Rayan

Encyclopedia : R : RA : RAY : Rayan

Rayan or Rayar means a person with authority. Rayan or Rayar is a person who is in power or has been appointed by the ruler/s to control or oversee a province in the olden days, especially in South India. Rayan or Rayar is a title confered on the male members of the rulers of a province. In some cases the title has been hereditary. The names Rayan and Rayar are definitely Hindu. Some Tamil Christians are also known to use the names occasionaly.

A community that is proof to the above said information is living in Vengambur, a village on the banks of the river Cauvery, near Kodumudi in Erode District of Tamilnadu, India. There is enough proof that an emperor of either the Cholza, Chera or Pallava dynasties confered the title of Rayan/Rayar on the ruler of the province who fought and won a war against some powerful warriors who invaded their territory. The emperor had given in writing that henceforth you and all your descendents will hold the title of Rayan/Rayar! At present there are around 100 people who have the title of either Rayan or Rayar. Another interesting fact is the existence of a village named Valanthankottai which is believed to be derived from the name - "ValzuvanthaRayan kottai"!

Another community that uses the name belongs to areas near Pollachi in Coimbatore district of Tamilnadu, India. Mr. Krishnaraj Vaanavarayar is at present the most prominent personality of this community. His ancestors were the Jamindars of the region.

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