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{{Use Indian English|date=April 2014}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2014}}
'''Kaimal''' is an [[Aristocracy|aristocratic]] title or position granted by various Rajas to powerful [[Nair|Nair families]] in Kerala.
'''Kaimal''' is an aristocratic title that was historically used by various chiefs from the [[Nair]] caste during the [[History of Kerala|feudal period]] of what is now the Indian state of [[Kerala]]. The Kaimals are one of the highest caste of Hindus in Kerala and South India in general. It was the title awarded to notable [[Samantha Kshatriya|Samanthan]] and [[Kiryathil Nair]] families.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Dutch Power in Kerala, 1729-1758 |first=M. O. |last=Koshy |publisher=Mittal Publications |year=1989 |isbn=978-8-17099-136-6 |page=ix |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ro8SLhyAc9AC&pg=PR10}}</ref> Various families have used the title, including the Kaimals of Koratti, Angi and Koddachery.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Dutch Power in Kerala, 1729-1758 |first=M. O. |last=Koshy |publisher=Mittal Publications |year=1989 |isbn=978-8-17099-136-6 |pages=45, 49 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ro8SLhyAc9AC&pg=PA45}}</ref>


The word "Kaimal" originated from "Kai," meaning "the hand," signifying power in medieval Kerala.
Kartha is a closely related Cast/Title Both Kartha and Kaimal are identified as '''Samanthan'''.
''Some '''Sāmantans''' have the caste titles of Kartāvu and Kaimal. But it does not appear that there are really any material differences between the various classes of Sāmantans, other than purely social differences due to their relative wealth and influence.''
<ref>{{cite book |title=Castes and Tribes of Southern India, by Edgar Thurston |first=Edgar. O. |last=Thurston |publisher=Publications |year=1909 |isbn= |pages=286 |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/files/42996/42996-h/42996-h.htm}}</ref>. Kaimals were ranked as '''Swaroopam/Svarupi''' as well.<ref>
⚫
{{cite web


Kaimals are considered one of the highest castes in [[South India]], along with [[Varma (surname)|Samantha Varmas]], [[Kartha]]vs, [[Thirumulpad|Thirumalpad]], [[Pillai (Kerala title)|Pillais]], [[Kurup of Travancore|Kurups]], [[Nambiar (Nair subcaste)|Nambiars]], etc.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bahadur) |first=L. Krishna Anantha Krishna Iyer (Diwan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nPFWAAAAYAAJ&dq=nayar+caste+kaimal&pg=PA19 |title=The Cochin Tribes and Castes ... |date=1912 |publisher=government of Cochin |language=en}}</ref>
| url =https://www.google.com/books/edition/Kerala_Yesterday_Today_and_Tomorrow/JUYDAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&bsq=kaimal


⚫
Kaimals identify themselves as a [[Nair]] Subcaste. There are many references recorded in various historical documents. They are the [[Jenmi]] and [[Naduvazhi]] of Kerala.<ref>
| title =Kerala Yesterday Today and Tomorrow,Page 58

| publisher = National Book, E. M. S. Namboodiripad
| quote=Svarubis. an independent king like that of Cochin or Calicut

⚫
}}
</ref>.


⚫
Kaimals identify themselves as a Nair Sub-cast with '''Kshatriya''' Varna. There are many references recorded in various historical documents. They are noted as Emirate Kings/Nadivazis('''നാടുവാഴി''')/ Princes.<ref>
{{cite web
{{cite web


| url =https://www.google.com/books/edition/Journal_of_Kerala_Studies/c0DmAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&bsq=%22Only+the+kings+called+Kaimal%22&dq=%22Only+the+kings+called+Kaimal%22&printsec=frontcover
| url =https://books.google.com/books?id=c0DmAAAAMAAJ&q=%22Only+the+kings+called+Kaimal%22
| title =Journal of Kerala Studies
| title =Journal of Kerala Studies
| publisher =
| date =2005
| publisher =
}}
}}
</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Journal of Kerala Studies/ |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Journal_of_Kerala_Studies/c0DmAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&bsq=perumal+kaimal&dq=perumal+kaimal&printsec=frontcover}}</ref>
</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Journal of Kerala Studies/ | date=2005 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c0DmAAAAMAAJ&q=perumal+kaimal}}</ref><ref>
<ref>
{{cite web
{{cite web


| url =https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Cochin_State_Manual/X7UCAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&dq=Kaimal+king&pg=PA48&printsec=frontcover
| url =https://books.google.com/books?id=X7UCAAAAMAAJ&dq=Kaimal+king&pg=PA48


| title =The Cochin State Manual
| title =The Cochin State Manual


| publisher =Cochin Govt Press, Year 1911
| date=1911 | publisher =Cochin Govt Press, Year 1911


