Maravar மறவர்

Maravar are one of the oldest social groups to be mentioned by the Sangam Tamil literature. This indicates an association with the Tamil land which is at least 2,000 years old. The writers of the Sangam Age place them in rural settlements withdrawn from cities. Maravar, in Tamil, means a warrior. Maravars are the courageous breed and were involved in the major wars that Tamilnadu witnessed. Other historians postulate that Maravar is derived from Tamil language term Marutham (called as Thinnai). They originally lived in (See Ancient Tamil country). The name of the city Madurai is also postulated to be derived from Maruthai and honorific title of local Pandyakings, dons, what ever you want. major maravaras based in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin district ( 100% in Vallanadu) , Many areas of Tamilnadu and across the world.

  
The Maravar in Madura and tinnevelly likewise claim the position of Rajputs, and if we regard them as a warrior tribe, they are entitled to this distinction. They are also most probably in some way connected with the Mars of the north. The Maravar have to a great extent  preserved their freedom and independence. They are brave, warlike, and self- willed like semi- barbarous races, but  they latterly taken to more peaceful pursuits than they used to follow formerly. They were once very numerous. Their chief is the setupati of Ramnad, one of the oldest and most respected princes in Southern India, and who is still highly honored by and exacts honors from, the surrounding chiefs and princes. The active life which the maravan leads in the open air has imparted to him great bodily strength. He can be easily  distinguished from other natives by his good figure and generally erect and proud bearing.