Nambidi
Nambidi is a caste seen in the Thrissur district of Kerala; they are considered half Brahmin and half Kshatriya. Nambidi is believed to be an artificial caste which came into existence when a section of the Nambuthiris got degraded or a section of the Nairs got upgraded in the caste system.
Nambidis are divided into two: the ones who wear the sacred thread and perform the Upanayanam and the ones who do not. The former are Nambuthiris who were degraded to the Brahmakshatriya status since their ancestors had committed a heinous act by murdering a ruler of Kerala. On their return the other Namboodiris welcomed them but they refused to seat themselves with the other Brahmins owing to the sin they committed and instead sat on the steps of the hall. They came to be known as Nom Padimels or those on the steps and this term was later corrupted into Nambidi. The latter are Nairs who were assigned the Nambidi title.[1]
See also
References
- ^ V. Nagam Aiya (1999-01-01). The Travancore state manual. Kerala Gazetteers Dept. p. 326. ISBN 978-81-85499-33-8.
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