Nair was a well-known martial community in previous centuries. Even the European travellers who had visited Kerala in the olden times had praised the Nair warriors. In the Sangam era, the Nairs were known as Nāka. Nāka is the Tamil word for Nāga or Nāgavanshi. In Tamil alphabets 'Ga' is not included. For example, the name Ganapathi in Tamil is called Kanapathi. In the Sangam scriptures, Nāka is mentioned as caste of Serpent-worshippers. Some people claim that Nairs are related to the Naga tribe of Assam which is not true. The caste name of the Assamese tribe Naka comes Burmese word 'No-Ka' which means 'people with pierced earlobes.'
The Sangam era scriptures were written in Vattezhuthu script. One of the mentions about Nākas or Nāgas is as follows, "Hail the Nākas the ones with big moustaches, broad chest, powerful physiques, sacred ash-bearing forehead, hands powerful enough to smash the skull of a lion in one blow, who are masters in martial arts, extremely proficient in archery and use of swords, and so acrobatic that they can spring to great heights and do somersaults in air, capable of single-handedly driving back a herd of elephants, adepts in use of fatal slingshots, and agile and trained enough to escape shots coming their ways, experts in slitting the necks of war-horses with a knife tied to their shins, who wrench out the tongues of the ones who utter untruths and so truthful themselves, God-fearing and respectful towards sagely figures and having sages, who shine like precious stones, among themselves." One of the manuscripts describe Nākas thus:
'Fortitude-personified are the Nākas
Stupendously strong of arms are the Nākas
Annihilators of evil-minded are the Nākas
Competent and complete swordsmen are are the Nākas
Wielders of sharp swords are the Nākas
Of good and widespread repute are the Nākas
Mystics and self-realized are the Nākas
Masterful in archery are the Nākas
Who win the wars with their skills are the Nākas
Who sacrifice supremely are the Nākas
Who prostrate before the saintly souls are the Nākas
The embodiments of righteousness are the Nākas
Righteousness is the only way known to the Nākas
Righteousness is their very mind for the Nākas
Righteousness is the soul itself for the Nākas
Righteousness is God Supreme for the Nākas
Righteousness is the only knowledge for the Nākas
Righteousness is their very world for the Nākas'
In short, the picture about Nākas emerging from the records written in old Tamil is that they were able-bodied warriors, with good expertise in martial arts, Marmashastra, acrobatics and usage of weapons. They were well-informed in matters connected with elephants, horses etc and were truthful, spiritually inclined and intelligent. They never condoned or forgave the act of indiscipline, infidelity and untruthfulness. They were teetolaters, strictly moral, especially so, in their behaviour with women, and were devotees of Lord Shiva. And there were among them men of high spiritual attainments like self-realised sages.
The Sangam texts also mention that the Nāgas were always armed with noose (I think it's Urumi or Nāgapāsham), they had well-built cities and they were a civilized people. The speech of Nāgas was not Tamil, but it was not impossible for a Tamil man to master it. During the Chera-Chola war Nairs were important warriors. From there they began to be called "Lokar" and "Malokar" meaning the great people. These titles were not given to any other non-Brahmin or non-royal caste. In 'Social History of India', Shri. S. N. Sadasivan has mentioned that the Pulayas and Parayas used to address the Ezhavas as Malor (Malokar or Mahalokar). In none of the ancient scriptures it is given that the Ezhavas were also given the titles Lokar and Malokar. Once I read on website that Lokar and Malokar are the surnames of Gaud Saraswat Brahmin community. I don't if it's a correct information or not.
The origin of Nāgavansha is from Kashmir. Later their empire expanded to northern Pakistan and northern Afghanistan. The Naga kingdom of northern Pakistan was known as Takshashila and the Naga kingdom of northern Afghanistan was known as Gāndhāra. In Kalhana's Rājatarangini, we find frequent references to Gāndhāra and its Brahmins. It is recorded that Mihirakula the Ephalite Hun King of Kashmir settled thousands of Gāndhāran Brahmins in Kashmir. He also tells us that young warriors of Gāndhāra were in great demand for the army of Kashmir.
