Mazhavaraayas
Mazhavaraayas or Mazhavars were the Polygars of Ariyalur. They were different from Mazhavaraya clan who were kins of Chozhas. Ramanayanar is recorded to be the first of these polygars. Their original title being Nayanar, Ramanayanar was honored with Ranavijaya Oppilla Mazhavarayar title by Vijayanagar ruler after Ramanayanar defeated a certain Prathaparudhran and they adopted the title since .The title of this polygar was Nayanar. They were from vanniyar community. In 1735, Rangappa Mazhavaraaya of Ariyalur donated of land to a church.