}}
}}
</ref>
</ref><ref>
<ref>
{{cite web
{{cite web


| url =https://www.google.com/books/edition/Journal_of_Kerala_Studies/c0DmAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&bsq=Kaimal+king&dq=Kaimal+king&printsec=frontcover
| url =https://books.google.com/books?id=c0DmAAAAMAAJ&q=Kaimal+king


| title =Journal of Kerala Studies
| title =Journal of Kerala Studies
| publisher =Cochin Govt Press, Year 1911
| date =2005
| publisher =Cochin Govt Press, Year 1911
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref><ref>
⚫
{{cite book
<ref>
{{cite web


| url =https://www.google.com/books/edition/From_Biography_to_History/PdtVAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&bsq=Kaimal+prince&dq=Kaimal+prince&printsec=frontcover
| url =https://books.google.com/books?id=PdtVAAAAYAAJ&q=Kaimal+prince


| title =From Biography to History Essays in the History of Portuguese Asia (1500-1800)
| title =From Biography to History Essays in the History of Portuguese Asia (1500-1800)
| publisher =The University of Virginia
| date =2005
| publisher =The University of Virginia
| isbn =978-81-89420-01-7
}}
⚫
}}
</ref>
<ref>
</ref><ref>
{{cite web
{{cite web


| url =https://www.google.com/books/edition/Madras_Christian_College_Magazine/w-swV3uZxMoC?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&bsq=Kaimal%20princes
| url =https://books.google.com/books?id=w-swV3uZxMoC&q=Kaimal%20princes


| title =Madras Christian College Magazine, Page 411
| title =Madras Christian College Magazine, Page 411
| publisher =Madras Christian College, year 1910
| date =1910
| publisher =Madras Christian College, year 1910
}}
}}
</ref><ref>
</ref><ref>
Line 71: Line 60:
| title =Francis Xavier: His Life, his times - vol. 2: India, 1541-1545
| title =Francis Xavier: His Life, his times - vol. 2: India, 1541-1545
| publisher =The Jesuits Historical Institute, 1977
| publisher =The Jesuits Historical Institute, 1977
|last=""Kaimal,” the title of a prince of the Nayar caste in Malabar (Dalgado I 172-173)."
|last=Kaimal,” the title of a prince of the Nayar caste in Malabar (Dalgado I 172-173).
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


Several well known families have borne the title, including the [[Thachudaya Kaimal]], Kaimals of Koratti, Angi and Pondicherry.<ref>{{cite book |last=Koshy |first=M. O. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ro8SLhyAc9AC&pg=PA45 |title=The Dutch Power in Kerala, 1729-1758 |publisher=Mittal Publications |year=1989 |isbn=978-8-17099-136-6 |pages=45, 49}}</ref>
⚫
Many Kaimal families are now part of '''Kshatriya Kshema Sabha''' along with '''NSS'''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/alappuzha/malayalam-news/article-1.1099105|title=ക്ഷത്രിയ ക്ഷേമസഭ വിപുലീകരിക്കും|access-date=2022-01-04|language=en|archive-date=2022-01-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104112620/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/alappuzha/malayalam-news/article-1.1099105|url-status=dead}}</ref>


