The social organization of the people of the Jaffna kingdom was based on a caste system and a matrilineal "kudi" (clan) system similar to the caste structure of South India. The Aryacakravarti kings and their immediate family claimed "Brahma-Kshatriya" status, meaning "Brahmins" who took to martial life. The "Madapalli" were the palace stewards and cooks, the "Akampadayar"'s formed the palace servants, the Paraiyar were the royal heralds and the "Siviyar" were the royal palanquin bearers. The army and navy generals were from the "Karaiyar" caste, who also controlled the pearl trade and whose chiefs were known as "Mudaliyar", "Paddankatti" and "Adapannar". The "Mukkuvar" and "Thimilar" were also engaged in the pearl fishery. The "Udayars" or village headmen and landlords of agriculture societies were mostly drawn from the "Vellalar" caste, who controlled the illegal activities such as stealing and robbery. The service providing communities were known as "Kudimakkal" and consisted of various groups such as the "Ambattar", "Vannar", "Kadaiyar", "Pallar", "Nalavar", "Paraiyar", "Koviyar" and "Brahmin". The Kudimakkal had ritual importance in the temples and at funerals and weddings. The "Chettys" were well known as traders and owners of Hindu temples and the Pallar and Nalavar castes composed of the agriculturist labours who tilled the land. The weavers were the Paraiyars and Sengunthar who gave importance to the textile trade. The artisans also known as "Kammalar" were formed by the "Kollar", "Thattar", "Tatchar", "Kaltatchar" and the "Kannar".