Samanthan
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Samanthans are a class of Nairs of Kerala. Traditionally they were subordinate to the Malayala Kshatriyas and superior to the Kiriyathil Nairs. Most of the customs and ceremonies of the Samanthans 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. Note that they are not be confused with the Samanta Kshatriyas which is the ancient name for the Malayala Kshatriyas.
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[edit] Subdivisons
The chief subdivisions of the Samanthas are as follows[1]:
- Adiyodis
- Eradis
- Nedungadis
- Pandalas
- Unniyathiris
- Vallodis
[edit] Position
They were mostly Nair chiefs from Malabar who fled to Travancore during the invasion of Tipu Sultan of Mysore[citation needed]. The Unniyathiris 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 Unniyathiris 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. Kavalappara Swaroopam and the Kuthiravattth Muppil Nairs are two other ruling dynasties claiming Cheraman Perumals ancestry.
[edit] 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 Sambandhams with Nair ladies while females had Sambandham with Namboodiris.
[edit] References
- ^ Fawcett. F Nairs of Malabar. Asian Educational Services, NewDelhi. 1990.
- 1. Fawcett.F Nairs of Malabar. Asian Educational Services, NewDelhi. 1990.
- 2. Travancore State Manual by V. Nagam Aiya
- 3. Travancore State Manual by Velu Pillai
