Kiryathil Nair

Kiryathil Nair
Regions with significant populations
Mostly in Malabar, also in Travancore.
Languages

Malayalam
Religion

Hinduism
Related ethnic groups

Illathu Nairs, Samanthan Nairs, Samantha Kshatriyas

Kiryathil Nair or Kiriyathil Nair is a subcaste of the Nair community who traditionally lived in the region now known as Kerala, India. The 17th century Keralolpathi[1] states them to be descendants of warrior Nāga tribes who came to Kerala from the north along the western coast. It may be noted that the earlier Keralamahatmayam, an Upa Purana of the Bhoogola Hindu Purana, does not make mention of any subcastes among the Nairs but only states them to be the military caste of Kerala. The name Kiryathil is derived from Kiryam (Griham = House).[2]

Contents

Caste system

The Kiriyathil Nairs were one of the highest classes of Nairs. They enjoyed special privileges such as the right to partake food with Nambuthiris (which was not allowed even for other Brahmins like Ambalavasis and Iyers). These were exceptionally high privileges in Kerala during the pre-British era.[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ Dr. Hermann Gundert, Keralolpathiyum Mattum, (Band 4, Hermann Gundert Series, Eight works published during 1843-1904) (Kottayam: Current Books, 1992), p 185
  2. ^ www.nairs.in
  3. ^ Travancore State Manual Volume I by V.Nagam Aiya, page 215

External links