Kaimal

Kaimal is an aristocratic title or position granted by various Rajas to powerful Nair families in Kerala.

The word "Kaimal" originated from "Kai," meaning "the hand," signifying power in medieval Kerala.

Kaimals are considered one of the highest castes in South India, along with Samantha Varmas, Karthavs, Thirumalpad, Pillais, Kurups, Nambiars, etc.[1]

Kaimals identify themselves as a Nair Subcaste. There are many references recorded in various historical documents. They are the Jenmi and Naduvazhi of Kerala.[2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

Several well known families have borne the title, including the Thachudaya Kaimal, Kaimals of Koratti, Angi and Pondicherry.[9]

Many Kaimal families are also part of Kshatriya Kshema Sabha along with Nair Service Society. [10]

  1. ^ Bahadur), L. Krishna Anantha Krishna Iyer (Diwan (1912). The Cochin Tribes and Castes ... government of Cochin.
  2. ^ "Journal of Kerala Studies". 2005.
  3. ^ Journal of Kerala Studies/. 2005.
  4. ^ "The Cochin State Manual". Cochin Govt Press, Year 1911. 1911.
  5. ^ "Journal of Kerala Studies". Cochin Govt Press, Year 1911. 2005.
  6. ^ From Biography to History Essays in the History of Portuguese Asia (1500-1800). The University of Virginia. 2005. ISBN 978-81-89420-01-7.
  7. ^ "Madras Christian College Magazine, Page 411". Madras Christian College, year 1910. 1910.
  8. ^ Kaimal,” the title of a prince of the Nayar caste in Malabar (Dalgado I 172-173). "Francis Xavier: His Life, his times - vol. 2: India, 1541-1545". The Jesuits Historical Institute, 1977.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Koshy, M. O. (1989). The Dutch Power in Kerala, 1729-1758. Mittal Publications. pp. 45, 49. ISBN 978-8-17099-136-6.
  10. ^ "ക്ഷത്രിയ ക്ഷേമസഭ വിപുലീകരിക്കും". Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.