Rayan

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Rayan or Rayyan is a word which has a number of meanings and has reached as far as South India. It is a common name amongst Arabic-speaking people. It should not be confused with the Hindu name, "Narayan".

1 Arabic Origins
2 Southern India
3 Famous Uses
4 References

[edit] Arabic Origins

The original meaning of the word is "full" or "pretty" in Arabic. In Persian it refers to the scent of flowers in the morning. In Islam, it refers to a gate of heaven whereupon the Angel of that gate will welcome those who are fasting and will provide them with water.

[edit] Southern India

In southern India, this refers to a person with authority. The term came to southern India through trading with Arab merchants on the coasts of Kerala and Tamil-Nadu. Rayan or Rayar is a person who is in power or has been appointed by the ruler to control or oversee a province, especially in South India. Rayan or Rayar is a title conferred on the male members of the rulers of a province. In some cases the title has been hereditary.

In southern India in the Cholza, Chera, and Pallava dynasties the title of Rayan/Rayar was bestowed upon those who had fought valiantly in battle. Some of their descendants carry forth the surname today.