Nayar

Nayar, Hindu caste of the Indian state of Keralam. Before the British conquest in 1792, the region contained small, feudal kingdoms, in each of which the royal and noble lineages, the militia, and most land managers were drawn from the Nāyars and related castes. During British rule, Nayars became prominent in politics, government service, medicine, education, and law. Unlike most Hindus, Nayars traditionally were matrilineal. Their family unit, the members of which owned property jointly,...