Shanar Cash: A Historical Perspective on Its Existence, Recognition by Historians, and Mentions in Sanror Documents.

Introduction

The Sanars (pronounced as Cāṇār), or Shanars, were a warrior community in ancient Tamil society [note 1]. The Periyapuranam, written by Sēkkilār, records that members of the Shanar community played a significant role in training royalty in the art of warfare. Additionally, the Shanars issued coins known as Shanar Cash, which were likely in circulation during the 16th and 17th centuries CE. This article is based on the research contribution of Mr. S. D. Nellai Nedumaran.

Historical Insights on Shanar Cash

The historical ballad Vengalarāsan Kathai mentions that Vengalarāsan, a 16th-century warrior who ruled Tirunelveli and waged war against Vettum-Perumal, minted Shanar cash. Similarly, the 18th-century literary work Paṇavidutūtu, authored by Palapaṭṭaṭai Chokkanātha Pulavar, references Shanar cash. A Modi manuscript preserved in the Saraswathi Mahal Library, Thanjavur, further attests that Shanar cash remained in use as late as 1851 CE, with one such coin valued at 132 phuli varāhans.

In 1836, J.R. Rolter suggested that Shanar cash was a gold coin featuring the impression of a toddy drawer. Winslow Miron, in his dictionary, describes Shanar cash (also referred to as Sanror Kāsu) as a gold coin introduced or minted by one of the Sanror castes. He further notes that the terms Shanar and Sanror are interchangeable.

Winslow Miron, in his dictionary, describes Shanar cash (also referred to as Sanror Kāsu) as a gold coin introduced or minted by one of the Sanror castes. He further notes that the terms Shanar and Sanror are interchangeable.

Description of the coin according to Valangai Malai

In the 17th-century Sanror ballad Valangai Malai, a coin is vividly described as being minted and issued by Māṭaikkācu Vallāḷaṉ—an eulogistic epithet that translates to hero who minted the gold coin in Tamil. The ballad further reveals that this distinguished coin was known as Cāṉṟār Māṭai ("Sanrar gold coin") or Valangai Uyyakondar Māṭai ("Valangai Uyyakondar gold coin"). According to the ballad, one side of the coin featured an engraving of a palm tree, while the other side depicted the image of the Sanrar, who was known for his teachings on alchemy, alongside an image of his daughter.

Notes

1. The terms Sanrar, Sanravar and Sanar are variants of the term Sanror. This is because of a common linguistic feature in Tamil. For instance, the word Kaṉṟu (meaning "calf") and its variant Kaṇṇu are essentially the same word with different pronunciations. The Nadars today were previously known as Sanars or Shanars.

See Also

• From oblivion to light: Reconstructing Nadar community's history through recently discovered ancient documents.
• Connecting the Dots: Understanding the Relationship Between the Noble Sanrors and the Nadar Community.
• Valangai Uyyakondar: A Forgotten Chola Clan Whose Heritage and History Connect to the Nadars of Today.