Are Nairs matriarchal?
NAIRS, VARMAS, WARRIERS: These were the dominant matriarchal communities in Kerala. A traditional Nair family (called as a Tarawad or Marumakkathayam family), consists of a mother and her children living together with her eldest surviving brother or eldest surviving maternal uncle who is called the Karanavan.
Is Kerala matrilineal or matriarchal?
Strictly speaking, as pedants will be quick to point out, the system followed by some communities in Kerala is matrilineal, not matriarchal. Matriarchal denotes a form of social organisation in which a woman is the head; matrilineal lineage is based on kinship with the mother or the female line.
Why is Kerala matrilineal society?
In previous centuries, Kerala’s matrilineal system was widely observed not only among Hindus, but also among some Muslim and Christian communities. More than half of the population is said to have followed this system of inheritance over 200 years ago. However, the practice largely faded after the 19th century.
Is Kerala matriarchal society?
First let’s get one myth out of the way: Kerala is not, and never was, a matriarchal society. Matriarchy implies power in the hands of a woman who is the head of the household. Some communities in Kerala did have a matrilineal system. This meant that the property passed from mother to daughter.
What is the difference between Menon and Nair?
Menon is a surname of the Nair community of Kerala, India, and was an honorific hereditary title, often used as an affix to one’s name, bestowed by the various kings of Kerala (including the Zamorin) to the members Kiryathil subcaste of Nairs.
Is India a matriarchy?
In India, matriarchy is found in certain part of Assam and certain parts of Kerala . The social structure of these communities have various elements which are different from other communities of India.
Are Nairs Kshatriyas?
Though Nairs in Kerala are typically associated and described as the ‘warriors’ of yore, alias the king’s henchmen, they were never considered as Kshatriyas.
Is ezhavas matrilineal?
The family arrangements of northern Malabar were matrilineal with patrilocal property arrangements, whereas in northern Travancore they were matrilineal but usually matrilocal in their arrangements for property.
Is Pillai and Nair same?
Pillai can be considered as an honorific surname conferred to some subsects among Nairs, a forward caste. In Kerala, Pillais are a subset of Nairs just like Unnithan, Valiyathan, Kaimal, Thampi, Kartha, Menoki, Menon, Panickar, Kurup, Nambiar etc.
Is Nair a backward caste?
Today, the government of India does not treat the Nair community as a single entity. It classifies some, such as the Illathu and Swaroopathu Nairs, as a forward caste but other sections, such as the Veluthedathu, Vilakkithala and Andhra Nairs, as Other Backward Classes.