In the Mahabharata time, Gāndhāra was ruled by King Shakuni and Princess Gāndhāri was his sister. The southern part of Travancore region was known as Anantapura in ancient times. It was too a kingdom ruled by the Nāgavanshi kings. I think it had some connection with Gāndhāra because in Thiruvananthapuram there is a Temple called Shree Gāndhāri Amman Kovil. The main deity of this Temple is a Goddess. I personally believe that the Idol of the Goddess of this Temple was brought by the Nāgavanshis of Afghanistan. Similarly, in Kollam, there is a Temple dedicated to King Shakuni. Kānthāri Mulaku (कांतारि मुळक) is typical chilli found in Kerala and is similar to Afghan chillies. I think its real name was Gāndhāri Mulaku.
Ahichhatra (अहिछत्र) in India is the place from which Brahmans are said to have been brought into Malabar by King Mayura Varma. Ahichhatra was evidently a stronghold of the Nagas, chief among whom were the Madras, the Gāndhāras, and the Bahlikas. Once I saw on the internet that in Rajasthan there is a beautiful ancient fort called Ahichhatragarh (अहिछत्रगढ़) and it was built by the Nāgavanshis. So, the word Ahi has some connection with Nāgavansha. In the Rigveda the term Ahi (अहि) is applied to the Asuras or Dasyus.
A legend of the Mahabharata relates how Princess Kadru compelled Garuda to convey her sons across the sea “to a beautiful country, in a distant region, which was inhabited by Nagas”. After encountering a violent storm and great heat, the sons of Kadru were landed in a place called Ramanika (रमणिका) in Ahidesha. Ahidesha (अहिदेश) is the territory of the serpents (Nagas or Asuras in ail probability). According to some historians, Ahidesha is Kerala. Below are some verses taken from ancient Malayalam scriptures.
"എങ്കിലോ അക്കടലുടയവർ നാകത്താന്മാരല്ലൊ ആകുന്നതു,
അവർക്കല്ലൊ ആദികാലത്തെ വരുണൻ ഒരു നൂറ്റെട്ട് കാതം കൊണ്ടു തറമുഴുവതും കൊടുത്തു എന്ന് ചൊല്ലിയതു.
കൈത്തടിമെ കരുവാന നാകത്താരെ
മെയ്ത്തടിമെ മെനിയാന നാകത്താരെ
പൊയിത്തിടരെ പൊടിയാക്കും നാകത്താരെ
എത്തിശൈയും പൂക്കൾ കൊണ്ട നാകത്താരെ
ചിത്തി മുത്തി കൈ കണ്ട നാകത്താരെ
വില്ലാളി വീരനാന നാകത്താരെ
വിരുതു കെട്ടി പടൈ വെല്ലം നാകത്താരെ
പുല്ലനെ വെല്ലാം തുറക്കും നാകത്താരെ"
I got its translation as shown below. Please forgive me if the translation is incorrect.
"Isn't it the Nagas who own the sea,
they were given 108 units of land by Lord Varuna (of Rigveda).
O Nagas, who have strong hands.
O Nagas, who are true men.
O Nagas, who crush the villains.
O Nagas, who are adorned with flowers.
O Nagas, who are best in Siddhi and Mukti.
O Nagas, who are brave archers.
O Nagas, who are honoured and whose army is like a flood.
O Nagas, who easily remove barriers."
The Nagas were called Nāgara in ancient Malabar. It is assumed that it was during the third century B. C. the Buddhism came to Kerala. The language of Buddhism is Prakrit (प्राकृत्). In Prakrit, the word for Nāgara is Nāyara. So, when Kerala became a Buddhist region the word Nāgara got replaced with Nāyara. I was surprised when I read on the internet that Armenia was known as Nairi in ancient times and the people of Nairi used to worship particular stone sculptures which they called Vishapakar. Vishapakar means serpent-stones. This made me think that perhaps Nagavanshis might have lived in Armenia for some considerable time. An Armenian king is described as being so strong that he could "seize two bulls by horns, and break them off with his bare hands." Another king taken prisoner by the Byzantines was thrown to the beast in the arena of Constantinople. He overpowered the bear and lion that attacked him. In reward, he was pardoned and released.
