Anjuvannam
இந்தப் பக்கத்தை தமிழில் வாசிக்க: அஞ்சுவண்ணம்
Anju Vannathar or Anjuvannam is a trade guild that existed during the medieval period in the coastal regions of South India. It has been later associated with Islamic culture. The expressions Anjuvannam Jama'ath are commonly used. The term is said to have been derived from the word Persian word 'Anjuman' meaning guild.
Etymology
Researchers believe that Anjuvannam refers to a Muslim settlement, possibly Passipatnam, few miles away from Thondi, Ramanathapuram. Nilakanta Sastri in his book The Pandyan Kingdom, says that the Muslim settlers of this region formed guilds called 'Anjuvannam', they were given various concessions by the Pandyas and were allowed to punish those who broke their laws. Few believe that this was why they were called Anju Vannathar.
Few others believe that this is about the five pillars of Islamic faith and the Muslims were called Anju Vannathar as they followed these tenets. Few others claim that they got this name because of their practice of praying five times a day. There are several mosques in Tamil Nadu with the name Anjuvannam Jama'ath Masjid.
Trade Guilds of South India
Manigramam and Anjuvannam were two of the important trade guilds of South India that existed during the 9th century CE. These trade guilds were grouped under an Ainuruvar (Five Hundred Lords of Ayyavole). The name Anjuvannam finds mention in the Jewish copper plates of Cochin, which has been dated to the 10th century CE. The copper plates detail about the rights and privileges given to the merchant guild by the Chera King Bhaskara Ravi Varma. The Manigramam merchant guild
Links
- Islamiya Kalai Kalanjiyam - Abdur Raheem
- Anjuvannam Theru - Thoppil Muhammed Miran
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