Illathu Nair

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Illathu Nair
Naidu Nayar children (1872).jpg
an old painting of three Nair girls from Travancore
Classification Kshatriya [1] , Brahmakshatriya
Religions Hinduism
Languages Malayalam, Sanskrit
Original state Kerala
Region Travancore
Status Forward caste [2]

Illathu Nair, also known as Illam Nair subcaste is the highest and largest Kshatriya Nair subdivision of Kerala, primarily found in the Travancore kingdom, they also settled in the Cochin region. Historically, they were Naduvazhis, Deshavazhis, royal governors and military leaders of medieval Kerala, some of them were also soldiers. [3]

Contents

The Illathu Nairs of Travancore were different from Illathil Nairs found in the Malabar districts, who were dependent of a Nambudiri house. [4]

Etymology and history

Illathu Nair or Illam Nair originates from the word Illam, which means "house." [5] The house of an Illathu Nair is referred to as Illam, Madam, or Swaroopam. In medieval Kerala, "Illam" was commonly used by Nambudiri Brahmins, the highest echelon of Nairs and Samantans, and certain Ambalavasi subdivisions, all meaning "house." Madam is used by Nairs of Samantha origin, [6] meaning "sacred house." Swaroopam refers to Nairs who live in Swaroopams, meaning "royal house," [7] and are also known as Thoruvam Nairs (different from Swaropathu Nair). Swaroopam is mostly used by the royal families of the region. In later days, the house of a Nair came to be known as 'Tharavad' or 'Veedu' (plural 'Veettil'). Historically, they were originally Samantha Nair Naduvazhi, Deshavazhi, or Barons of Travancore, mostly found in the Kingdom of Venadu/Quilon.

They had authority over the lands and temples in their region, often more than that of a king, and could even challenge kings in terms of power. Illathu Nair Jenmimar and Madambimaar held a certain number of Nair warriors under their control. [8] Their absolute power and influence began to wane when Marthanda Varma conquered the small feudals lands of Thiruvananthapuram, Quilon, Kayamkulam, Vadakkumkur and Thekkumkur kingdoms and formed the Travancore Kingdom. Most of their lands were seized by him. [9]

Titles and Status

They were known by different titles and statuses in Kerala. The most common titles among them are:

Nairs could interchange these surnames or hold multiple titles, but they often used the title from their maternal line that was most relevant. In the present day, many retain the Nair surname. For example, if the parents hold titles like Pillai, Kurup, Karthav, Varma, etc., the children may inherit any of these titles or simply the Nair surname. These titles and surnames are also used by other Nair subdivisions. Many of these titles were openly given to different Nair subdivisions after the formation of the Travancore kingdom, based on their social status, duties in the state, and bravery. [18] [7]

Culture and lifestyle

Illathu Nairs practiced strict ritual purity and orthodoxy, particularly in the Travancore region until the 19th century.

Marriage

Marriage were arranged only within the same subdivision or with other Samantan or Samantha Nair subcastes. A Malayali Brahmin (either Nambudiri or Potti) was invited to tie the Tali and perform the rituals.

Illathu Nair women typically married or formed Sambandham with Samantha Kshatriya Rajas of the region or within their own subcaste. Women were restricted from marrying men from other Nair subdivisions, as lineage was traced through the maternal line. Illathu Nair men, can form Sambandham with women from Swaroopathil Nairs of Travancore, as well as Kiriyathil Nair women, who were present in the Malabar districts and cochin (also found in parts of Travancore). [19]

Social Structure in Nair Temples and Houses

Each Nair family maintained a family temple, where Nambudiri Brahmins or Tulu Nambudiri Brahmins (known as Potti) were appointed as their priests.

Other Nair subdivisions were generally restricted from entering an Illathu Nair’s house or even approaching their region. However, the Swaroopathil Nairs of Travancore were allowed to enter one or two rooms of an Illathu Nair's house.

