Channar (surname)

Channar or Channan was a surname used in Kerala until early 20th century by families of the ezhava caste [1][2] The same surname is being used by Jatt clans[3] Along with Panicker and Thandar families, Channar families were high status ezhava families.[4]

In some literature, Nadar community of Travancore who are a community different from Ezhavas are also referred to as Channar and that's not a title or surname. Instead it is a corrupt way of the using the word Shanar which meant Nadar in Travancore.

The famous Channar revolt was started by these Nadars who were following climbing Palmyra palm tree and toddy taping from it as their prime occupation.

There are climber community among Ezhavas also called chethukaar, thandan etc. But they engage in climbing and toddy taping coconut trees instead of Palmyra.

Notable people:

• Alummootil kochu kunju Channar, the famous karanavar (family head) of Alummootil family, Onattukara. The story of Malayalam cinema, Manichitrathazhu written by Madhu Muttam was inspired from his life. He had close ties with Travancore royal family and was owner of first motor car in the region. The Haripad - Muttam road was made for his conveyance.
• Enathinatha Nayannar
• C O Karunakaran
• T K Madhavan
• Mangalath Cochoo Mani Channar
• Pattathuvila P. Kochukunju Channar, entrepreneur who established Empire Tile Factory, Kollam.