Samanta Kshatriya
- Samantha
Samanta Kshatriyas, commonly known as Samanthas, are the lower class Kshatriyas of Kerala. Traditionally they were subordinate to the King. Most of the customs and ceremonies of the Samanthas are same as Nairs. They did not wear the sacred thread or perform Vedic rites. Their women attached the title of Kovilamma to their name.
Subdivisons
The chief subdivisions of the Samanthas are as follows:
- Adiyodis
- Pandalas
- Unnithiris
- Vallodis
- Eradis
- Nedungadis
Position
They were mostly Nair chiefs from Malabar who fled to Travancore during the invasion of Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The Unnithiris and Pandalas were the oldest with their seats in the towns of Vaikom and Ettumannor respectively. The Eradis, Vallodis and Nedungadis were chiefs from the areas of Eranad, Walluvanad and Nedunganad respectively. The Unnithiris claim to be the highest among the Samanthas since the thali Kettu Kalyanam of their girls is done by an Aryapattar unlike the Illayatu of the other Samanthans.
Manners and Customs
Their manners and customs closely resemble those of the Nairs. In fact it seems that they are merely Nair chiefs like other royals claiming descent from the Cheras as there is no authentic evidence excepting a few stories to support their claims. Their houses were generally called Madhoms or in case of powerful chiefs Kottarams (Palace). Male members had Sambandham with Nair ladies while females had Sambandham with Namboodiris.
References
- Travancore State Manual by V. Nagam Aiya
- Travancore State Manual by Velu Pillai