Nair
Template:IndicText Nair or Nayar (Malayalam: നായ൪) is the name of an upper Hindu caste in the Southern Indian state of Kerala. Nairs are an integral part of Kerala's culture and have a long and illustrious history. Nairs are a warrior class (a martial nobility). In this regard, they are similar to the samurai of Japan. The word Nair is either derived from the Sanskrit word Nayaka (leader) or Naga (snakes, which the Nairs worshipped). The Nair class name also encompasses Menon, Panicker (also an Ezhavar name), Kurup, Pillai, Unnithan, Kartha, Thampan, Kaimal, Nayanar, Thampi, Nambiar, and Mannadiar.
Origins and History
According to Chattambi Swamigal, who interpreted ancient Tamil texts, Nairs were a Dravidian nobility called the "Naka Lords". Ancient South Indian history refers to the Nairs as a martial nobility, eminent historians, and foreign travelers.
The origin of the Nair caste is uncertain. Some anthropologists are of the view that the Nairs are not indigenous to Kerala, as many customs and traditions distinguished them from other Keralites. Some examples are their own form of inheritance (Marumakkathaayam), warfare (Kalarippayattu), Gods and Goddesses (Nagas or serpents, and Bhadhrakali), and numerous sub-castes and surnames.
One theory is that Nairs are the descendants of the Newars of Nepal, who migrated to Kerala. There are two major facts to support this view. The first is the lighter complexion, and sharper features of Nairs. The second is the distinct pagoda-like architectural style of Nair Tharavaadus and Temples. Finally, there is the Marumakkathaayam system of inheritance. This system is a matrilineal system which is also practiced by the Newars of Nepal. Certain anthropologists and historians contest the first fact by saying that Nairs were originally a Dravidian people, but gained the lighter complexion and sharper features due to the marriages with the Namboothiris.
One finds mention of the Nairs during the reign of the King Rama Varma Kulashekhara (1020-1102) of second Chera dynasty, when the Chera Kingdom was attacked by the Cholas. The Nairs fought by forming suicide squads (Chavers) against the invading force. It is not clear whether the Cheras themselves were Nairs, or if the Cheras employed the Nairs as a warrior class.
The Nairs gradually lost their supremacy over the land after the collapse of the second Chera kingdom. By this time, the Namboothiris replaced the Nairs as the seniormost class in the social hierarchy of Kerala.
The surname Nair is also seen in other parts of the world - although no direct linkages with Nairs in Kerala has been established.
Some Nair Customs and Traditions
Nairs have customs that are different from the rest of Kerala. The first of these is the Marumakkathaayam system of inheritance. This system is a matrilineal system of inheritance. It is exceptional in the sense that it was one of the few traditional systems that gave women liberty, and right to property. Under this system, women enjoyed respect, prestige and power. An exception is the community of Mannadiars of Palakkad, because they follow patrilineal system. Some historians believe that the Marumakkathaayam system started after the Chera-Chola wars during the second Chera empire, as Nairs lost most of their men during the war.
In the Marumakkathyam system, the family lived together in a tharavaadu which comprised of a mother, her brothers and younger sisters, and her children. The oldest brother was known as the karanavar and was the head of the household and managed the family estate. Lineage was traced through the mother, and the children "belonged" to the mother's family. All family property was jointly owned. In the event of a partition, the shares of the children were clubbed with that of the mother.
The Marumakkathyam system is not very common in Kerala these days for many reasons. Kerala society has become much more cosmopolitan and modern. Nair men seek jobs away from their hometown and take their wives and children along with them. In this scenario, a joint-family system is not viable. However, there are still a few tharawads that pay homage to this system. In some Nair families, the children carry the last name of their mother instead of the father, and are considered part of the mother's family, and not the father's. Nairs connect to and trace their lineage to a tharavadu - not to a member of the family. Tharavadu names are quite an important element of social reckoning.
A curious practice called Sambandham evolved after the arrival of the Brahmins (Namboothiris). In a Namboothiri family, only the oldest brother was allowed to marry; he could marry up to four Namboothiri women. The younger brothers were allowed to enter into relationships with Nair women. The Nair woman would then have two husbands (a Nair and a Namboothiri) and in essence, a system of polyandry came into being. However, as a consequence of this practice, the number of Namboothiris declined and the number of Nairs increased because the children born in a Nair-Namboothiri marriage would belong to the Nair woman's family. The Sambandham practice was marginal and existed only for a short period of time. It does not exist today.
The martial art known as Kalaripayattu is believed to be created by the Nairs, and is also thought to be the oldest form of martial arts in the world. Those who hold this point of view think that all other forms of martial arts are descended from it. They reason that this is because Kerala had intense contacts with Buddhist monks, and Kung Fu, popularized by monks of the Shaoling Temple, traces its ancestry to Bodhidharma - a semi-legendary Chinese Buddhist monk who in some versions of his legend, came from Kerala, but who in the earliest known written version was said to have come from Central Asia.
Modern day Nairs have adopted various customs and traditions of Namboodiris. This took place gradually after they lost power to the Namboodiris and Varmas
Nairs Today
Today, Nairs can be found in all walks of life. They are still aware of their cultural traditions and history and still form an integral and active part of Kerala society. The Nair Service Society (NSS) champions the interests of the Nair community in Kerala. The NSS has chapters all around the world and helps Nairs stay in touch with their traditions and culture, and with each other.
In recent times, many Ezhavars and other lower caste members have adopted the surname of "Nair" in a bid to gain more social status.
Famous Nairs
The List of Famous Nairs gives the names of several Nairs, born in India and abroad, who have become renowned figures in their lifetimes.