The zamindars of Sivagiri (Tirunelveli), Alagapuri (near Virudunagar) and Elayiram Pannai (near Sattur) were originally military chiefs for certain designated areas. They flourished during the reign of Pandiyas. Later, with the rise of the Vijayanagar Empire, they switched loyalty to the Madurai Nayaks (chieftains of Vijayanagara).
During this period, they also became polygars or feudal lords. They were required to maintain an army and send it in aid of Madurai Nayaks during wartime.
For the upkeep of the army, they were authorised to collect land taxes. During the British era, ca. 1801-03, they became zamindars.
Although they were allowed to continue to levy and collect taxes, their right to have military contingents and forts were abolished. After Independence, the zamindari system was also abolished.
“Although Sivagiri, Alagapuri rulers were a martial race, they cannot claim to be descendants of Pandiyas,” says S Ramachandran, co-founder of South Indian Social History Research Institute. Traditionally, these martial races have identified themselves with the Agni Kula whereas the Pandiyas belong to the Lunar race (Chandra Kulam).
“That is precisely why these martial races have the title of Vanniyars (not caste, a title signifying fire),” he pointed out.
Interestingly, there is another caste, which claims to be the descendant of the Pandiyas and the Chandra Kulam. Recording this claim, in 1916, HR Pate, Collector of Tirunelveli, wrote in the District Gazetteer that a subsect of Sandror kulam (Nadars) had been claiming to be the descendants of Athri Rishi, the progenitor of Chandra Kulam. Nadars have also founded several institutions in the name of ‘Pandiya Kula Kshatriyas’.
