Eshmanan (corruption of Yajamaana Sanskrit leader) is a term used in Kerala (south India) to refer to a feudal landlord.[citation needed] The term means "lord" in Old Malayalam and referred to Chemb azhi nambi or (Chengazhi nambiar) Nambiars and other Samanthan Nair and Kiriyathil 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. Other terms for a Nayar feudal landlord, included Nayanar (Nair subcaste).
This title is equivalent to others such as Madambi, Pillai, Kurup and Kaimal which were used in Travancore and Cochin areas