Pallichan Nair is an intermediate Malayali caste who had adopted Nair surname and thus classified under Nairs[1][2] seen predominantly in Malabar and Cochin areas. They are found in Travancore in very low numbers. They are the palanquin / pallak bearers for the ruling dynasties, at some places for the Janmi Namboothiris[3] and Nair chieftains.[4] Vaniya Nairs, Pallichan Nairs, and Maniyani Nairs are Theyyam worshippers (The former being superior) and they have their own shrines for their Theyyams.[5]

Pallichan and Vattakad were treated as an intermediate class of Shudras.[6]

References

  1. ↑ Census of India, 1961 - Volume 7. p. 19.
  2. ↑ T. Madhava Menon. A handbook of Kerala, Volume 2. International School of Dravidian Linguistics, 2002. p. 800.
  3. ↑ Census of India, 1961, Vol 7. India Office of Registrar General, 1965. p. 19.
  4. ↑ Journal of Kerala studies, Vol 4. University of Kerala, 1977. p. 152.
  5. ↑ A. M. Abraham Ayrookuzhiel. The Sacred in Popular Hinduism: An Empirical Study in Chirakkal, North Malabar. Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society, Bangalore, 1983. p. 16.
  6. ↑ Census of India, 1961 - Volume 7. p. 19.
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