What is "eshmanan"

Eshmanan corruption of Yajamaana ( Sanskrit) is a term used in Kerala (south India) to refer to an individual of high social standing. The term means "lord" in Old Malayalam and referred to Chemb azhi nambi or (Chengazhi nambiar) Nambiars, Unnithans and other Samanthan Nair caste members who occupied the position of rulers and chieftains. Some of the Nambiar landlords, such as Chengazhi nambiar(Chengazinad Eshmanan) Kalliat Eshmanan and Koodali Eshmanan were among the largest landowners in pre-independence Kerala.