⚫
Many Kaimal families are also part of '''Kshatriya Kshema Sabha''' along with '''[[Nair Service Society]].''' <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/alappuzha/malayalam-news/article-1.1099105|title=ക്ഷത്രിയ ക്ഷേമസഭ വിപുലീകരിക്കും|access-date=2022-01-04|language=en|archive-date=2022-01-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104112620/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/alappuzha/malayalam-news/article-1.1099105|url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Subcaste ==
==Portuguese ascendancy==
Kaimals were originally a class of [[Samantha (Nair caste)|Samantha Nairs]], but in some areas, they were classified as Aristocratic Illam and Kiriyam Nairs to align with the hierarchy of various kingdoms.
The [[5th Portuguese India Armada (Albuquerque, 1503)|Fifth Portuguese India Armada]] under [[Afonso de Albuquerque]] arrived in 1503, just in time to save the [[Kingdom of Cochin|King of Cochin]] from the [[Zamorin of Calicut]]. The Portuguese then turned their attention to the chieftains who had fought against the Cochin army, and committed atrocities wherein they killed local inhabitants in large numbers and also indiscriminately burnt down towns and villages.<ref>{{cite book |title=Kerala District Gazetteers, Eranakulam |first=A. Sreedhara |last=Menon |year=1965 |pages=120–121}}</ref>

The Portuguese and the king subsequently entered into a treaty with the Anchi Kaimals whereby they accepted the overlordship of the Cochin throne.<ref>{{cite book |title=Kerala District Gazetteers, Eranakulam |first=A. Sreedhara |last=Menon |year=1965 |page=121}}</ref>


==The Dutch in Cochin==
==The Dutch in Cochin==
Line 88: Line 76:
T. I. Poonen says {{blockquote|It may be mentioned that one of the important causes of Dutch success in Cochin was the loyal co-operation they received from the Anchi Kaimals or five lords of whom the most important was Cheranellular Kartha.<ref>{{cite book |title=A survey of the rise of the Dutch Power in Malabar |first=T. I. |last=Poonen |pages=106–107}}</ref>}}
T. I. Poonen says {{blockquote|It may be mentioned that one of the important causes of Dutch success in Cochin was the loyal co-operation they received from the Anchi Kaimals or five lords of whom the most important was Cheranellular Kartha.<ref>{{cite book |title=A survey of the rise of the Dutch Power in Malabar |first=T. I. |last=Poonen |pages=106–107}}</ref>}}


==Regional rulers (നാടുവാഴി)==
==Regional rulers==
⚫
Some regional rulers such as Koratty Kaimal were served and protected by trained non-Nair warriors as well.<ref>
The name "Kaimal" is derived from the word "Kai", which means "hand" in Malayalam, signifying power. Earlier Kaimals were recognized as regional chieftains. Major areas of Vaikom, Niranampetti, Irinjalakuda, Ranni, Koratti, Niranampetti, Angi and Koddachery were under the control of Kaimal Naduvazhis. The old name of [[Eranakulam]] was Anjukaimalnadu (The land of the Anju Kaimals).

It can be seen that some Naduvazhis even attacked foreign invaders like the Portuguese and attained small victories.<ref>
{{cite web
{{cite web
| url= https://books.google.com/books?id=BL21AAAAIAAJ&q=Kaimal

| url= https://www.google.com/books/edition/A_History_of_Kerala_1498_1801/dCkLAQAAIAAJ?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&bsq=Karappuram%20Kaimals

| title=A History of Kerala 1498 - 1801

| last= Page 108

| date=1960

| publisher=Annamali University

| access-date=

| quote=Karappuram Kaimals attacked a Portuguese squad- ron and captured it.

}}

</ref>.


⚫
It is an interesting fact that some regional rulers such as Koratty Kaimal were served and protected by trained Non-Nair warriors as well.<ref>
{{cite web
| url= https://www.google.com/books/edition/Kerala_District_Gazetteers_Kottayam/BL21AAAAIAAJ?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&bsq=Kaimal
| title=Kerala District Gazetteers: Kottayam
| title=Kerala District Gazetteers: Kottayam
| year=1981
| publisher=Superintendent of Government Presses
| publisher=Superintendent of Government Presses
| quote=Collected From The University of California
| quote=Collected From The University of California
Line 122: Line 87:
</ref>
</ref>


⚫
Territorial rulers titled Kaimal and Kartha ran parallel administrative systems by challenging kings.

