Vazhunnavar

Vazhunnavar (lit. 'ruler') is a Malayali noble title denoting a major and at times, a semi-sovereign naduvazhi. It is one step below Raja, a title obtained by vazhunnavars. An example is that of the historical Boyanore of Badagara, who the dispossed Porlathiri granted a sovereign haven by long-ago Kolathiri in-laws. After 1750, the Boyanores of Badagara reverted to their ancient and traditional style - Porlathiri Raja of Kadathanadu - with the acquiescence of the Kolathiri.