On the Nairs of Kerala : Origins, social organization and martial heritage
The Nairs (or Nayars) of Kerala are an integral part of Kerala's Hindu population and history. They traditionally served as the ruling and military community, dominating the historical landscape for over a millennium. Their matrilineal customs, where lineage is traced through mothers and property passes through daughters, particularly captivated European authors and anthropologists for centuries, leading to extensive literature on this unique tradition. This post primarily explores the origins of the Nairs, their social organization, and their martial heritage.
Origin of the Name 'Nair'
The significance and the origin of the name 'Nair' remains a subject of historical debate.
One prominent theory suggests it derives from 'Naga,' referring to the serpent race, given the widespread serpent worship among Nairs. Each traditional Nair 'tharavad' (household) featured a 'Sarpa Kavu,' a sacred grove dedicated to serpent deities. Furthermore, Nair women historically wore 'Nagapadathali' necklaces with amulets shaped like cobra hoods, hinting at their connection to the Naga serpent cult.
However, it's important to note that serpent worship wasn't exclusive to Nairs; it was also prevalent among Nambuthiri Brahmins of Kerala. Significant serpent worship sites in Kerala, such as Mannarashala and Pambummekkattu Mana, belong to Nambuthiri families.
Local legends, like those found in Keralolpathi [1], narrate that Kerala was originally inhabited by Nagas underwater. When Parashurama, the sixth Avatar of Vishnu, reclaimed Kerala from the sea and granted it to Brahmins, the Nagas reportedly attacked the new immigrants. Parashurama is said to have commanded the Brahmins to worship the Nagas to establish a peaceful settlement. While many authors connect Nairs with these Nagas, Keralolpathi itself distinguishes them, stating that Parashurama later brought Nairs to Kerala after the Brahmins. This suggests a clear distinction between Nagas and Nairs in the text.
The shared Naga worship among both Nairs and Nambuthiris might stem from their purported original home of Ahichchatra, in present-day Uttar Pradesh. The name of this region, a capital of the Vedic Panchala kingdom in northern India, literally translates to 'land of serpent' or 'Ahi-kshetra' suggesting a common serpent-related heritage for both communities. Thus, the Naga connection extends beyond just the Nairs to include the Nambuthiris.
Some reformers, such as the Nair reformer Chattampi Swamikal, argued that Nairs were indigenous Tamil-speaking Nagas, attempting to refute the Parashurama legend. Yet, even according to the legend itself, Nairs are depicted as an immigrant population brought to Kerala by Parashurama after the Brahmins.
Another legend from Malabar [2] associates Nairs with Ayyappa (Shasta), the deity of hunting expeditions, or 'Nayattu.' During these hunts, Ayyappa was accompanied by divine hounds, called 'Naya' in Malayalam. According to this legend, Ayyappa bestowed these divine hounds upon his followers, who then became known as 'Nayars' or keepers of the divine hunting hounds of Ayyappa, thereby becoming masters of royal hunting expeditions. This remains as a local legend without historical corroboration.
A more historically plausible theory suggests the name 'Nair' derives from the Sanskrit term 'Nayaka' or 'Nayakar,' meaning 'leader.' This aligns well with the historical role of Nairs as Kerala's nobility and aristocracy, closely associated with royal families and serving as army commanders. Epigraphic records frequently refer to 'Padanayar' or 'Padanayakan,' denoting Nair warriors who commanded medieval Kerala's military forces.
Considering historical perspectives and setting aside legendary narratives, 'Nayakar' likely evolved into a general term for Kerala's leading aristocratic and martial community, encompassing various subcastes and clans. Over time, 'Nayakar' may have gradually crystallized into the distinct caste named 'Nair'.
Origin of Nairs
Like their name, the origin of the Nairs is a subject of extensive historical debate.
Sangam Age Tamil literature (variously dated from 300 BCE to 300 CE), the oldest literary source from southern India including Kerala, contains no mention of the matrilineal Nair community. During this period, Kerala was ruled by various dynasties: Ezhimalai chieftains in the north, the Cheras in the central region, and the Ay chieftains in the southernmost parts. The absence of Nairs in Sangam Age Kerala suggests their genesis occurred later, likely around the 4th century CE.