⚫
As per historical records, such as the 'International Congress on Kerala Studies', it states that Territorial rulers titled Kaimal and Kartha ran parallel administrative systems by even challenging Kings( Maha Raja)
<ref>
<ref>


{{cite web
{{cite web
| url =https://www.google.com/books/edition/International_Congress_on_Kerala_Studies/SjZuAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&bsq=Kaimal+kartha&dq=Kaimal+kartha&printsec=frontcover
| url =https://books.google.com/books?id=SjZuAAAAMAAJ&q=Kaimal+kartha
| title =International Congress on Kerala Studies
| title =International Congress on Kerala Studies
| publisher =the University of Michigan
| year =1994
| publisher =the University of Michigan
}}
}}


</ref>Few of them were very powerful and even Raja sought help from foreign powers such as the Portuguese to conquer them.<ref>
</ref>{{full citation needed|date=October 2023}} Many of them were very powerful and even Raja sought help from foreign powers such as the Portuguese to conquer them.<ref>


{{cite web
{{cite web


| url =https://www.google.com/books/edition/A_History_of_Kerala_1498_1801/dCkLAQAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=Cheruvaippil+Kaimal+who+was+lord&dq=Cheruvaippil+Kaimal+who+was+lord&printsec=frontcover
| url =https://books.google.com/books?id=dCkLAQAAIAAJ&q=Cheruvaippil+Kaimal+who+was+lord


| title =A history of Kerala, 1498-1801
| title =A history of Kerala, 1498-1801


| publisher =1960,Page 56 57
| year=1960 | publisher =1960,Page 56 57


}}
}}


</ref>
</ref>

== Chiefs of Cochin ==
K P Padmanabha Menon, in his ''History of Kerala: Vol 2'', mentions the Anji Kaimals, whose chief was Cheranellur Kartha, as owning all of Eranakulam. In fact, Eranakulam was known as Anji Kaimal in the early maps of Kerala. The Dutch Malabar records of 1910 (Dutch Records No 13), show a map from the year 1740 that illustrates the area of Anjikaimal as being almost twice as large as the Cochin State. The other chiefs he mentions quoting ''Gollennesse'' (The Dutch East India Company) are: 1) Moorianatt Nambiar, 2) Paliath Achan (mentioned above), 3) Codacherry (Kotasseri) Kaimal, 4) Caimalieone of Corretty, 5) Changera Codda Kaimal, and 6) Panamoocattu Kaimal (Panambakadu Kaimal). The last four Kaimals are known as the Kaimals of Nandietter Naddu. The Kaimals of Nandietter Naddu had Nair troops numbering 43,000 in 1694, according to Heer Van Reede of the Dutch East India Company.<ref>Page 241 and 242</ref> The Kaimal royal members had also moved to Goa during the Portuguese era.


==End of power==
P. K. S. Raja gives the following factors for the end of feudalism in Travancore and Cochin:<ref>{{cite book |pages=198–218 |first=P. K. S. |last=Raja |title=Mediaeval Kerala |publisher=Annamalai University |year=1953 |work=Annamalai University Historical Series no 11}}</ref>

*His{{who|date=October 2017}} violation in his dealings with the Ettuveetil Pillamar of the principal custom of Malabar that a Nair lord would not be punished
*His dealing with Raja of Quillon (his own family) where instead of making a conquered chief a subordinate, the Raja was made a state prisoner
*His invitation of Hyder Ali to aid him in suppressing the revolt of the "whole country North of Kayamkulam" who did not appreciate his policies and his treatment of the nobility
*The treaty between Cochin and Travancore and an inserted clause in 1701 that Travancore would aid Cochin in putting down the nobles of Cochin
*Leading nobles of Cochin were brought to Tripunithra and asked to take an Oath of allegiance to the Rajas of Cochin and Travancore. After this, says P. K. S. Raja, the nobles of Cochin like those of Travancore lost their political powers

== Vadakkan Pattu ==
Aromal Chekavar fought with Aringodar Chekavar to elect the next authority of a territorial ruler named Kurungadi Kaimal.
<ref name="mm2nn">{{Cite book|last=Menon|first=A. Sreedhara|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wnAjqjhc1VcC&q=Kaimal|title=Kerala History and its Makers|publisher=D C Books|date=4 March 2011|isbn=978-81-264-3782-5|pages=84|language=en|access-date=10 October 2021}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 167: Line 115:
*[[Eshmanan]]
*[[Eshmanan]]
*[[Madampi (Nair title)]]
*[[Madampi (Nair title)]]

==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Indian surnames]]
[[Category:Surnames of Indian origin]]
[[Category:Nair]]
[[Category:Social groups of Kerala]]

Latest revision as of 13:43, 27 December 2024

Kaimal is an aristocratic title or position granted by various Rajas to powerful Nair families in Kerala.

