The Nair families of Kerala have always received enormous respect and an elite status. The term Kaimal and Nair can be used interchangeably. Originally, the word is derived from Malayalam signifying the “power in hand”. The highest caste amongst the Nairs, Kaimal were earlier the rulers of Kerala and belonged to the royal families. They were involved in serving the society and looking after the management of the states.
The ruling executives belong to the ksathriya caste clan. It was the 14th century when Nair consolidated their power and managed the threats with their immense strategies. Kaimals were mainly the individuals of royal families who dived into handling the administration of the states and secondly centralising their controls with ideological constructions. The end of 15th century marked many nairs adopting Kaimal caste surnames. These individuals were delegated with superior positions and held very respectable status in the society.
Kaimal caste origin
Kaimal caste are the descendants of saintly Chera king in Kerala. It was a medieval time period when the state was ruled by the king. He was married to a Kshathriya wife whose name was Komal. Hence, the caste Kaimal means to be the legal heirs of komal. It would not be wrong to say that Kaimal is a mix of original Kaimal members and nairs who used the same title.
Kaimal community details
Only a few selected families of Nayar caste carry the Kaimal surname title. It is specifically the area of Cochin in Kerala, where many such caste members are known to exist. Their kingship was mainly responsible for adoption of their titles. The hereditary task was taken forward by one generation to another. Resultantly there were well controlled states that collected plenty of revenues.
In simple words, it can be said that Kaimals were mainly the tax collectors and keepers of the states. They were the administration experts and regional managers who enjoyed superior positions in the society. The caste members also enjoyed revenue from tenant cultivators, landholders and different parts of the states to ensure smooth revenue collection. The high-ranking individuals followed strict marriage norms and gave special attention to the incapable heirs. The non-Brahmanical landlords kept ruling Kerala for quite a longer time period. Eventually, there were disputes because of which the downfall of their kinship and state ownership faded.
Kaimal surname also uses Kidavo Karnawar, valliyathan, Kartha Pillai Achan and Yashman.
Final words
Different stories suggest different origins of the Kaimal surname. Some of the above mentioned tales suggest that the caste members were Kshathriya whereas the rest inscriptions calls them to be Naga Vamshi.
The caste system of Kerala is filled with interesting and inspiring stories. Kaimal is one such community that has so many details, disputes and dilemmas within it. The more you try to understand, the deeper you would like to dig.