Panicker (sometimes Panikkar) is an Indian title or last name used by members of various communities in the state of Kerala. The Kaniyars community of Kerala, particularly central and northern region, by virtue of their traditional occupation as teachers of a martial art (Kalari) are commonly known as Panicker. Some members of the Nair and Ezhava castes in the Hindu religion and also some Christians from the Syrian Catholic, Syrian Orthodox and Mar Thoma churches also hold this last name.
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The word Panicker was derived from the Sanskrit word Parinayaka meaning 'captain of warriors'. It was a title bestowed on Kalari masters in Kerala, who were known as the Kalari Panicker. Vedic astrology was also practised by them to survive. (Cochin castes and tribes - by Ananada Krishna Iyer).— The Portuguese traveller Duarte Barbosa said that "They are the skillful men who teach this art [Kalarippayattu], and they are called the Panickers: these are the captains in war."[1]
Some other communities which hold the title include the Nairs and Ezhavas. Sometimes, it was also held by the teachers of a region and Maarans. In later days, the Maharajah of Travancore bestowed this title as a reward for merit to those members of the Hindu and Christian communities, who excelled in martial endeavours and military exploits. The titles were bestowed on the families of meritorious persons and consequently all family members were entitled to use the titles, even when they were from other religions. There are occasional instances of Nambudiris, Christians and Muslims with this title, as in the case of the Chemmunda Panicker.
Following the current conventions for Romanising Malayalam without diacritic marks, the name would be "Panikkar". However, Panikker, Panicker, Panickar, Paniker, Panikar, Panniker, Pannikavannar and possibly other variants are to be found.