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We, presently known as Nattukottai Nagarathars, are believed to have originated from Chandrapuri in the former Naganadu. There appears to be no authentic record in writing for said belief, excepting what has been handed down to our ancestors by word of mouth, especially 'Thalattu Padal' which itself has taken twist and turn over the years and has lost its originality. Our 'Isaikudimanam' (marriage deed) also bears testimony to our origin wherein it refers to 'Nagavalla…..' Location of former Naganadu is also debatable. Some of our Nagarathars say it is the border between Kerala and Tamilnadu and some say it is the present day Nagaland. Now we hear the origin is from an area in present day Gujarat.
Eminent authors have written that Nagarathars migrated to Kanchipuram during Kaliyuga era, year 204 and lived there for 2,108 years. Again no written record is available for this. They are said to have moved to Kaviripoom Pattinam, a coastal city and port also known as Poombugar, Capital of Chola Nadu, in Kaliyuga era, year 2312. They lived in Kaviripoom Pattinam for 1463 years until Kaliyuga era, year 3775.They were then known as Nattukottayars. Silapathigaram and Periyapuranam describe Kaviripoom Pattinam and bear testimony to the greatness of Nattukottayar community there. They are said to have traveled from Kaviripoom Pattinam to Melaka during Chola Dynasty as traders in Gem, Pearls, Silk and Spices. But available records indicate they traveled to Kandy, Colombo in 1805, Penang, Singapore 1824, Moulmein 1852, Rangoon 1854, Mandalay 1885 and later to Medan - Indonesia, Hochimin City (Saigon) Vietnam, Pnompen Cambodia, Vientiane Los, Southern Thailand, various States in Peninsular Malaysia, established money lending business and subsequently some of them settled there.
It has been said that available records at Patharakudi madam, Thulavoor madam indicate the arrival of Nattukottayrs in Pandiya Nadu during Kaliyuga era, year 3808. They first settled in Ilayathankudi and were called Nagarathar as they had attained Thanavanigar status while at Poombugar.
Nattukottayar are said to have lived in splendour at Kaviripoom Pattinam. While the King lived in the City in his castle (kottai), Nattukottayar lived in their countryside mansions (Kottai). Hence, 'nattupurathil kottai katti valnthathal' they were then called 'Nattukottayar'. 'Thanavanigar' status attributes to their mercantile activities in Poombugar.
Their principal obligation to the Royal family was to Crown the King during Coronation ceremony. King Poovandi Cholan's misdeed caused 8,000 Thanavanigar families inclusive of women and all female children to perish in suicide to save their Honour, Reputation and Dignity. Only male children at Kurugulam (Community Boarding School) out of Town survived. After nine years (Kaliyuga era, year 3784) King Poovandi Cholan requested young Thanavanigars to crown his son Erajapooshna Cholan. They consented and to comply with tradition that only married person could perform crowning ceremony young Thanavanigars married 'Vellalar' community women.
King Sounthara Pandiyan of Madurai Nagar wishing for good immigrants to dwell in his Kingdom, requested King Erajapooshana Cholan and in Kaliyuga era, year 3808, Thanvanigars migrated to Pandiya Nadu. They first settled in Ilayathankudi and were called 'Nagarathars'.
Ilayathankudiar retained Ilayathankudi Kovil. To the others, King Sounthara Pandiayan granted Mathoor Kovil, Vairavan Patti Kovil in Kaliyuga era, year 3813. Irraniyur Kovil, Pillayar Patti Kovil, Illuppakkudi Kovil in Kaliyuga era, year 3815. Soorakkudi Kovil and Velangudi Kovil in Kaliyuga era, year 3819.
Note: Many Scholars opine; Thanvanigars migrated to Pandiya Nadu at the invitation of King Sounthara Pandiyan. Others say, the male children at 'Kurugulam' fled under the guidance of the Guru and sought refuge in Pandiya Nadu.
Salvage operations going on at Poombugar site has unearthed some ancient Temples buried in the sea. Tamilnadu State Government announced their plan to excavate stone carvings at ancient Temple sites. We hope these would produce some source of information on early Nagarathar community in Poombugar.
Temple inscriptions carved in stone, copper plates and 'Olai Chuvadi' (palm-leaf manuscripts) available in Madalayams and Libraries bear testimony to the aforesaid grants from King Sounthara Pandiyan. Subsequent British Administration is said to have authenticated referred grants
