KOCHI SOCIETY: A HISTORICAL OUTLINE

Tejaswini Krishna P

 A society is constituted by the union of individuals either

voluntarily or by the use of force by an external agency. But
we would like to emphasize the idea of union of individuals.
Division of labour in the society in terms of the varying
capacities of the individuals gave rise to the creation of
caste groups in the Indian social environment.
The land of Kerala could be treated as the Museum of
Castes, because it presents the picture of the existence of
multiple caste groups.

The basic and underlying criterion for the creation of castes

in Kerala, as in the other parts of India, was specialization
of profession.

The central part of Kerala, controlled by the rulers of Kochi,

was the seat of Nambutiri orthodoxy and Nair
aristocracy which it has inherited from the days of the
Perumals.

The major caste divisions in Kochi

Nambutiris
Tampurakkals
Adhyans
Visishta
Samanyas
Jatimatras or
Jatimatranmar

Paradesi
Brahmans
Tamil
Brahmans

Kshatriya
s
Ambalavasis

Tulu
Brahmans
Konkani
Brahmans

who wear punul

who donot
wear punul

Sapagrasthas.

The caste system evolves three things

1. Seperation:A caste remained pure by
performing rituals
2. Heirarchy: the Varna scale of the Brahmins,
Khatriyas Vyshysas and Sudras
3. Hereditary specialization of profession

Samantha

Nairs
Kiriyattil
Ittahi

Sudras
Velakkathalavan

Swarupattil

Veluthedan

Padamangalan

Chaliyan

Pallicham

Kadupattans

Vattekad

Tharakan

Vaniyans
Chempukothi
Otittu

samrats
Tampurakkalsspiritual
(sovereigns)
Adhyans-a retired life and
spend their time in studying the
Vedas and practicing acts of
piety and charity, and
benevolence, receiving no gifts
or danams.
Visishta
Samanyas-The ordinary
Nambuthiris, who study the
Vedas, perform religious services
in temples and practice
manthravadams
Jatimatras -the eight families of
physicians

Nambutiri brahman family

Tamil brahmans were from the Chola and Pandyan kingdoms

The Embrans (tulu brahmans) found in the state are Sivite and
Vaishnate Brahmans from all these sections acting as priests in
temples, or doing services as assistants under Nambutiris or cooks in
palaces and private houses.
Gowda Saraswatha Konkani Brahmins , the Raja of Kochi granted a
royal neettu to the Konkani Brahmins.

Nair

Lower castes

Taxes and laws