What caste does a nadar belong into is it true that they were warriors and rulers in Indian history?

Answer 1

Nadar or Shanar means Palm tree climber. They are closely related to Ezhavas of Kerala who are originally from Ceylon. In the olden days they engaged in toddy tapping and sustained their living by collecting and trading commodities derived from Palm tree. They are also very honest and humble people. In present day, they are predominantly engaged in petty trade, and mercantile activities. There are also quite number of them who work for the State and Central government of India. They were never warriors. .They consider it as a sin to commit crime by killing someone. It is also believed they were originally Buddhists. They were also rulers of their own caste based communities and had certain amount of control over the lands they lived usually Palm forests. They have made significant contributions to Tamil language and Tamilnadu. Notable individuals like Kamaraj, Sivanthi Athithan belonged to this caste and are rationalists.