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Illathu Nair
Nair subcaste From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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]
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Etymology and history
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Illathu Nair or Illam Nair originates from the word Illam, which means "house."[4] 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,[5] meaning "sacred house." Swaroopam refers to Nairs who live in Swaroopams, meaning "royal house,"[6] 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.[7] 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.[8]
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Titles and Status
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They were known by different titles and statuses in Kerala. The most common titles among them are:
- Pillai - A title used by Samantha Naduvazhis, Deshavazhi, or barons of the Venadu kingdom, which evolved into various other surnames in Northern Kerala.[9][10]
- Karthav - A title given to a section of Nairs known as Stāni, who were blood relatives of kings in the Vadakkumkur and Thekkumkur kingdoms.[13][14]
- Unnithan or Valiyathan - A title given to influential families or barons of Kayamkulam, who were related to the royal families of the region.
- Naluveettil Pillai - Barons of southern Venadu, smilar to Unnithans.
- Thampi - A title prevalent in the Padmanabhapuram (present-day Kanyakumari), given by royal families to their Nair relatives. Also known as Thoruvam (a corruption of Swaroopam) Nairs.[15]
- Kaimal/Thachudaya Kaimal - A title given to the Lineage of ruling chiefs in ancient Trvancore, nominated by the kings of Quilon.[16]
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.[17][6]
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Culture and lifestyle
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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).[18]
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)[13], 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.[19]
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.[20]
Notable people
See also
References
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