113992242-Dravidian-Settlements-in-Ceylon-and-the-Beginnings-of-the-Kingdom-of-Jaffna-By-Karthigesu-Indrapala-Complete-Phd-Thesis-University-of-London-1965

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in South India. The moat prominent among these were the Aifruvar,
who were also known as the Ayylv4e, Vra Balafijiyar and Banaflju
Dharmaara as well as by numerous other variants of these names
Most of their records are preambled by a long eulogy or praasti,
giving an account of their origin and achievements. By far the
largest number of these, nearly forty, are in Kairnada while there
are about a dozen each in Tamil and Telugu and a handful in
Malayalam. The earliest of these goes back to the eighth century
The latest is dated aka 1602 (A.D. i68o) At present, therefore,
the origin of this community can be traced back only to the
eighth century.
The earliest inscription of the AifitTuvar is
found at Aihoe, the ancient Ayvoe, which they claim as their
seat of power. Since the earliest available of their records
comes from Aihoe, it is possible that it belongs to the early
years of their history. The origin of this community, may,
1. M.E.R. for 1916, No.97 of 1915 - Ayyappoa1 ;
., VIII, p. 89 of the text - Ayyvajeya Aynrvva SvImig4u ;
i.E.R. for 1918, No. 18 of 1917-18 A - Samayins of Ayyav4i;
XI, p. 181 of the text - Aiv4e )thzkhyarada
2. JT.Fleet, 'Sanskrit and Canarese Inscriptions', l.A., VI, Nay 1877,
p . 138.
3. ?,E.R. for 1918, No. 18 of 1917-18 in Appendix A.