Manadiar is an honorific title possessed by ancient landlords. The word is rooted from Mun or Mannu and Nediyavars or udayors clubbed to form Mannadiars. Mannadiyar was a title used to be awarded to the eldest member of each family by the ruling head. The title holders were entitled to certain privileges. When the practice of awarding the title became a story of the past, even the younger members began to use the surname Mannadiar, by time.
Social status
Male members are identified by their family name and female members migrate to their husbands' family after marriage and keep the husband's family name except a few families practice matrilineal hierarchy like most Malayali castes. The practice of using title "Guptan and Tharakan" is normally seen after middle age. Married female members were earlier addressed as "Akathaal" and with the time, the suffix transformed to "Ammal" and later to Amma and Mannadiar. Also as a sign of respect, male members are addressed as "Mannattappan" and female members as "Mannattamma". In some Mannadiyar families who are matrilenial, especially, Panikkath Tharavad the female members are called "Maruvulamma". ' Unlike Nairs, most Mannadiar families observe "Makkathayam", where the property and title are inherited by the male lineage.
Religion
Mannadiyar belong to Kshatriya group and majority of them are Vaishnavites and Saivites, where as Lord Murugan, Durga and Ayyappa are also worshiped. The serpent is also worshipped by Mannadiar families as a guardian of the clan. The worship of snakes, a Dravidian custom, is so prevalent in the area that one anthropologist notes: "In no part of the world is snake worship more general than in Kerala." Serpent groves were found in the southwestern corner of Many of the Mannadiar Tharavad compound and Sarpa Pooja will be performed once a year by the family members.
Traditions and customs
Marriage customs
Mannadiars’ marriage process is almost similar to typical South Indian Brahmin’s marriage events and procedures. The process starts with Nishchayatartham, the engagement ceremony hosted at Bride’s home. The Kaniyan or the head of family members writes the "Lagna Patrika" specifying the date, time and venue of marriage and this serves as a sort of commitment for both the families. Thamboola Prasna - astrological prediction based on Beetle leaves and Deepam - will be conducted as a ritual and results of the "Prasna" will be interpreted to all relatives assembled there.. The language used on this occasion is a mixture of Tamil and Malayalam and there is also a reference in it about Cholamandala Perumal. Other customs connected to this function are Jatakam Koottikettal tying the horoscopes of bride & groom together symbolically for the fixation of marriage and Pon veykkal by Groom's relatives followed by feast. The Groom's family also sends to the bride cosmetics, dresses, a mirror and a basket filled with sweetmeats and fruits on this occasion. Marriage is normally called Paanigrahanam and it is a simple function nowadays. The marriage ceremony commences with the groom arriving at Brides residence. The groom's aid will hold umbrella till they reach bride's house irrespective of the weather and Nadhaswaram, treated as sacred music will be accompanied. The groom will be received by a group of girls with tray of flowers, fruits, sweets and oil lamps. In readiness for the arrival of the groom and his family, the bride's family keeps 'Chandan', 'Kumkum', rose water, sugar candy, garlands and a platter for the 'Aarthi'. Bride's younger brother will clean the groom's feet while receiving him to the mandapam and in return he will be rewarded with 'Kacha' and Money. Kacha Samarppanam will also be performed by groom to the relatives of both bride and groom and takes blessings from them. Once the procession reaches the marriage venue 'Aarthi' is performed and a coconut is broken to ward off evil. The marriage ceremony proceeds with priests chanting mantras and Thalikettu at the Muhurtham specified in lagna patrika — tying the Thali chain in the bride's neck and exchange of garland each other thrice. In the shastras, the exchange of garlands symbolizes their unification, as one soul in two bodies. It is inward acceptance by each of the very fragrance in the other. This is followed by Paanigrahanam, Kanya Dhanam and Agni Pradakshinam. After the rituals and Sadhya and before Griha Pravesham, there will be Sakunam Kanikkal to both bride and groom and Mangala Aarthi is taken. Aaarthi is taken many times during the ceremony. Reception will also be conducted on the eve of Marriage. "Kaikottikkali'", an important art form used to be performed in bride's house and groom's residence in olden days. Elite class used to conduct Kathakali too. Palum Pazhavum and Kavukeral are other customs related to marriage. Normally on the day of marriage thali will be beeded in a yellow thread, the same will be changed to a golden chain on the next day, which is also been celebrated inviting close friends and relatives. The caste passed through a gradual change, in about 120 to 150 years, from Patriliny to Matrliny system, but not completely. Mannadaiar Women had husbands from Namboothiri Brahmins and men claim to have married Kiriyam Nair women.
