What is "nanjinad"

Nanjinad (pronounced Nancinatu) is a historical region corresponding to present-day Thovala and Agastheeshwaram taluks of Kanyakumari district. The name comes from nanj, meaning 'plough', and nad, meaning 'land'. It was (and still is) an important centre of paddy (rice) cultivation. It formed the core around which the kingdom of Travancore was built.