During this post-Sangam period, the Kadamba dynasty conquered Kerala. The Nilambur plates of Kadamba king Ravi Varman, discovered in Malabar [3], firmly establish the Kadamba presence in this era. The Kadambas are credited with importing new Brahmin immigrants from Ahichchatra and settling them in Tulu Nadu and Kerala. Keralolpathi mentions Kadamba king Mayuravarma ruling both Tulu Nadu and Kerala, and the medieval Tulu chronicle Gramapaddhati [4] recounts his establishment of new Vedic settlements in both regions. It is said in the text that Mayuravarma also brought Nairs to assist and protect the Brahmins, eventually granting them rights over the lands. In the Tulu region, these Nairs became known as Nadavas, and in Kerala, as Naduvazhis. Nadavas exist as a name among the Bunt community of Tulu region, who share same matrilineal tradition as Nairs.
These new waves of Brahmin and Nair immigrants likely introduced the Parashurama legend, which gained popularity in Kerala during medieval times as Vedic settlements expanded. The expansion of these new Nair and Brahmin settlements probably didn't entirely displace the existing Sangam Age Tamil Brahmins and elites. Instead, a cultural synthesis likely occurred between the old Tamil-speaking Brahmins and elites (like Vellalas and Maravas) and the newly arrived Brahmins and Nairs from Ahichchatra. It's plausible that the existing population was absorbed into the immigrant communities through cultural assimilation. This synthesis gradually led to Kerala becoming culturally distinct from the rest of Tamilakam, a process that likely predates the establishment of the Second Medieval Chera Kingdom around the 8th century CE, by which time the new Vedic Brahmin settlements were well-established [5], and the Parashurama tradition had solidified Kerala's cultural distinctiveness from Tamilakam.
The earliest mentions of Nairs in Kerala are found in records from the medieval Chera kingdom. Here are a few inscriptions directly referencing Nairs as a ruling and military class from the Second Chera Kingdom and subsequent periods:
An inscription from the Thrikkodithanam Maha Vishnu Temple in Kottayam, dated to the 9th-10th century CE, mentions a Nair ruler (Naduvazhi) of Nanrulainadu, a division of medieval Chera kingdom. [6].
An inscription from Ramanthali temple in Kannur district dated to 10th century CE mentions a Nambiar (Nair title in north Malabar) who is said to have been connected with the Mushika rulers of northern Kerala [7]
The Nedumpuram Thali Mahadeva Temple inscription, dated to the 11th century, refers to two 'Padai Nairs' (Nair commanders of armies) managing the temple [8].
An inscription from the Wayanad Mariamman Temple, dated to the 12th century CE, also mentions two 'Padai Nairs' [9].
An inscription from the Suchindram Temple in Kanyakumari, dated to the 13th century, mentions a Nair associated with the temple [10].
The Vanamamalai Perumal Temple in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, has a 13th-century inscription mentioning a Nair devotee from Malaimandalam (Kerala) who provided a sacred bath to the deity [11].
These inscriptions clearly indicate that Nairs were an established and distinct community from at least the Second Chera period (9th-12th century CE) onwards.
Furthermore, Thirunizhalmala, one of the oldest Malayalam works discovered, associated with the Aranmula Parthasarathi Temple and believed to date to the 13th century CE, also identifies Nairs as a warrior class [12]. It mentions the commanders of armies as Nayarpati, or lord of Nairs.
Social Organization of Nairs
As previously mentioned, Nairs were the ruling and military class of Kerala.
The ruling clans of Kerala identified themselves as Samantans or Kshatriyas, bearing royal titles such as Varma, Thampan, Thirupad/Thirumulpad, Thampuran, and Raja. These clans, confined to royal households, constituted a very small portion of the population. Despite their higher social and ritualistic rank, they shared the same cultural heritage as Nairs, adhering to similar marriage and inheritance systems, and frequently intermarrying with Nairs. Most Maharajas of Kerala had Nair wives, and their children were raised as Nairs according to the matrilineal system, yet they maintained blood ties to the Samanta-Kshatriya families and remained part of the aristocracy. Major part of the Nairs being the nobility and military class also obviously took up Kshatriya functions.
Apart from this, many prominent Nair ruling families progressively adopted royal Kshatriya names. For example, the Rajas of Vadakkumkur and Thekkumkur were historically recorded as Nayari or Nairs despite having the Varma surname [13]. Even today, the Palakkad royalty holds the Shekhari Varma title while being Nair-Menons [14].
