Kaimal

Kaimal is an aristocratic title that was historically used by various chiefs from the Nair caste during the feudal period of what is now the Indian state of Kerala. It was the title awarded to notable Samanthan and Kiryathil Nair families.[1] Various families have used the title, including the Kaimals of Koratti, Angi and Koddachery.[2]

The Dutch in Cochin

On 26 October 1662, the rulers of Kochi successfully defeated the Portuguese who wanted to change the statue of Kochi from that of an ally to that of a vassal. They exploited the rivalry between the Dutch and the Portuguese, and made the Dutch their ally in the war against the Portuguese forces. The Kochi kings fought this battle with the assistance rendered by the Anchi Kaimals.[3]

T. I. Poonen says

It may be mentioned that one of the important causes of Dutch success in Cochin was the loyal co-operation they received from the Anchi Kaimals or five lords of whom the most important was Cheranellular Kartha.[4]

Regional rulers

Some regional rulers such as Koratty Kaimal were served and protected by trained non-Nair warriors as well.[5]

Territorial rulers titled Kaimal and Kartha ran parallel administrative systems by challenging kings. [6] A few of them were very powerful and even Raja sought help from foreign powers such as the Portuguese to conquer them.[7]

See also

References
  1. Koshy, M. O. (1989). The Dutch Power in Kerala, 1729-1758. Mittal Publications. p. ix. ISBN 978-8-17099-136-6.
  2. Koshy, M. O. (1989). The Dutch Power in Kerala, 1729-1758. Mittal Publications. pp. 45, 49. ISBN 978-8-17099-136-6.
  3. Menon, A. Sreedhara (1965). Kerala District Gazetteers, Eranakulam. p. 153.
  4. Poonen, T. I. A survey of the rise of the Dutch Power in Malabar. pp. 106–107.
  5. "Kerala District Gazetteers: Kottayam". Superintendent of Government Presses. 1981. Collected From The University of California
  6. "International Congress on Kerala Studies". the University of Michigan. 1994.
  7. "A history of Kerala, 1498-1801". 1960,Page 56 57. 1960.
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