The Nayak rulers of Tamil Nadu, as per the claims of Sargunar, imposed Deshaprashtam (ostracism) on the ancient Pandyas (Nadars), to ensure that their rise wouldn't ever happen.
The traditions followed by the Nelamaikkarars and the existence of the ruins beneath the Teri palmrya forests of Tiruchendur and ancient Pandyan capital city of Korkai, where the Nadar population is predominant, suggest they could very well be the heirs of the Early Pandyas.
As the wealth of the Northern Nadars increased, they gradually began to adopt the customs of the North Indian Kshtriyas in order to improve their social status as well.
To punctuate their wealthy and powerful position in the society, the Nadars of Sivakasi hired Maravars as their palanquin bearers.
On 26 April 1899, a riot broke out in Sivakasi and the Maravar portion of the town was left almost completely destroyed.
On 6 June 1899, a group of 5,000 Maravars gathered into a mob from all parts of the surrounding villages and towns.
The Maravars were sent into retreat, carrying their dead in the dozen carts brought to haul away the loot.