 Eshmanan

Eshmanan (corruption of Yajamaana Sanskrit "leader") is a term used in Kerala (south India) to refer to a feudal landlord.The term means "lord" in Old Malayalam and referred to Chemb azhi nambi or (Chengazhi nambiar) Nambiars and other Samanthan Nair and Kiriyathil Nair caste members who occupied the position of rulers and chieftains.