Menoky (or Menoki) is a Kshatriya Nair subcaste in the Indian state of Kerala. The Menoky are one of 14 "high caste" Nayar (there are 4 "low caste" Nair sub-castes), and historically served as administrators of baronies and supervising accounts in temples.
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Etymology
According to Edgar Thurston, the term Menoky means "one who looks after", and is derived from mēl (above) and nōkki, from nōkkunu (look after).
History
They have been extensively involved in marital relationships with Eradis, from whom Saamoothiris, the ruling class of erstwile Kozhikode later took shape. Menokkis were made the rulers of Porallatiri by the Zamorin and came to terms with the troops and people. After this follows an account of the founding of the town of Kozhikode around the Tali temple.
Present state
Menokys are very few in number and most of them lives at Kozhikode. Even though their history revolves around Kozhikode, a few live in Central and Southern Kerala as well.