The establishment of Brahmin settlement in Tamil Country

During the Sangam period, the Tamil society was existed as workbased social structure and not as a caste-based division.^[1] The caste based divisions such as Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras developed in course of time during the Pallava period in the Tamil society.^[2] The Brahmanas occupied the first place and had become an integral part of the Tamil Society since the 6th century A.D., It is also evident that this group in Tamil Country adopted their own way of life and they became the elite group in the society. They were steeped in Vedic studies and well-versed in all Sastras.^[3] They were also respected and honored by the people of all strata. They fully involved themselves in religious activities and educational services^[4] interpreted Vedas and Puranas.^[5] Though they were a small fraction in the society, they enjoyed the support of the rulers and the public alike. Rajendra I following his invasion of the Gangetic plains brought with him 2000 Brahmin families and helped them to settle down in various important religious centre of the Chola kingdom. This paved the way for the Brahmin permanent settlement^[6] in Munnur too.