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Eshmanan (corruption of Yajamaana Sanskrit leader) is a term used in Kerala to refer to a feudal Nair landlord.[citation needed] The term means "lord" in Old Malayalam and referred to Chembazhi nambi, Nambiars and Samanthan Nair caste members who occupied the position of rulers and chieftains. Some of the Nambiar landlords, such as Chengazhi Nambiar (Chengazinad Eshmanan), Kalliat Eshmanan and Koodali Eshmanan were among the largest landowners in Malabar. Other terms for a Nayar feudal landlord, included Nayanar (Nair subcaste).
This title is equivalent to others such as Madambi, Pillai, Kurup and Kaimal which were used in Travancore and Cochin areas.