Ancient South Indian history, historians, and foreign travelers refer to the Nairs as a dignified martial nobility. The origin of the Nair caste is uncertain. The earliest reference to Nairs comes from the Greek ambassador Megasthenes. In his accounts of ancient India, he refers to the "Nayars of Malabar" and the "Kingdom of Chera".[6] Some anthropologists are of the view that the Nairs are not indigenous to Kerala, as many customs and traditions distinguish them from other Keralites. Some examples are their own form of inheritance (Marumakkathayam), warfare (Kalaripayattu), Gods and Goddesses (Nagas or serpents, and Bhadhrakali), and numerous sub-castes and surnames. There is also a belief that the Nairs are Nagas. The Travancore State Manual states that there were indeed serpent-worshipping Nagas in Kerala who fought with the Namboodiris till they reached a consensus. The affinity of the Nair community with serpents and serpent worship is indisputable and might have given rise to their reputation of having a Naga origin. Naga worship might have also given rise to the mythical version of Nairs being Kshatriyas belonging to the Serpent dynasty (Nagavansham) who removed their sacred thread and migrated south to escape the wrath of a vengeful Parasurama. According to Chatambi Swamigal, who interpreted old Tamil texts, the Nairs were Naka (Naga or Snake) Lords who ruled as feudal lords in the Chera kingdom. The Kerala Mahatmayam calls them the progeny of Namboodiri men with Deva, Rakshasa and Gandharva women.
Another theory is that Nairs are actually the descendants of the Newars of Nepal, who migrated to Kerala. There are many facts to support this view. The first is the lighter complexion, and sharper features of Nairs. The second is the distinct pagoda-like architectural style of Nair Tharavaadus and Temples. Finally, there is the Marumakkathaayam system of inheritance (a similar system is also practiced by the Newars).[7] One finds mention of the Nairs during...