Religions Hinduism Populated states Kasaragod, Kannur | Languages Malayalam | |
Classification Aristocracy, Feudatory, Landlord Subdivisions Nambiar, Samanta Kshatriya | ||
Nayanar is an honorific title used among certain clans of Nairs in the North Malabar region of Kerala. Men of these clans were mainly chiefs of fiefdoms, and formed the aristocracy and landed gentry of the area.
Contents
Etymology
The word Nayanar means "The Nayar" and is used as an aristocratic title in the Malabar region.
Position in society
The Nayanars were Samanthans and Naduvazhi (chiefs of fiefdoms and aristocracy) and Jenmimar (landed gentry).
Notables
References
Nayanar (Nair subcaste) Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA