Regions with significant populations | |
---|---|
Kerala | |
Languages | |
Malayalam , Sanskrit | |
Religion | |
Hinduism | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Illathu Nairs, Kiryathil Nairs, Nambiar, Eradi, Swaroopathil Nair |
Samantan (meaning "equal to" or "deemed to be"), was a generic term applied to dignify a group of sub-clans among the ruling elites and feudal lords of the Nair community in Kerala.[1]
Robin Jeffrey, an anthropologist, described the Samantans as, "A matrilineal caste ranking between Nayars and Kshatriyas" [2]