Kartha

Kartha or Karthavu, meaning "Lord" in the Malayalam language, is an aristocratic title. It was conferred by the Rajas to powerful families, they are Desavazhi (regional rulers) or Naduvazhi (feudal chieftains and landlords) status.[1][2]

Like other powerful medieval Kerala Clans Like Samantha/Varma, Kaimal, Pillai, Kurup, etc, Kartha's also identify themselves as a Nair subcaste with Kshatriya Varna. All these Nairs rank lies between Nambudiri Brahmins and Nairs.[3][4] [5] [6] [7] [8][1]

Meenachil Kartha among the Karthaavs stand different in their origins as they are descendants of Rajput whereas others are Nagar or Nair origin.[9]

  1. ^ a b Kaimal,” the title of a prince of the Nayar caste in Malabar (Dalgado I 172-173). (1977). "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)
  2. ^ Kurup, K. K. N. (1977). Aspects of Kerala History and Culture. College Book House.
  3. ^ Journal of Kerala Studies. University of Kerala. 2005.
  4. ^ Journal of Kerala Studies/. University of Kerala. 2005.
  5. ^ The Cochin State Manual. Cochin Govt Press, Year 1911. 1911.
  6. ^ Journal of Kerala Studies. Cochin Govt Press, Year 1911. 2005.
  7. ^ From Biography to History Essays in the History of Portuguese Asia (1500-1800). The University of Virginia. 2005. ISBN 9788189420017.
  8. ^ Madras Christian College Magazine, Page 411. Madras Christian College, year 1910. 1910.
  9. ^ Thurston, Edgar. O. (1909). Castes and Tribes of Southern India, by Edgar Thurston. Publications. p. 286.