The Melongi Karaiyars are some areas known as "Thevar Karaiya" r and "Kurukula Karaiyar", who were descendent of commanders, while Keelongi Karaiyars were descendent of the army's soldiers and workers.
The Melongi Karaiyars were known as "Thevar Karaiya" r, and are identified with the founding ancestors, Periyanadutevan and Verimanikatevan, who were reputedly commanders of an invading Chola army. The Keelongi Karaiyars were said to be descendent of the army's soldiers and workers.