Ayyappan and Vavar, Rawther’s tales
The Old Turkic empire of middle east collapsed due to external and internal conflicts during 11th century, which eventually affected autonomy of horse trade of Turks in Tamil countries. Traders from Turkish outposts in Tirunelveli coasts found a new fortune under Tamil rulers. Tamil kings recruited well-built Turks to his army as cavalry soldiers and others continued to take care of horse trade locally. Newly settled Turks married to local Tamil woman. and their Childrens and converted Muslims who joined the cavalry formed new community based on their job, they were called as Rawthers. Rawthers considered the rule of Kulasekaran Pandian during mid of 12th century as their golden period. He appointed Rawthers as ministers and Generals. After Kulasekhara’s death, his two sons start fighting over throne, eventually Rawther cavalry spitted as two sects (Mele Rawther palayam and keele Rawther palayam). One of Pandian prince with his army fought with Alauddin khilji’s army. after h
