Pallicchan Nair

Pallichan Nair is a Nair sub-caste, 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[1] and Nair cheiftains.[2] The Pallichans were considered to be inferior.[3] The conventional prayer 'Pana' was performed by Pallichan Nairs. They were also employed as warriors, and the Pada Nairs of Kavalappara Moopil Nair constituted mainly Pallichan nairs. Vaniya Nairs, Pallichan Nairs, and Maniyanis, are Theyyam worshippers(The former being superior) and they have their own shrines for their Theyyams.[4]

Pallichan and Vattakad were treated as an intermediate class of Shudras because there was neither inter-dining nor inter-marriage between the members of these subdivisions and the high caste Shudras.[5]

References
  1. Census of India, 1961, Vol 7. India Office of Registrar General, 1965. p. 19.
  2. Journal of Kerala studies, Vol 4. University of Kerala, 1977. p. 152.
  3. T. Madhava Menon. A handbook of Kerala, Volume 2. International School of Dravidian Linguistics, 2002. p. 800.
  4. 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.
  5. Census of India, 1961 - Volume 7. p. 19.
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