Kaimal

Kaimal is an aristocratic title granted by the kings of Kerala to Nair families. The word originates from the Malayalam word "Kai," meaning "the hand," signifying power in medieval Kerala. Kaimal is considered one of the highest titles for Nairs. They were the Jenmi (feudal chieftains) and Naduvazhi (regional rulers) of Kerala.

Several well known families have borne the title, including the Thachudaya Kaimal, and the Kaimals of Koratti, Angi and Pondicherry. Many of them are also part of the Kshatriya Kshema Sabha, along with the Nair Service Society.

Koima + Alu: Koima (Dominant) Alu (Person) means 'The person who dominates.' This was the title given to the feudal chiefs under the Kerala kings.

The Kaimals were the title awarded to individuals from different Nair subcastes.

There are different Nair Kaimals: (1) Thachudaya Kaimal, (2) Vakkayil Kaimal, (3) Vakkathu Illam Kaimal, (4) Kiriyathil Nair Kaimal, (5) Illathu Nair Kaimal, (6) Moothedathu Kaimal, (7) Eleyedathu Kaimal, (8) Thengumpillil Kaimal, (9) Aalangattu Kaimal, (10) Kodancheri Kaimal, (11) Koratty Kaimal, (12) Anchi Kaimal, (13) Ner Nintha Kaimal, and (14) Chuzhandu Vanna Kaimal, to name a few of the better-known Kaimal families.

Kaimals of Cochin

The Kaimals of Cochin are direct descendants or sons of Tulu Cheraman Perumal stemming from his different wives, a revered Chera king who ruled the state during the medieval period from Kodungallur. They were two types, first one is Stāni Nair subcaste and other is Vellayama Nair (Kiriyathil Nair) subcaste. The Kaimals of Cochin, usually known as the Sthani Nair caste, were typically Nairs who were blood-related to the king or royal families. Stani Nairs had a higher caste status than the Kiriyathil Nair (Vellayama Nair) caste, which was more prevalent in the Malabar region, though sometimes they were considered part of the Kiriyathil Nair caste due to the small population of Stāni Nairs. In some cases, Which is also given to few Kiriyathil Nair families.

Kaimals of Travancore