Status

Illathu Nairs, together with the Swaroopathu Nairs of Travancore (the military subcaste of ruling kingdoms) [14] , were considered the top tier of the Nair hierarchy. Some historical Rajput royal families, also considered equivalent to the Illathu Nairs, gradually began using the titles and assimilated into the Nair subdivision. [20]

Today, the government of India does not treat the Nair community as a single entity. It classifies the Illathu and Swaroopathu Nairs, as a forward caste. [21]

Notable people

List of Nairs

See also

References

  1. ↑ Lannoy, Mark de (1997). The Kulasekhara Perumals of Travancore: History and State Formation in Travancore from 1671 to 1758. Leiden University. ISBN   978-90-73782-92-1.
  2. ↑ Sudhi, K. S. (25 March 2021). "Kerala has 164 forward caste communities". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 22 July 2025.
  3. ↑ State), Travancore (Princely; Pillai, Sadasyatilaka T. K. Velu (1940). The Travancore State Manual. Government of Travancore.
  4. ↑ State), Travancore (Princely; Aiya, V. Nagam (1906). The Travancore State Manual. Travancore government Press.
  5. ↑ Abraham, George (28 December 2020). Lanterns on the Lanes: Lit for Life…. Notion Press. ISBN   978-1-64899-659-7.
  6. ↑ Mark de Lannoy. The Kulasekhara Perumals of Travancore history and state formation in Travancore from 1671 to 1758. p. 6.
  7. 1 2 Menon, P. Shungoonny (1878). A History of Travancore from the Earliest Times. Higginbotham. p. 125.
  8. ↑ Lannoy, Mark de (1997). The Kulasekhara Perumals of Travancore: History and State Formation in Travancore from 1671 to 1758. Leiden University. ISBN   978-90-73782-92-1.
  9. ↑ Jeffrey, Robin (1994). The Decline of Nair Dominance: Society and Politics in Travancore, 1847-1908. Manohar. ISBN   978-81-7304-065-8.
  10. ↑ Lannoy, Mark de (1997). The Kulasekhara Perumals of Travancore: History and State Formation in Travancore from 1671 to 1758. Leiden University. ISBN   978-90-73782-92-1.
  11. ↑ Jeffrey, Robin (1994). The Decline of Nair Dominance: Society and Politics in Travancore, 1847-1908. Manohar. ISBN   978-81-7304-065-8.
  12. ↑ Lannoy, Mark de (1997). The Kulasekhara Perumals of Travancore: History and State Formation in Travancore from 1671 to 1758. Leiden University. ISBN   978-90-73782-92-1.
  13. ↑ Lannoy, Mark de (1997). The Kulasekhara Perumals of Travancore: History and State Formation in Travancore from 1671 to 1758. Leiden University. ISBN   978-90-73782-92-1.
  14. 1 2 The Internal Structure of the Nair Caste C. J. Fuller
  15. ↑ Kurup, K. K. N. (1977). Aspects of Kerala History and Culture. College Book House.
  16. ↑ "Ammachies of Travancore". www.thenewsminute.com. 20 July 2016. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  17. ↑ Menon K. P. Padmanabha (1929). History Of Kerala Vol-ii.
  18. ↑ Jeffrey, Robin (1994). The Decline of Nair Dominance: Society and Politics in Travancore, 1847-1908. Manohar. ISBN   978-81-7304-065-8.
  19. ↑ Thurston, Edgar; Rangachari, K. (2001). Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Asian Educational Services. ISBN   978-81-206-0288-5.
  20. ↑ Malayanma Vision (19 March 2021). Meenachil Kartha's Palace | ആയിരം വർഷം ഭരിച്ച മീനച്ചിൽ കർത്താക്കന്മാരുടെ മഠം | Navy George | MV 1 . Retrieved 23 July 2025– via YouTube.
  21. ↑ Sudhi, K. S. (25 March 2021). "Kerala has 164 forward caste communities". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 22 July 2025.
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