The Word Nayaks/Nayakas means leader or Ruler .The word Nayaka is used by the People of Kshatriyas (Warrior Clans) . The Nayaka Derived from the Word "Nayakadu".

Other Terms of Nayaks:

Nayakar, Nayakkar, Nayaker , Nair, Naicker ,Raya or Rayar is a title commonly used in the southern part of India by Kannada, Tamil and Telugu speaking people, sometimes as a surname and in other cases as a caste affiliation. This title was historically bestowed upon vassals and army commanders of the Vijayanagara empire, ^[1] and is a Dravidianized derivative of the Sanskrit term nāyaka, from nī- ‘to lead’. The title is closely related to Naidu, Nayudu, Rayudu ,Nayaka and Nayak .

The Communities use Nayaka as Surname :

In Tamil Nadu : Balija Nayakas (Balija/Telaga/Kapu) (They predominant use the Word Nayaka / Raya). During Vijayanagara Empire, these people ruled over Tamil Nadu.

They have Origin , that they belongs to Kakatiya dynasty.

Other Nayaka Communities such as Senji Nayaks , Thanjavur Nayaks , Madurai Nayaks also Ruled Tamil Nadu.

In Karnataka : Balija Nayaks Ruled over Karnataka Over Long Centuries.

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Notable people with the title include:

• E. V. Ramasami Naicker
• M. A. Manickavelu Naicker
• Sri Vikrama Rajasinha of Kandy
• Raghunatha Nayak
• Tirumala Nayaka
• Krishnadevaraya was the son of Tuluva Narasa Nayaka

Varna status

Balija Nayakas (Balija/Kapu/Telaga) claims to Warrior Clans , They are regarded as Kshatriyas. Being Telugu Origin they are the only Kshatriyas prevailing in Tamil Nadu.

According to Varna Status Written In Purusha suktham.

• There are 4 Hierarchy in Hinduism.

• Brahmins: Vedic scholars, priests or teachers.
• Kshatriyas: Rulers, administrators or warriors.
• Vaishyas: Agriculturalists, farmers or merchants.
• Shudras: Artisans, laborers or servants.

References