Nair is a forward caste community which comes under the general category of the reservation system. In the caste hierarchy, they are below Brahmins and Kshatriyas and above Ezhavas. They were landlords and nobles in the past. All royal families of Kerala are basically Nairs.
Which is the highest caste in Kerala?
The Nambudiri Brahmins were at the top of the ritual caste hierarchy, outranking even the kings.
Where is the Nair last name from?
Nair is the name of a caste originating from Kerala, India. Those with the surnames Menon and Pillai also belong to this caste.
Are Nairs shudras?
The Nambudiri Brahmins were at the top of the ritual caste hierarchy and in that system outranked even the kings. They regarded all Nairs as Shudra. Below the Nambudiris came the Tamil Brahmins and other later immigrants of the Brahmin varna.
Who is Nair caste?
The Nair /ˈnaɪər/, also known as Nayar, are a group of Indian Hindu castes, described by anthropologist Kathleen Gough as “not a unitary group but a named category of castes”. The Nair include several castes and many subdivisions, not all of whom historically bore the name ‘Nair’.
Are nairs from Nepal?
Nairs are Naga Scythians with roots in the Central asia and Nepal (Newar) , Kshatriyas are of Ay Chera origins and Namboothiris are from Ahichatra in Uttar Pradesh. They may have similarities in their genentics because of the recent mixture in the past 1000 yrs.
What is the percentage of Nairs in Kerala?
The BCRC estimated Nair population at 14.47% of the total population of Kerala based on a statewide sample survey conducted for the reservation of seats in educational institutions.
Which is the highest caste in Nair?
The Kiryathil Nair is the highest class among Nairs. In the caste hierarchy, they were considered superior to Illathu Nairs, but inferior to Samanthan Nairs.
Were the Nair families of Kerala aristocratic?
Furthermore, many Nair families were aristocratic. They owned large feudal estates and in some cases, even took part in the ruling of Kerala. An example is the Paliam family of Kochi. The oldest male of the family, the Paliath Achan, served as the Prime Minister to the Raja of Kochi.
What is a traditional Nair wedding in Kerala?
Nair Wedding Tradition Malyalee Nair weddings in Kerala are simple and brief. They have very few rituals and far lesser religious compulsions. A traditional Nair wedding takes place in a nearby temple, the bride’s residence or in a convention center convenient for both parties.
Who is the oldest member of the Nair family?
The oldest male of the family, the Paliath Achan, served as the Prime Minister to the Raja of Kochi. It is believed that there were 64 classifications in Nair society.
How many social classifications are there in the Nair society?
It is believed that there were 64 classifications in Nair society. Sri.K.P.Padmanabha Menon who wrote Kerala Charithram (History of Kerala) has recorded that Nairs who were grouped as Sudras were turned into three main groups called Illam, Swaroopam and Padamangalam .
