According to a folk etymology is the name Nalavar a corrupted form of Naluvinavar (those who decamped), which they gained after withdrawing from a battle field.[2] Another theory suggest the name is derived from Nalua meaning to climb, in reference to their traditional occupation.[3]
It has also been proposed that the name is derived from Naravar (from Naravu, ancient
Tamil term for
toddy).[4]
History
According to
Yalpana Vaipava Malai were the Nalavars originally called Nambis who originally
Vanniar chieftains and served as
bowmen.[5] A former subdivision among them were known as Kottai Vayil Nalavar i.e. "Nalavars in service of the
fort".[4]
Under the
Dutch Ceylon was the
Thesavalamai law codified.[6] This law allowed landlords to have slaves, and the Nalavars were also employed as
agriculture labors, and were classified along with the
Pallar under the term Adimai (slave).[7][8]
^Wilson, A. Jeyaratnam (2000). Sri Lankan Tamil Nationalism: Its Origins and Development in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. Hurst. p. 21.
ISBN978-1-85065-519-0.