Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How was Merina society divided under Andrianampoinimerina?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Under the reign of King Andrianampoinimerina (1787ā1810), who unified the Merina kingdom on the central plateau of Madagascar, society was organized into three distinct classes:123
- Andriana: The ruling noble class.23
- Hova: The class of commoners.23
- Andevo: The slave class.23
Andrianampoinimerina consolidated his power by establishing uniform laws and administration, which provided the foundation for the Merina to eventually expand their influence across much of the island.23