Mannadiyar

Mannadiyar (or Mannadiar) are a Malayalam language speaking Hindu Nair caste from Palakkad and Kodaikanal regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu state respectively. Majority of Mannadiars are land owners, agriculture being their traditional occupation, ranging from farmers to large feudal landlords (jenmis).They trace their origin from the Chola Dynasty.The house (tharavad) of Mannadiars is called "Mannattu" like Illams for Namboothiris. Related castes of Mannadiar are Guptan, Pathukudi (also known as "Dashagotram" or "Pathu Madom") Moothan and Tharakan.

This article is about the Hindu Mannadiar caste of the Palani Hills in Palakkad. For the Nair caste, see Mannadiar.

Etymology

Manadiar is an honorific title possessed by ancient landlords. The word is rooted from Mun or Mannu (earth) and Nediyavars or udayors (lords, Jenmi or earners) clubbed to form Mannadiars.[1]

Mannadiyar was a title used to be awarded to the eldest member of each family by the ruling head. The title holders were entitled to certain privileges. When the practice of awarding the title became a story of the past, even the younger members began to use the surname Mannadiar, by time.[2]

Religion

Mannadiyar belong to Kshatriya group and majority of them are Vaishnavites [3] and Saivites, where as Murugan (or Karthikeya), Durga (Parashakti) and Ayyappa are also worshiped.

The serpent is also worshipped by Mannadiar families (mostly in Valluvanad areas) as a guardian of the clan. The worship of snakes, a Dravidian custom,[4] is so prevalent in the area that one anthropologist notes: "In no part of the world is snake worship more general than in Kerala."[5] Serpent groves (Pambin Kavu) were found in the southwestern corner of Many of the Mannadiar Tharavad compound and Sarpa Pooja will be performed once a year by the family members.

Traditions and customs

Marriage customs

Mannadiars’ marriage process is almost similar to typical South Indian Brahmin’s marriage events and procedures. The process starts with Nishchayatartham (Ashtamangalyam), the engagement ceremony hosted at Bride’s home. The Kaniyan (the traditional astrologer) or the head of family members writes the "Lagna Patrika" specifying the date, time and venue of marriage and this serves as a sort of commitment for both the families.[2] Thamboola Prasna - astrological prediction based on Beetle leaves and Deepam (oil lamp) - will be conducted as a ritual and results of the "Prasna" will be interpreted to all relatives assembled there.(This is to take remedial measures and precautions for hurdles foreseen in the future married life, if any). The language used on this occasion is a mixture of Tamil and Malayalam and there is also a reference in it about Cholamandala Perumal (Chola King).[2] Other customs connected to this function are Jatakam Koottikettal tying the horoscopes of bride & groom together symbolically for the fixation of marriage and Pon veykkal (presenting Gold ornament to bride) by Groom's relatives (normally sister of groom) followed by feast. The Groom's family also sends to the bride cosmetics, dresses, a mirror and a basket filled with sweetmeats and fruits on this occasion.

Marriage is normally called Paanigrahanam and it is a simple function nowadays (earlier marriage was eventful for four days and groom used to travel to bride's house on an elephant, today the function is reduced to a day). The marriage ceremony commences with the groom arriving at Brides residence (or Kalyana Mandapa). The groom's aid will hold umbrella till they reach bride's house irrespective of the weather (Kudapidikkal) and Nadhaswaram, treated as sacred music will be accompanied. The groom will be received by a group of girls with tray of flowers, fruits, sweets and oil lamps (Thalappoli). In readiness for the arrival of the groom and his family, the bride's family keeps 'Chandan' (sandalwood paste), 'Kumkum' (vermilion), rose water, sugar candy, garlands and a platter for the 'Aarthi' (traditional welcoming ritual). Bride's younger brother will clean the groom's feet while receiving him to the mandapam (Kaalu kazhukal) and in return he will be rewarded with 'Kacha' (Dress) and Money. Kacha Samarppanam (giving clothes) will also be performed by groom to the relatives (normally eldest members) of both bride and groom and takes blessings from them. Once the procession reaches the marriage venue 'Aarthi' is performed and a coconut is broken to ward off evil.

The marriage ceremony proceeds with priests chanting mantras and Thalikettu at the Muhurtham specified in lagna patrika — tying the Thali chain in the bride's neck and exchange of garland (Maala Mattal) each other thrice. In the shastras, the exchange of garlands symbolizes their unification, as one soul in two bodies. It is inward acceptance by each of the very fragrance in the other. This is followed by Paanigrahanam (accepting the bride by taking holy vows), Kanya Dhanam (by keeping the hand of the bride into grooms’ hand by bride’s Uncle or father) and Agni Pradakshinam (after holding the hands mutually by a knot of their small fingers, groom and bride together move around the "Vivaha-homa agni", the sacred fire). After the rituals and Sadhya (Feast) and before Griha Pravesham, there will be Sakunam Kanikkal (showing Good Omen — normally the sight of a lady holding a pot with full of water in it or a five wicked lamp) to both bride and groom and Mangala Aarthi is taken. Aaarthi is taken many times during the ceremony. Reception (Introducing couples for friends, relatives and neighbors ) will also be conducted on the eve of Marriage.

"Kaikottikkali'", an important art form used to be performed in bride's house (previous night of the marriage) and groom's residence (on the day of marriage after receiving bride & groom ) in olden days. Elite class used to conduct Kathakali too. Palum Pazhavum ( feeding sweet milk and cut banana after marriage) and Kavukeral ( visiting their respective Paradevatha temples after 7 days of marriage) are other customs related to marriage. Normally on the day of marriage thali will be beeded in a yellow thread (ManjaCharadu), the same will be changed to a golden chain on the next day (or within 3 days), which is also been celebrated inviting close friends and relatives.[2]

The caste passed through a gradual change, in about 120 to 150 years, in Malappuram (but not in Palakkad) from Patriliny to Matrliny system, but not completely. Some Mannadaiar Women in Malappuram had husbands from Namboothiri Brahmins and men have married Kiriyam Nair women.[6]

See also

References
  1. "Census of India, 1961, Volume 7" P. 20
  2. "Census of India, 1961, Volume 7" P. 21
  3. "Kerala District Gazetteers: Palghat" P. 162
  4. K. Balachandran Nayar (1974). In quest of Kerala. Accent Publications. p. 85. Retrieved 3 June 2011. The Dravidian people of Kerala were serpent worshippers.
  5. L. A. Krishna Iyer (1968). Social history of Kerala. Book Centre Publications. p. 104. Retrieved 3 June 2011.
  6. "Social Change in Modern India", Page 18
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