Nambiar
Nambiar is a Hindu caste surname prevalent mainly in the Malabar region of Kerala, India.[1]
The term "Nambiar" meaning "trusted one" or “one who is trustworthy” which originates from the early Tamil words "Nambu" meaning "Trust"," a title historically given by royal families to individuals from various communities who provided different services to the royal household or their temples. In some cases, it was used as an honorific.[2]
Communities using the Nambiar surname
[edit]Samanthan – The Samanthan Nambiars, or Samantha Kshatriya Nambiars, were a caste found in Malabar region, where they were numerous in number. Some of them were royal families, while others were conferred the Nambiar status because they served as vassals or chieftains for ruling kingdoms. Many of these Samanthan families dropped the Nambiar surname in the early 1800s. Some branches of the Kolothiri dynasty are believed to have belonged to this community. Karakkattedam Vazhunnor, Chuzhali Swaroopam, and Randuthara Achanmar (including Kandoth, Palliyath, Āyilliath, and Arayath) were some of the Samanthan Nair chieftains comes under the rule of Kolothiris and Kottayam Rajas, they were once used the title Nambiar. Many of these families were later upgraded to the title of Nayanar.[3][4]
Ambalavasi Nambiar – The Ambalavasi Nambiars, also known as Mizhavu Nambiars or Chakyar Nambiars, Chengazhi Nambiars, and Thiyyadi Nambiars, as well as some sections of Pushpakas and Nambeeshans, also use the Nambiar surname. These communities were associated with temples and are considered to belong to the Antarala caste. They held the second-highest spiritual rank after the Namboothiris. Many temple activities and privileges were reserved specifically for this community, such as playing the Mizhavu in temples and performing Chakyar Koothu, among others. Chengazhi Nambiars are said to be descendants of the Shukapuram Azhvancheri Thambarakkals, who lost their nobility after taking up arms in a conflict. The family occupation of the Thiyyadi Nambiars is the performance of the Thiyattu ritual. Like the Thiyatitunnikal, they are also called Thiyadikal and wear ponnol. Ambalavasi Nambiars were a strict vegetarian community, which distinguishes them from other Nambiars.[5][6][7][8][9]
Nair Nambiar – The Nair Nambiars are Nairs from the Kiriyathil and Charna Nair subcastes who served as landlords, soldiers, and ministers and were associated with royal families. Some families also served as administrators under the Adiyodi rulers. There were different ranks and internal subdivisions among the Nair Nambiars. Chandroth, Korothu, Kallyat, Othayoth, Keloth, and Koodali Nambiars are some of the Nambiar families belonging to the Kiriyathil and Charna Nair castes. One or two wealthy families, very recently, have claimed the Samanthan Nair status due to their wealth and relationship with the Nileswaram Rajas, but they are regarded as lower to the Samanthans.[10][11]
Other Nambiars – Some families from the Vaniya, Maniyani and some other castes are also allowed to use the Nambiar surname due to the duties assigned to them by various royal families on special occasions.[12][13][14]
Currently, the Nambiar surname is most commonly used by the Ambalavasi and Nair castes. Other communities no longer commonly use the surname Nambiar.
Notable people
[edit]- A. C. N. Nambiar (1896–1986), Indian nationalist and first Indian ambassador to Germany
- Aneil Nambiar (born 1984), Indian cricketer
- Ayillyath Kuttiari Gopalan Nambiar (1904–1977), known as AKG, Indian Communist leader
- Balan Nambiar (born 1937), Indian artist, chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi
- Bejoy Nambiar (born 1979), Indian writer, director, and producer
- Lt Gen Chenicheri Satish Nambiar (born 1936), recipient of a Vir Chakra and Force Commander of UNPROFOR
- Chenicheri Vijay K. Nambiar (born 1943), UN official, top aide to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
- Kalakkaththu Kunchan Nambiar (1705–1770), Malayali poet
- K. Ananda Nambiar (1918–1991), Indian politician
- Kannavath Sankaran Nambiar (1760–1801), prime minister of Pazhassi Raja
- Mahima Nambiar, Indian actress who has appeared in Tamil and Malayalam films
- M. N. Nambiar (1919–2008), Indian Tamil film actor
- O. M. Nambiar (born 1932), Indian athletics coach
- Parvathy Nambiar, South Indian actress and dancer known for her work in Malayalam Cinema
- P. K. Venugopalan Nambiar (1924–1996), Indian agricultural scientist
- Rahul Nambiar, Indian singer
Other uses
[edit]- Nambiyaar, a 2016 Tamil film
See also
[edit]
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References
[edit]- ^ MALABAR MANUAL by William Logan. VICTORIA INSTITUTIONS, Aaradhana, DEVERKOVIL 673508 India www.victoriainstitutions.com.
- ^ Menon, Krishnat P. Padmanabha (1924). A History of Kerala: Written in the Form of Notes on Visscher's Letters from Malabar. Printed at the Cochin Government Press.
- ^ The Madras Weekly Notes. N. R. K. Tatachariar. 1945.
- ^ Gundert, Hermann (2003). Keralolpatti. International School of Dravidian Linguistics. ISBN 978-81-85692-35-7.
- ^ Sinha, Surajit (1993). Anthropology of Weaker Sections. Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 978-81-7022-491-4.
- ^ Ghosh, S. K. (August 2003). Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Bioethics -3 Vols. Global Vision Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-87746-80-5.
- ^ Nirmmalāpaṇikkar (1992). Nangiar Koothu, the Classical Dance Theatre of the Nangiar-s. Natana Kairali.
- ^ Dutta, Madhumita (2008). Let's Know Music and Musical Instruments of India. Star Publications. ISBN 978-1-905863-29-7.
- ^ Variar, K. Sreedhara (1969). Marumakkathayam and Allied Systems of Law in the Kerala State. author.
- ^ Miller, Eric J. (1955). "Village Structure in North Kerala". In Srinivas, M. N. (ed.). India's Villages. Bombay: Media Promoters & Publishers.
- ^ Aiyar, Kudalūr Ramachandra (1883). A Manual of Malabar Law: As Administered by the Courts. Vest.
- ^ Innes, Charles Alexander (1997). "Peruvanian Nambiyars , Chelladan Nayars and Vennapalan Nayars . All three observe fifteen days ' pollution . The name Peruvanian means " great " or " principal oil - man and it is the duty of this caste to present the Kurumbranad Raja". Malabar Gazetteer. Kerala Gazetteers. p. 120.
- ^ CM Shankaran Nair, better known as CMS Chandera., CMS Chandera (1976). വടക്കേ മലബാറിലെ പാട്ടുത്സവം [The Song Festival of Northern Kerala.] (in Malayalam). The Author. p. 10.
- ^ Abraham, George (2020-12-28). Lanterns on the Lanes: Lit for Life…. Notion Press. ISBN 978-1-64899-659-7.