Padayatchi

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Padayatchi derived from the Tamil word Padai, meaning army or members of an army is a title or suffix given to various Tamil Nadu related castes such as Vanniar, Maravar, Agamudaiyar and Kallar. It is also used by a section of Mukkuvar caste in Sri Lanka.

The Vanniar, Maravar, Kallar, and Agamudiayar combined are the largest Tamil speaking segment and are peasant farmers. In days gone by peasant farmers were required to fight on behalf of many kings and chiefs during war. Those who fought were given many martial titles and this is one amongst them.

Mukkuvar who are found Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Sri lanka while being primarily a fisher caste also worked as farmer soldiers when needed in the eastern Batticaloa region of Sri Lanka, hence the martial title carried by a section amongst them.

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