The martial art practiced by Nairs was Kalaripayattu. It was taught to their ancestors by Shree Parashurama, who is a warrior sage and one of the Holy Chiranjeevis (those who are blessed by God to live till the end of the Kaliyuga) according to Hinduism. Shree Parasurama, in his fight with Kshatriyas, was assisted by Nāgas. This martial art got passed from one generation to another and hence it became one of the traditions of the Nair community. The Nair warriors used Kalaripayattu only to protect and defend, never as aggressive combat or for evil purposes. In some of their ceremonies including weddings the Nairs used to perform sword play.
The Kalari system of Kerala is based on the concept of awakening of Kundalini, or the Serpent power and it was zealously maintained. The original Nairs were ardent serpent-worshippers from ancient times. The warlike propensity of Nairs was attested by the employment of implements of war in their household ceremonies, by their isolated mode of living in the midst of fenced gardens and by establishment to each Thara or field of a Kalari where in the gymnasium section their youth were taught to accustom themselves to the use of arms. Nair ballads are too abound with stories of martial achievement of the Nair warriors.
The Nairs were always greedy after the prey. They were all bred to the war, even from the seventh year of age, when they used to anoint their limbs with certain ointments to render the nerves pliable, which made them very active and nimble, and the best wrestlers in the world. They were not only well acquainted with the use of bows and arrows, but also with musquets and great cannon. They made their own gun-barrels, gun-powder and matches. Being very nimble they often turned their backs, but soon returned to the charge, when they find the little opportunity of having an advantage against their enemies. On the hilts of their swords they wore certain pieces of metal, which made a noise as they moved, served them for a certain Musick: They were very dexterous in defending their bodies with their shields, and consequently were better at handy blows. Among the Nairs those who called themselves Amok, were the worst, being a company of desperadoes, who engaged themselves and their families by oaths to revenge such Injuries as are done them.
The power of the Kings of Kerala was generally esteemed by the number of the Nairs under their jurisdiction. If any of their Kings got murdered, they used to sacrifice all to revenge his death. One can find the mention about Nairs in the scriptures of the time of King Rama Varma Kulasekhara (1020 - 1102) of the second Chera dynasty. When the Chera empire was attacked by Cholas the Nairs fought forming suicide squads or Chavers against the invading force. The Naduvazhi was the military chief and it was his duty to be present at the" battle field with his fighting men whenever requisitioned by the Princes. The Nairs formed a huge militia, and, till regular standing armies were organised, were entrusted with the protection of the land. While not fighting, they engaged themselves in agricultural and other occupations. The Thara was the Nair territorial unit of organisation for civil purposes, and was governed by representatives of the caste, who were styled Karanavars or elders.
Though a military race, the lives of the Nairs, from start to finish, seem to be invested by religion. From birth to death, every act and rite of theirs is touched by it. When they settled down and began to till and toil for livelihood. When the necessity for common shrines for the community, settled in different centres, was felt, these were established, and were called Kāvu. A Kāvu is a sacred place that consists of a small platform which will be maximum two or three feet high with a deity or some deities installed on it and this platform is surrounded by a lot of trees and plants which makes this place look like a forest. There are even now 108 Durgālayas in Malabar. They are Kāvus dedicated to Goddess Durga. They have a history behind them. Durgālaya means The Abode of Goddess Durga or The Temple of Goddess Durga. In the verses taken from Malayalam scriptures, mentioned above, it is given that the Nāgas were given 108 units of land by Lord Varuna of Rigveda. I think the Nāgas had built Temples for Goddess Durga in each unit of the land and those Temples are known as sacred 108 Durgālayas today.
The position of the Nairs in spiritual matters is evidenced by the prominent part they played in the establishment and management of Temples. If the chronicles of the Temples of Kerala are ransacked, it will be found that many of them were either owned or managed by the Nairs. In a Sanskrit work called Kerala Kshiti Ratna Mala (meaning: A garland of gems of the land of Kerala) the author says “Some of them (the Nairs) are superior warriors even amongst warriors. All the Gods take to them" (verse 115).
