Eshmanan
Eshmanan is a term used in Kerala to refer to a feudal landlord. The term means "lord" in Old Malayalam and referred to Chemb azhi nambi or Nambiars and other Samanthan Nair and Kiriyathil Nair caste members who occupied the position of rulers and chieftains. Some of the Nambiar landlords, such as Chengazhi Nambiar Kalliat Eshmanan and Koodali Eshmanan were among the largest landowners in pre-independence Kerala.
Other terms for a Nayar feudal landlord, included Nayanar.