There were also Samanta-Kshatriya families who underwent Vedic rites and wore the sacred thread (like Brahmins), and those who did not. Royal families such as the Samuthiri Rajas of Calicut, Valluvanad Rajas, and Palakkad Rajas did not wear the sacred thread, while those like the Kolathiri Rajas of Kannur, Kochi Rajas, and Travancore Rajas did. Families not originally wearing the sacred thread were typically elite Nair chieftains who gained political power after the fall of the Chera kingdom in the 12th century CE, whereas those who wore it were directly linked to the Chera royal lineage one way or another.
Regardless of these ritualistic distinctions, anthropologists like Robert Jeffery and CJ Fuller consider both the Kshatriyas and Samantans to belong to the elite section of the Nairs.
“In the course of a hundred-year war in the 11th century with the Chola dynasty which ruled the country to the east, the Chera Empire disintegrated. Its local chiefs, deprived of a central loyalty, set themselves up as independent rulers. For the next six or seven hundred years, dozens of petty chiefs waged intermittent wars. The largest and most successful of these rulers claimed Kshatriya status, but it seems likely that they were Nayars who as a result of political and military success were able to engineer a promotion in ritual status.” (From - The Decline of Nair Dominance: Society and Politics in Travancore 1847-1908 by Robin Jeffrey)
“The Kshatriyas and Samantans are both minute castes and their membership is practically confined to those belonging to the various royal and chiefly lineages. Despite their pretensions, they are, in my opinion, best regarded as super-eminent Nayars…” (From - The Nayars today by CJ Fuller)
L.A. Ravi Varma of Lakshmipuram Palace, himself a Kshatriya, posited that Nairs were a type of "degraded Kshatriyas" known as 'Vratya Kshatriyas,' who attained the ritual status of Shudras, or that Kerala's existing Kshatriya families might have evolved from the Nair community over time [15]
Beyond these ruling clans, numerous powerful and influential Nair landlords and nobles existed under their suzerainty. Examples include the Anjikaimals, Arunattil Pabhukkanmar, and Paliath Achans in Kochi; the Ettuveettil Pillamar and other Nair Madampis in Travancore; and various Nambiar and Nayanar clans in Malabar, such as the Chuzhali Nambiar, Vengayil Nayanar, and Kalliat Nambiar. All these families owned vast tracts of land and maintained their own soldiers. During wartime, these Nair aristocrats were obligated to provide troops to the ruling kings.
The Nair community also comprised various subdivisions, including Kiryathil, Illathil, Swarupathil, Akathu & Purathu Charnavar, and higher-ranking Samantan groups like Unithiri, Vellodi, Eradi, Nedungadi, and Adiyodi.
The primary subdivisions among Nairs were Kiryathil, Illathu, Akathu and Purathu Charna, Swaroopathil, and Pallichans. The latter, as per the Travancore Census report [16], were part of the 'akampati' or retinue of feudal lords and also carried arms. These subcastes generally formed the upper-ranking subdivisions and were largely part of the aristocracy and warrior class serving the royal Samanta-Kshatriyas.
Nairs also held various titles such as Kartha, Menon, Pillai, Kaimal, Nambiar, Nayanar, Panicker, Unnithan, Valiyathan, Kurup, and Kidavu, which often varied by region and subdivision.
(A table enumerating major subcastes or subdivisions of Nairs in late 19th and early 20th century. Source - The Internal Structure of the Nayar Caste by CJ Fuller)
Historically, most of these Nair subdivisions did not intermarry. Regional divisions further prevented intermarriage, a situation that persisted into the early 20th century, as documented by the Nair reformer Mannathu Padmanabhan in his biography.
“One could very well imagine the extent of community consciousness that would be there among those divided on a hierarchical basis into Illakkars, Swarupakars, Edasseris and Chakkalas and never associating with one another through inter marriages or inter dining and keeping themselves away from all activities likely to foster sentiments of unity. It would be right and proper to regard these people, subjected to such 'donts', as they should never sit close to one another, speak to one another as equals etc, and living like tigers and cows confined to the same cage as mutual enemies, than those bound together by any social ties.” (From - Reminiscences of My Life By Mannathu Padmanabhan)
Anthropologist Fawcett also described these regional divisions among Nairs in the early 20th century.
“Alliances between the people of North Malabar and South Malabar seem to be extremely rare; partly, perhaps, because of this custom which is all compulsive, partly because the Nair women of North Malabar cannot cross the river which marks the boundary between the two. Nor, as said before, can the Nair women of Chirakkal, the northern-most portion of Malabar, cross the river which lies between it and South Canara to the northward. Thus, they cannot go beyond their northern or southern boundaries.”
