Nayanar (Nair subcaste)

Nayanar (meaning "the Nayar") is an honorific title used by sub-castes of the Nair community from North Malabar, India. The word Nayanar is believed to have originated from the word "Nayanmar" (Nairs), which is a title of nobility. The Nayanar title is mostly given to prominent Nambiar families by the Chirakkal Raja. Their position lies between Samantha Nairs and Kiriyathil Nairs. They sometimes have interchangeable surnames like Nambiar, Kurup, and Nair. Nayanar families are mostly seen north of the river Korapuzha. Like other North Malabar (Kannur and neighboring districts) Nairs, Nayanars earlier claimed a higher status to Nairs of South Malabar (Kozhikode and neighboring districts).

Samantha Nairs of South Malabar, Kaimals of Cochin, and Pillais of Travancore are considered similar castes to Nayanars.

Position in society
The Nayanars were Samanthans, Kiryathils, illathu nairs and Naduvazhi (chiefs of chiefdoms and aristocrats) and Jenmimar (landed gentry).