• K.B.Sakithyan
• Dr.P.Bharathi

Periyakulam is a municipal town situated in present Theni district. Periyakulam is an ancient town with archaeological sites. Kaval system is one of the oldest systems of security that prevailed even during the Sangam Age. The kaval system was classified into Sthala Kaval, Thisai Kaval, Nadu Kaval and Kudi Kaval. In course of time, the Kaval System became an officially approved administrative system during the period of the Madurai Nayaks. The British government took several measures to abolish the kaval system but failed due to operational weaknesses. So the system continued. At present, the Puravu kaval system continues in Periyakulam. Today the cultivable lands are handed over to the Kaval Committee by the farmers’ associations of Periyakulam. The Kaval Committee members appoint kavalkarar who watch the farmers’ property for which they received a salary in cash or kind. This paper attempts to analyse the Kaval System and its method of operation and the present status of this system with modifications to suit the prevailing social conditions.

Sthala Kaval, Thisai Kaval, Nadu Kaval, Kudi Kaval, Kaval System

"Kaval System Past and Present with Reference to Periyakulam – A Study", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no.132-135, June-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1906800.pdf

"Kaval System Past and Present with Reference to Periyakulam – A Study", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no. pp132-135, June-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1906800.pdf