“Again, men of the Kurup clan of Katattanad may mate with women of the Nambiyar clan who live in Kottayam, but they may not mate with women of the Nambiyar clan living in Chirakkal. The custom imputing superiority or inferiority to those of a clan inhabiting a certain locality is obscure; it has its counterpart elsewhere in Malabar.” (From - Nayars of Malabar by F Fawcett)
It's clear that the Nairs were not a monolithic community, but rather a diverse group with significant divisions based on subcastes and regions. Regional Nair traditions also varied accordingly. For instance, Kiryathil Nairs held the highest social position among Nairs in Malabar and Kochi, while Illathu Nairs held this status in Travancore. Below them were Charna Nairs, Swaroopathil Nairs, Pallichan Nairs, and various other smaller subcastes which had other hereditary professions.
Nairs and Vedic Tradition
As mentioned, legends suggest that Parashurama brought Nairs to Kerala to assist and protect the newly settled Brahmins. They were granted rights to oversee and protect temple lands, a role reflected in most early epigraphic records that associate Nairs with temples, including their involvement in temple administration and guardianship.
Nairs also played significant roles in Vedic rituals. Akathu and Purathu Charna Nairs were tasked with guarding the 'Yagashala,' the place where Vedic rituals were performed [17]. The Nair chieftains were also tasked with protection of Brahmins and cows. The Soma plant and other sacred materials, such as antelope hide used in Vedic rituals, were provided to the ritualists by the Nair chieftain of the Kollengode kingdom, known as Venganad Nambidi [18], a right reportedly granted by Parashurama himself. Other Nair chieftains, like those of Kavalappara, were granted the rights to 'Yagaraksha,' or the protection of Vedic ritual performances [19]. These families maintained close ties with Vedic Nambuthiri Brahmin ritualists, providing them with all necessary provisions for rituals [20]. Notably, Nairs also performed animal sacrifices in Vedic rituals [21], highlighting their vital roles in the Vedic traditions of Kerala.
Beyond their Vedic connections, Nairs worshiped all popular Hindu deities. But the primary deities worshipped by Nairs included Goddesses like Bhadrakali, Dharma Shasta/Ayyappa, and Vettakkorumakan (son of Shiva and Parvati in their Kirata form), as well as the Nagas. As noted before, each prominent Nair household typically featured a 'Sarpa Kavu' or sacred grove dedicated to the Nagas, who were regarded as guardians of the families. Additionally, ancestor worship was common among Nairs, with ancestors being revered in their ancestral matrilineal households.
(Naga deities in Sarpa Kavu. Source: Wikimedia commons)
(An old photo of a traditional Nair household. Source - Wikimedia commons)
Martial Tradition of Nairs
While other communities, such as Ezhava-Thiyyas, and even Syrian Christians and Muslims, occasionally served as soldiers for rulers, the Nairs were the primary warrior class of Kerala.
Nair militias were often organized and named by their numbers, such as 'Nootuvar' (the hundred) or 'Ayiram' (the thousand). These groups are mentioned in ancient ballads and inscriptions. For instance, a ballad about the warrior Chengazhi Nambiar mentions 'Ayiram' Nairs.
ചാവാൻ മടിയില്ല ചാർന്നവർ പോരിന്നു
ചാർന്ന പണിക്കന്മാർ നിങ്ങൾ എല്ലാവരും
ചാർന്നവരില്ലെന്നു ആരും നിനക്കേണ്ടാ
അച്ഛനും അമ്മയും കൂടെ ഭരിപ്പവർ
അരുമെ പോരാഞ്ഞു എന്നോടു കൂടവെ
അർത്ഥമില്ലാഞ്ഞിട്ടു പോരാതിരിക്കേണ്ട
ആയിരം നായരും ഞാനും മരിക്കേണം
(Ballad on Chengazhi Nambiar mentioning the Ayiram Nairs. Source - Mamankavum Chaverum by VV Haridas)
Another Malabar ballad also refers to the 'Ayiram' group of Nairs.
ആനക്കഴുത്തേറി തമ്പുരാനും
ആയിരത്തൊന്നോളും നായന്മാരും
ആയിരത്തൊന്നിനും തോക്കും വാളും
മുമ്പിലും പിമ്പിലകമ്പടിയും
(A ballad from north Malabar mentioning the Ayiram Nairs. Source - Vadakkan Pattukal by K Sreekumar).
