta Senapathigal[3][4] or Senaithalaivar.[5][6][7]

Literary evidence

Adhi Diwakaram

The earliest literary evidence about Senaithalaivar occurs in Adhi Diwakaram, a Tamil lexicon written by Sendan Diwakarar. This dictionary dated 8th-9th century AD[8] It meant the profession of Senaithalaivar (commander-in-chief)

Title

They use Mooppan and Pillai as their caste title.[9]

Distribution

They are mainly populated in Tirunelveli District, including places like Tenmalai, Kayatharu and Seevalapperi.[10]

Writing on the caste
  • Senaithalaivar Marabu Vilakkam by Mahavidwan Kanchi Sabapathy
  • Senaithalaivar Sempotralai by Naganandhiyar
  • Velaanmanthar Senaithalaivar or Senaikudaiyar Poorva Charithram by Gopal
  • Senaithalaivar Kula Varalaru by Dakshinamurthy

Society and caste organisation

They are included in the Tamil Nadu state's list of Backward castes.[11]

References
  1. Madras District Gazetteers ... - Madras (India : State), B. S. Baliga
  2. http://www.bcmbcmw.tn.gov.in/bclist.htm
  3. Kongu Nadu, a history up to A.D. 1400 by V Manickam
  4. Literature, Caste and Society: The Masks and Veils by S. Jeyaseela Stephen
  5. Ramaswamy, Vijaya (2006). Textiles and weavers in medieval ...
  6. Manickam, V. (2000). Kongu Nadu, a history up to A.D. 1400.
  7. Tirumalai, R. (2008). The Pandyan Townships: The Pandyan ...
  8. Studies in Indian history: with ... - Kolappa Pillay Kanakasabhapathi Pillay - Google Books
  9. Tēvanēyan, Ñānamuttan (2000). Tamilar varalāru, Volume 2. Tamilmaṇ Patippakam.
  10. B. S. Baliga, Rao Bahadur (2002). Madras District Gazetteers: Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur Districts (erstwhile Chengalpattu District). Superintendent, Government Press.
  11. List Of Backward Classes Approved
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