Paravar is a Tamil maritime community, mainly living in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and in Sri Lanka. Early Pandyas were believed to be Parathavars, due to several similarities of profile. Historically, they were inhabitants of the Neithal (coastal) lands of Tamil Nadu, and find mention in various ancient Tamil literary works.
Conversion of the Paravas by St Francis Xavier, in a 19th-century coloured lithograph
The Pandyan dynasty, also referred to as the Pandyas of Madurai, was an ancient Tamil dynasty of South India, and among the four great kingdoms of Tamilakam, the other three being the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Cheras. Existing since at least the 4th to 3rd centuries BCE, the dynasty passed through two periods of imperial dominance, the 6th to 10th centuries CE, and under the 'Later Pandyas'. Under Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan I and Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I, the Pandyas ruled extensive territories including regions of present-day South India and northern Sri Lanka through vassal states subject to Madurai.
Mangulam inscription (3rd and 2nd centuries BCE)
Srivilliputhur Andal temple built by Pandyas Primarily, is the official Emblem of Tamil Nadu.
Vaigai River in Madurai
Pandya coin with temple between hills and elephant (Sri Lanka ca. 1st century CE) (British Museum)
