HISTORY


Nair or Nayar is the name of an upper Hindu caste in the Southern Indian state of Kerala. Nairs are an integral part of Kerala's culture and have a long and illustrious history. Nairs are a warrior class (martial nobility). In this regard, they are similar to the samurai of Japan.
The word Nair is either derived from the Sanskrit word Nayaka (Leader) or Naga (Snakes, which the Nairs worshipped). The Nair class name also encompasses Menon, Panicker, Kurup, Pillai, Unni, Unnithan, Kartha, Thampan, Kaimal, Nayanar, Thampi, Nambiar, Mannadiar. They are all same and is not classified in between because all enjoy the same social status.
For example, a person with the name XXX Kurup will not say that he belongs to Kurup Caste. Instead he will say he is a Nair.