Etymology
The community was previously known as Shanar but legally changed their name to Nadar in 1921. The title Nadar is believed to be derived from the Nelamaikkarars, the aristocrats of the Shanar community who had previously used it exclusively. Nadars claim that the original name of the community was Shantror or Shandrar (noble one) which, in course of time, was corrupted to Shanar. Channar, a title used by the Ezhava community of Kerala, means headman. However, there is little evidence to support these claims.
Read more about this topic: Nadar (caste)
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