Channar or Channan was a surname used in Kerala till early 20th century. It was used by members of the Ezhava community and concentrated around Kollam and Allappuzha Districts.Tharisapalli plates issued by the king Ayyanadikal Thiruvadikal of Ay kingdom at 849 AD promised Mar Sapir Iso the Persian recipient of the plate that Channa Thalai the officers of the Ay kingdom and Chera Dynasty will not harass the immigrant Persian Christians. They were also known as Kollakkar. In Malayalam, channar means Headman, showing their transcendency in the society[1][2]. Channar was the headman of the village and since they followed Matrilinear system of inheritance, the office were hereditary from uncle to nephews.[3] They were warriors who were engaged in Kalarippayattu. They were also called chevannar and hence considered as cognate of the word Chevakar. They even referred in many books written during Sangam period. Even though all Channars were warriors, prior to that some of them were also related to palmyra tree (were coconut growers), but became major traders with the British East India company and other colonists. Some of them even acquired positions as local chiefs from the ruler. The name Olivan Channar (Ezhavan Channar) is found among those trading with the British (Letters to Fort St. George, Vol. XII, No. 89 dated 26 August 1719). Link [1] This headmen, channar or channan,were also responsible for conducting marriages and presides at all important ceremonies, for which he receives a gift of tobacco. [3]
Among them, Alummoottill channars were part of Kayamkulam Army and were Kalari trainers.[2] Other famous channars include Chempakappaly channars, Channars of Mayyanad Link [3], Kottoor Pothinikkal Channars of Kaviyoor etc. The female members are called Channaattis. These surnames are not common any more in Kerala.
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