A tradition of 'Ayiram' Nairs is also associated with the famous Kalaruvathukkal Bhagavati Temple in North Malabar, where a group of Nairs reportedly trained [22]. Remnants of these 'Ayiram' Nair groups still exist today in Kodungallur, the medieval Chera kingdom's capital. The 'Onnu Kure Ayiram Yogam' group plays a role in managing the Kodungallur Bhagavati Temple [23]. This group is believed to have been part of the Chera army, accompanying the king like his shadow, hence their alternate name, 'nizhal' (shadow).
The institution of 'Chavers' (suicide squads), composed of Nairs, also emerged during the Chera period. These suicide fighters swore oaths to protect their kings and lords and to avenge their deaths, even by sacrificing their own lives. A Chola inscription notes that the Chavers of Kerala who fell fighting against Chola forces attained a unique heaven reserved for heroic warriors who died in battle [24].
In the post-Chera period, the Chaver system became widespread, particularly in the Valluvanad kingdom. Here, Nairs were trained from childhood to become suicide fighters, assaulting the Samuthiris of Calicut to reclaim the right to host the Mamankam festival. This festival, significant during the Chera period, became a bloody battleground after Calicut forces forcibly annexed Valluvanad regions [25]. The Chavers pledged to assassinate the Samuthiris to regain their honor and the right to conduct the festival. Europeans referred to these Chaver Nairs as Amoucos, Amokos, or Amochi [26].
Besides the Chavers, another group of Nairs known as 'Changatham' or 'Changathis' existed. Changathis were often regarded as a warband of Nairs. If any member of a Changatham died in battle, the remaining warband would swear an oath to avenge his death, even at the cost of their own lives. Changathis also served as guides for travelers, receiving payment for their protection.
Medieval ballads of Malabar frequently recount the heroic exploits of Nair warriors such as Thacholi Othena Kurup, Thacholi Chanthu, Ambadi, and Payyamballi Chanthu. It was believed that a Nair born into the community was destined for a heroic death in the battlefield against enemies.
പടനായരായി ജനിച്ചോണ്ടാല്
പടപൊരുതി പടക്കളത്തിൽ മരിക്കവേണേ
(A ballad on Thacholi Othenan. Source - Vadakkan Pattukal by MV Vishnu Namboothiri)
According to Kunchan Nambiar, an 18th-century author from Travancore, a Nair should always carry his weapon beside him.
നായന്മാരായ് വന്നുപിറന്നാൽ
ആയുധമൊന്നു തനിക്കായ്വേണം
(Ghoshayatra by Kunchan Nambiar)
(Traditional weapons of Nair warriors. Source - Cochin tribes and castes by LK Anantha Krishna Iyer)
European accounts confirm this, noting that Nairs rarely appeared without their weapons. Every Nair child, typically around seven years old, was sent to 'Kalaris' (martial arts schools) for warfare training. Names of male Nair children were registered in Kalaris just six months after their birth [27]. European reports briefly describe the rigorous training in Kalaris, which made Nairs fit and agile by the time they graduated. European accounts describe Nairs as fierce and bold warriors, with Portuguese and Dutch authors frequently admiring their bravery. They noted that many Nairs were not permitted proper marital lives in their youth, as they had to remain constantly in service to their kings and lords, always ready for battle. Despite their political interference in Kerala, the Portuguese and Dutch never managed to fully colonize the region, largely due to the strong resistance from the Nairs.
Below are a few accounts on Nairs from the old European records written by authors who ventured into Kerala from 16th century onward. Some of them are translated with the aid of AI from their original sources.
(Note: Old European terms like Nayres, Naires, Nairi, Naijros, Nairos, Nayros have been replaced with 'Nair' proper, Amokos, Amoucos, Amochi with 'Chaver' and Jangada, Janguada with 'Changathis')
” …the Nairs, who are the same as the gentlefolks among us, and these are obliged to bear sword and shield or bows or lanes. When they go through the street, if they did not carry arms they would no longer be gentlemen. ”
~ The Travels of Ludovico Di Varthema in Egypt, Syria, Arabia Deserta and Arabia Felix, in Persia, India, and Ethiopia (1508)
” They are fighters, with sword and buckler, and archers. They are men who adore their king, and if by chance the king dies in battle they are obliged to die, and if they do not they go against the custom of their country and they are made a reproach for ever. The Nairs are loyal and not traitors. ”
” No Nair, when he is fit to take up arms, can go outside his house unarmed even if he be a hundred years old, and when he is dying he always has his sword and buckler by him, so close that if necessary he can take hold of them. ”
~ The Suma oriental of Tome Pires (1515)
“ In these kingdoms of Malabar there is another sect of people called Nairs, who are the gentry, and have no other duty than to carry on war, and they continually carry their arms with them, which are swords, bows, arrows, bucklers, and lances.”
