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The Nagavanshi (Sanskrit: नागवंशी nāgavaṃśī "of nāga-descent") or Nagavamshi dynasty were rulers in the area of the present Chhattisgarh state of India from around the 11th century CE to the 14th century. A copper plate inscription from the Gupta Empire era relates that nāgas were elevated to the kshatriya caste. The copper plates of this period relate to the Nagas being defeated by the Guptas and subsequently being married into them. One example is that of King Chandragupta II, who married Queen Kuberanaga. The Nagas were mentioned as an snake-worshipping tribe of ancient India. The Nairs of Kerala and Bunts of Karnataka belong to the Nagavanshi clan of warriors.
Nagavanshis Castes
The Nairs of Kerala and Bunts of Karnataka claim descent from the naga Śeṣa; these regions include the Nagavanshi clans who migrated from North India associated with the events referred to as the Sarpasatram. The Nairs were organized into various martial clans like Nambiar, Kiryathil Nair, Illathu Nair and Swaroopathil Nairs. The Illathu, Swaroopathil and Kiryathil Nairs have been classified as Kshatriyas of the Nagavanshi lineage Also claims as Nagavamsam in North costal region of Andhra pradesh state, where central government referred them under serial number 81 in NCBC (National Commission for Backward classed).