Kambalathu Nayakkars : Kambalathu Nayakkars were once the natives of Bellary in Andhra Predesh, which later became a part

of Karnataka. It was ruled by the Muslim kings then. It is said that the Kambalathu Nayakkar's women were forced to marry the men from the Muslim kings' family. Two women were married against their wishes and when they came to ask for a third one, the Nayakkars had no option but to accede to their demand. Later Nayakkars ran away from the place. River Cauvery was overflowing its banks. The Nayakkars prayed to Chakka Devi to help them in their crisis as the Muslim army was behind them. They prayed to Chakka Devi that the trees on the other side of the bank should bend towards them and vice versa. By Chakka Devi's grace, it so happened and the Nayakkars crossed the river. The trees returned to their original position and the Muslim army, which had arrived by then, were unable to cross the flooded river. The Nayakkars who migrated to Tamil Nadu destroyed a part of the forest, built homes, created farm lands and started their new lease of life. Since it was the time when the kings were Nayakkars, they led a luxurious life as zamins and polygars (Palayathukarar). In the beginning their occupation was mainly hunting, predicting one's future with implied meanings, Kodaangi Adithal, and agriculture. Kambalathu Nayakkars are divided into nine sects. Some say it is 18, but the three most important sects are: 1. Sillavaar, 2. Gollavaar , 3. Thokkalavaar,4.Anupar,5.vokkaligar,6. An interesting fact is that Telugu people living in Maharastra near Andhra borders add "Var" or "War" to their surnames. Kambalathu Naickers pride themselves as the 'most forward looking' for they follow a strict lifestyle depending solely on agriculture and cattle rearing. They are migrants from Andhra Pradesh and the community guard fiercely against government interference or any outsider stepping into their area to dictate terms to them. Early girl marriages and incest are common among Kambalathu Naickers and they have their own panchayat led by village headman to arbitrate on marital discords and personal laws. Strangely, they travel in groups if they venture outside their village, but never partake food from others or seek help while visiting places and hence pack their food and requirements well in advance. Children are taken out of school before they reach V Class and are given thorough training in agriculture for an independent livelihood. But girls, as per custom, are married off within the caste to those looking for female hands in taking care of household chores to run the large joint family. In this the Sillavaar sect is also called Rajakambalam sect and it is said Pattakarar sect originated from this sect. Pooja is performed for Chakka Devi during the month of Chithirai (3rd Monday). The next day, they offer a ram as sacrifice to the goddess and then the rituals are performed. They worship the trees 'punga maram' and 'moongil', and 'koraipul' which helped them to escape from the Muslim army. Chakka Devi is said to be a Shakti avatar and it is believed that she has given immense power to the women of Kambalathu Nayakkar tribe. The occupations that were once their livelihood are still followed by some. The Kambalathu Nayakkars live now in Nellai, Thoothukudi, Madurai and Salem districts.