“These people accompany their lords day and night, little is given them for eating and sleeping, and for serving and doing their duty , and frequently they sleep upon a bare bench to wait for the person whom they serve, and sometimes they do not eat more than once a day, and they have small expenses for they have little pay.”
” In general when these Nairs are seven years of age they are immediately sent to school to learn all manner of feats of agility and gymnastics for the use of their weapons. First they learn to dance, and then to tumble, and for that purpose they render supple all their limbs from their childhood, so that they can bend them in any direction. And after they have exercised in this, they teach them to manage the weapons which suit each one most. That is to say bow, clubs, or lances , and most of them are taught to use the sword and buckler, which is of more common use among them. In this fencing there is much agility and science.”
“These Nairs when they enlist to live with the king, bind themselves and promise to die for him, and they do likewise with any other lord from whom they receive pay. This law is observed by some and not by others, but their obligation constrains them to die at the hands of anyone who should kill the king or their lord, and some of them so observe it, so that if in any battle their lord should be killed, they go and put themselves in the midst of the enemies who killed him, even should those be numerous, and he alone by himself dies there, but before falling he does what he can against them , and after that one is dead another goes to take his place, and then another. so that sometimes ten or twelve Nairs die for their lord. And even if they were not present with him when he was killed, they go and seek him who killed him, or the king who ordered him to be killed, and so one by one they all die. And if anyone is in apprehension of another man, he takes some of these Nairs, as many as he pleases, into his pay , and they accompany and guard him, and on their account he goes securely, since no one dares to molest him, because if he were molested they and all their lineage would take vengeance on him who should cause this molestation. These guards are called Changathis, and there are some people who sometimes take so many of these Nairs, and of such quality, that on their account they no longer fear the king, who would not venture to command the execution of a man who was guarded by these, in order not to expose many Nairs to danger for it. And even if the Nairs were not in his company when the man they guard was killed, they would not any the less revenge his death.”
~ Book of Duarte Barbosa (1516)
” The men of war which the king of Calicut and the other kings have, are Nairs, which be all gentlemen, and are appointed to no other office or affairs, but to fight when need requires. They be all gentiles, and carry their arms where with they fight themselves, which is bows, arrows, spears, daggers made like a hook, and targets, and march with them very honorably and gallantly, but they go naked, carrying only certain linen cloth of cotton painted, with the which they cover themselves from the girdle to the knee, they are bare footed, and wear upon their heads certain towels. They all live by the king, and by the noblemen of the country, of whom they have ordinary stipends and allowance for their maintenance…. ”
~ The first booké of the historie of the discouerie and conquest of the East Indias, enterprised by the Portingales, Book I (1582)
” …in this region of Malabar the race of gentlemen is called Nairs, who are the people of war, they are people who are very refined in blood and customs, and separated from all other low people, and so much do they value themselves that no one of them ever turned Muslim… ”
~ Lendas da Índia (1550)
” It is strange to see how ready the soldier of this country is at his weapons , they are all gentlemen, and termed Nairs. At seven years of age they are put to school to learn the use of their weapons, where to make them nimble and active, their sinews and joints are stretched by skillful fellows, and anointed with the sesame oil, by this anointing they become so light and nimble, that they will wind and turn their bodies, as if they had no bones, casting them forward, backward, high, and low, even to the astonishment of the beholders. Their continual delight is in their weapon, persuading themselves that no nation goes beyond them in skill and dexterity. Every one inures himself to that weapon, where to he finds his body most agreeable. Their ancient weapons were the javelin, the bow, and the sword, but after the coming of the Portuguese they learned so exactly the mixture of metals, the casting of great ordnance, and the practice thereof, that some say their artillery and powder surpassed ours. They go to war all naked save their privates, neither use they head-pieces, which is the reason that in fights and skirmishes they shew exceeding agility, charging and retiring more like falcons than soldiers. When a man would take them to be fare off, he shall see them hovering round about him in a trice, so that it is as dangerous to follow them flying, as to deal with them fighting. They are swift as leopards, and their flight as much to be feared as their charge. If they come to hand-strokes, which they will not do but upon necessity or advantage, they use altogether to strike with the point. They bind copper or silver shingles to the hilts of their swords, the sound whereof instead of drums and trumpets, encourages them to the encounter. They will lie so close under their bucklers, that you shall not see any part of their bodies lie open to the danger. There are one kind of Nairs called Chavers which curse themselves, their kindred and posterity with most bitter execrations, if they leave injuries done to their society unrevenged. If their King happen to be slain, so much the more furious run, they through fire, water, and assured destruction to revenge his death. “
~ Relationi vniuersali di Giouanni Botero Benese diuise in quattro parti (1595)
” ...the Nairs must where they go or stand, wear such arms as are
appointed for them, and always be ready at the kings commandment... ”
” They are very good and stout soldiers, and will set upon
a man very fiercely, they are also very full of revenge…”
~ The Voyage of John Huyghen Van Linschoten to the East Indies (1598)
“...he (king of Cochin) has a great number of gentlemen which he calls Chavers, and some are called Nairs, these two sorts of men esteem not their lives on anything, so that it may be for the honor of their king, they will thrust themselves forward in every danger although they know they shall die. ”
~ Purchas His Pilgrimes (1625)
“The safest of all journeyings in India are those through the kingdom of the Nairs and the Zamorin, if you travel with Changathis, the most perilous if you go alone. These Changathis are certain heathen men, who venture their own life and lives of their kinsfolk for small remuneration to guarantee the safety of travelers.”