The word "Kaimal" originated from "Kai," meaning "the hand," signifying power in medieval Kerala.

Kaimals are considered one of the highest castes in South India, along with Samantha Varmas, Karthavs, Thirumalpad, Pillais, Kurups, Nambiars, etc.[1]

Kaimals identify themselves as a Nair Subcaste. There are many references recorded in various historical documents. They are the Jenmi and Naduvazhi of Kerala.[2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

Several well known families have borne the title, including the Thachudaya Kaimal, Kaimals of Koratti, Angi and Pondicherry.[9]

Many Kaimal families are also part of Kshatriya Kshema Sabha along with Nair Service Society. [10]

Subcaste

[edit]

Kaimals were originally a class of Samantha Nairs, but in some areas, they were classified as Aristocratic Illam and Kiriyam Nairs to align with the hierarchy of various kingdoms.

The Dutch in Cochin

[edit]

On 26 October 1662, the rulers of Kochi successfully defeated the Portuguese who wanted to change the statue of Kochi from that of an ally to that of a vassal. They exploited the rivalry between the Dutch and the Portuguese, and made the Dutch their ally in the war against the Portuguese forces. The Kochi kings fought this battle with the assistance rendered by the Anchi Kaimals.[11]

T. I. Poonen says

It may be mentioned that one of the important causes of Dutch success in Cochin was the loyal co-operation they received from the Anchi Kaimals or five lords of whom the most important was Cheranellular Kartha.[12]

Regional rulers

[edit]

Some regional rulers such as Koratty Kaimal were served and protected by trained non-Nair warriors as well.[13]

Territorial rulers titled Kaimal and Kartha ran parallel administrative systems by challenging kings. [14][full citation needed] Many of them were very powerful and even Raja sought help from foreign powers such as the Portuguese to conquer them.[15]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Bahadur), L. Krishna Anantha Krishna Iyer (Diwan (1912). The Cochin Tribes and Castes ... government of Cochin.
  2. ^ "Journal of Kerala Studies". 2005.
  3. ^ Journal of Kerala Studies/. 2005.
  4. ^ "The Cochin State Manual". Cochin Govt Press, Year 1911. 1911.
  5. ^ "Journal of Kerala Studies". Cochin Govt Press, Year 1911. 2005.
  6. ^ From Biography to History Essays in the History of Portuguese Asia (1500-1800). The University of Virginia. 2005. ISBN 978-81-89420-01-7.
  7. ^ "Madras Christian College Magazine, Page 411". Madras Christian College, year 1910. 1910.
  8. ^ Kaimal,” the title of a prince of the Nayar caste in Malabar (Dalgado I 172-173). "Francis Xavier: His Life, his times - vol. 2: India, 1541-1545". The Jesuits Historical Institute, 1977.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Koshy, M. O. (1989). The Dutch Power in Kerala, 1729-1758. Mittal Publications. pp. 45, 49. ISBN 978-8-17099-136-6.
  10. ^ "ക്ഷത്രിയ ക്ഷേമസഭ വിപുലീകരിക്കും". Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  11. ^ Menon, A. Sreedhara (1965). Kerala District Gazetteers, Eranakulam. p. 153.
  12. ^ Poonen, T. I. A survey of the rise of the Dutch Power in Malabar. pp. 106–107.
  13. ^ "Kerala District Gazetteers: Kottayam". Superintendent of Government Presses. 1981. Collected From The University of California
  14. ^ "International Congress on Kerala Studies". the University of Michigan. 1994.
  15. ^ "A history of Kerala, 1498-1801". 1960,Page 56 57. 1960.
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