Valiathan

Valiathan is the name of a Samantha Kshatriya caste which is exclusively found in the erstwhile kingdom of Travancore. They have sprung, like the Unnithans , through the union of Royal men and High caste Nair ladies. They were higher than Nairs and Ambalavasis and didnot touch them due to Aitham.

However, the Nair caste begins with the Kshatriyas and ends with low Sudras and hence Valiathans and Unnithans are also broadly classed as Nairs today.