~ Il Viaggio all'Indie orientali (1672)
“As for the Nairs, they are all nobles, and meddle with neither handicraft nor trade, nor any other exercise but that of arms, which they always carry, and in these they do exercise themselves continually from the time they can wield them, and when out of their houses are never without them. They are all lords of the country, and live upon their revenues, and upon the pensions which the king gives them. They are the most handsome men, of the best figure and proportion I have ever seen. In complexion they are tawny, in height slim and tall, the best soldiers in the world, hardy and courageous, exceedingly adroit in the use of arms, with such dexterous suppleness of limb that they can bend in all possible postures, and can parry and avoid with subtlety all blows aimed at them, and at the same time make lunges at their antagonists.”
“Although all are educated to arms, and are exceedingly valiant and resolute, and take no thought of their lives, yet are they most gentle and humane in their conversation, most courteous and cultivated, according to their notions. ”
“...Changathis, who are Nair guides, they tarry about the gates of towns to escort for payment such as have need of them. All the great lords keep some of them of fixed wages, which the king gives them.”
“...for everyone goes about there in perfect safety, so as long as he has a Nair or Changathi in his company.”
~ The Voyage of François Pyrard of Laval to the East Indies, the Maldives, the Moluccas, and Brazil (1619)
” These are the gentlemen of Malabar, descended for the most part either from royal families, or Brahmans, and are for that reason exceedingly haughty, proud and bold, If they meet any of the common People in the Street, they cry out, po, po, i.e give way, give way. They seldom appear without their scimitars and shields…”
“ They are all bred to the war, even from the seventh year of age,when they begin to anoint their limbs with certain ointment, to render the nerves pliable, which makes them very active and nimble, and the best wrestlers in the world. They are not only well acquainted with the use of bows and arrows, but also with muskets and great cannon, for I have seen them give a salvo with the same order and dexterity as our best disciplined troops in Europe, and they are of late years arrived to that perfection, that they make their own gun barrels, gun powders and matches. ”
” Among the Nairs those who call themselves Chavers are the worst, being a company of desperadoes, who engage themselves and their families by oaths to revenge such injuries as are done them. ”
” The power of the kings of Malabar is generally esteemed by the number of the
Nairs under their jurisdiction. If any of their kings should be murdered, they
would sacrifice all to revenge his death. As they are naturally fierce and addicted
to all manner of lust and pride, so they are declared enemies of the Christians. ”
~ A Description of the East-India Coasts of Malabar and Coromandel and also of the Isle of Ceylon with their Adjacent Kingdoms & Provinces (1672)
“...the nobles called Nairs, who are valiant and skilled in the arms they use, and always wear sword and buckler…. ”
” They are most expert at their Weapons, beginning to exercise them at the age of seven years. They use all the ancient manners of augury and divination. ”
~ Asia Portuguesa (1695)
” The inhabitants of the kingdom of Calicut, and the in land parts, especially the better sort, are all Gentiles, of the race Nairs for the most part, by profession soldiers, sufficiently swashing and brave... ”
~ The Travels of Pietro Della Valle in India (1664)
” They apply themselves from their infancy to the use of arms, and frequently fight together with Swords and targets which renders them infinitely active at that Sport. They are the best wrestlers in the world, and are very nimble on foot. ”
” Though the Nairs in general are very good soldiers, yet is there a certain kind
among them called Chavers, who are esteemed above all the rest, being a company of stout, bold and desperate bravadoes. They oblige themselves by most direful imprecations against themselves and their families, calling heaven to witness, that they will revenge certain injuries done to their friends or patrons, which they certainly pursue with so much intrepidity , that they stop neither at fire nor sword , to take vengeance of the death of their master, but like madmen run upon the point of their enemies swords, which makes them be generally dreaded by all, and makes there to be in great esteem with their kings, who are accounted the more potent the greater number they entertain of those Chavers… ”
” You see the streets of all the towns on the Malabar coast full of
Nairs, with their arms always about them... ”
~ Joan Nieuhofs Zee en lant-reize, door verscheide gewesten van Oostindien (1682)
” Nearly four thousand Nairs made themselves Chavers with the usual ceremonies shaving their heads on one side and swearing by their pagodas to avenge the king’s death.”
