Pallicchan Nair

Pallichan Nair is an intermediate Malayali caste who had adopted Nair surname and thus classified under Nairs[1][2] seen predominantly in Malabar and Cochin areas. They are found in Travancore in very low numbers. They are the palanquin / pallak bearers for the ruling dynasties, at some places for the Janmi Namboothiris[3] and Nair chieftains.[4] Vaniya Nairs, Pallichan Nairs, and Maniyani Nairs are Theyyam worshippers (The former being superior) and they have their own shrines for their Theyyams.[5]

Pallichan and Vattakad were treated as an intermediate class of Shudras.[6]

References
  1. Census of India, 1961 - Volume 7. p. 19.
  2. T. Madhava Menon. A handbook of Kerala, Volume 2. International School of Dravidian Linguistics, 2002. p. 800.
  3. Census of India, 1961, Vol 7. India Office of Registrar General, 1965. p. 19.
  4. Journal of Kerala studies, Vol 4. University of Kerala, 1977. p. 152.
  5. A. M. Abraham Ayrookuzhiel. The Sacred in Popular Hinduism: An Empirical Study in Chirakkal, North Malabar. Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society, Bangalore, 1983. p. 16.
  6. Census of India, 1961 - Volume 7. p. 19.
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