~ Decada quarta (-setima) da Asia (1615)
“ The Nairs are people who are raised from a young age with weapons and for war, free from all trades and merchandises, other than the fruits of their landholdings, which they may sell and exchange for other necessities; the lands they possess are fiefdoms, for the use of which they are not only obliged to protect their lands, but also to serve the king or lord, under whom they belong, in war, without other payment than maintenance. They surpass all others among the lineage of the Shudras in honor and are therefore considered the nobles of the land, in whose hands the power and might of the entire nation is vested, courageous and fearless in fighting, exceptionally well-trained in the use of all kinds of weapons. They are never taken alive as prisoners of war, because death is more honorable to them than imprisonment. They never or rarely marry, at least they are not bound by marriage, consequently living without any worries. They always have their weapons with them, so that with the slightest war cry, which spreads from hand to hand, a large multitude quickly gathers. Their dwellings are separated from each other in such a way that each household has a fenced piece of land for habitation, with their houses standing in the middle of the gardens."
~ Officieel afschrift van het corspronkelijk gedenkschrift geschreven in 1677 A.D. door Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede (1677)
” ...the king (of Travancore) had disciplined, in the method of European
infantry, a body of ten thousand Nairs , the people of this denomination,
are by birth the military tribe of the Malabar coast, and assert in their
own country even prouder pre-eminences than the Rajputs, who in
other parts of India are likewise born with the same distinction. ”
~ A History of the Military Transactions of the British Nation in Indostan from the year MDCCXLV (1775)
” …the Nairs or warriors of Malabar, who attained much celebrity
during the wars between the Zamorin and the Portuguese.
They may be justly entitled born soldiers, as by virtue of
their descent they must always bear arms. ”
~ Letters From Malabar (1862)
References
[1] Keralolpathi by Hermann Gundert,
[2] Malanattunayanmarude Nayattuyatra by S Rajendu
[3] Epigraphia Indica Volume 8
[4] Brahmanas of South India by Nagendra Rao
[5] Brahman Settlements in Kerala : Historical Studies by Kesavan Veluthat
[6] Travancore Archeaological Series Volume 5 Part 1
[7] Epigraphia Malabarica by K Maheswaran Nair
[8] Kerala Charitraththinte Adisthana Rekhakal by Puthussery Ramchandran
[9] Archaeological Survey of India Annual Report on Indian Epigraphy for 1961-62
[10] A Topographical list of inscriptions in the Tamil Nadu and Kerala States Volume 5
[11] The Pandyan Townships Part 2 : The Pandyan Townships, Their Organisations And Functioning by R Tirumalai
[12] Thirunizhalmala Oru Padanam by N Ajit Kumar
[13] Perumals of Kerala by MGS Narayanan
[14] Ibid
[15] Castes of Malabar by LA Ravi Varma in the Kerala Society Papers edited by T. K. Joseph
[16] Census report of Travancore 1901
[17] Madras District Gazetteers : Malabar by CA Innes
[18] Ibid
[19]Modern Kerala: Studies in Social and Agrarian Relations by KKN Kurup
[20] Ibid
[21] Srauta Sacrifices in Kerala by V Govindan Namboodiri
[22] Temples of Kannoor district by S Jayashanker
[23] Perumals of Kerala by MGS Narayanan
[24] Ibid
[25] Mamankavum Chaverum by VV Haridas
[26] Running Amok: A Historical Inquiry by John C Spores
[27] A History of Travancore from the Earliest Times by P Shungoonny Menon
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