Reference: Four Wishes: Selected Writings of Sri Chatambi Swamikal By S.Jagathsimhan Nair, Sri Chatambi Swamikal, Folklore of Kerala by Shri. Kavalaṃ Narayaṇappanikkar, Racial Synthesis in Hindu Culture By S.V. Viswanatha, History of the Tamils: From the Earliest Times to 600 A.D. By P. T. Srinivasa Iyengar, Mapping Place Names of India By Anu Kapur, The Penguin Food Guide to India. Author: Charmaine O' Brien, Aliens and the Multi-Paradox of Reality by Peter J Miele, A True and Exact Description of The Most Celebrated Coast of The Malabar and Coramandel, As Also of The Isle of Ceylon by Philip Baldeus, Social Change in Malabar by Shri. M. S. A. Rao, Manual of the Administration of the Madras Presidency, in Illustration of the Records of Government & the Yearly Administration Reports, Volume 2 by E. Keys, The Eastern Anthropologist, Volumes 12-13, Some Aspects of Nayar Life by Shri. K. M. Panikkar, Performing Arts of Kerala - Page 129 by Sushri. Mallika Sarabhai, Malabar and Anjengo Vol 1, Armenia Food: Fact, Fiction & Folklore by Irina Petrosian and David Underwood, Culture and Political History of Kashmir, Volume 1 by Shri. P. M. K. Bamzai.
The Sangam era scriptures were written in Vattezhuthu script. One of the mentions about Nākas or Nāgas is as follows, "Hail the Nākas the ones with big moustaches, broad chest, powerful physiques, sacred ash-bearing forehead, hands powerful enough to smash the skull of a lion in one blow, who are masters in martial arts, extremely proficient in archery and use of swords, and so acrobatic that they can spring to great heights and do somersaults in air, capable of single-handedly driving back a herd of elephants, adepts in use of fatal slingshots, and agile and trained enough to escape shots coming their ways, experts in slitting the necks of war-horses with a knife tied to their shins, who wrench out the tongues of the ones who utter untruths and so truthful themselves, God-fearing and respectful towards sagely figures and having sages, who shine like precious stones, among themselves." One of the manuscripts describe Nākas thus:
'Fortitude-personified are the Nākas
Stupendously strong of arms are the Nākas
Annihilators of evil-minded are the Nākas
Competent and complete swordsmen are are the Nākas
Wielders of sharp swords are the Nākas
Of good and widespread repute are the Nākas
Mystics and self-realized are the Nākas
Masterful in archery are the Nākas
Who win the wars with their skills are the Nākas
Who sacrifice supremely are the Nākas
Who prostrate before the saintly souls are the Nākas
The embodiments of righteousness are the Nākas
Righteousness is the only way known to the Nākas
Righteousness is their very mind for the Nākas
Righteousness is the soul itself for the Nākas
Righteousness is God Supreme for the Nākas
Righteousness is the only knowledge for the Nākas
Righteousness is their very world for the Nākas'
In short, the picture about Nākas emerging from the records written in old Tamil is that they were able-bodied warriors, with good expertise in martial arts, Marmashastra, acrobatics and usage of weapons. They were well-informed in matters connected with elephants, horses etc and were truthful, spiritually inclined and intelligent. They never condoned or forgave the act of indiscipline, infidelity and untruthfulness. They were teetolaters, strictly moral, especially so, in their behaviour with women, and were devotees of Lord Shiva. And there were among them men of high spiritual attainments like self-realised sages.
The Sangam texts also mention that the Nāgas were always armed with noose (I think it's Urumi or Nāgapāsham), they had well-built cities and they were a civilized people. The speech of Nāgas was not Tamil, but it was not impossible for a Tamil man to master it. During the Chera-Chola war Nairs were important warriors. From there they began to be called "Lokar" and "Malokar" meaning the great people. These titles were not given to any other non-Brahmin or non-royal caste. In 'Social History of India', Shri. S. N. Sadasivan has mentioned that the Pulayas and Parayas used to address the Ezhavas as Malor (Malokar or Mahalokar). In none of the ancient scriptures it is given that the Ezhavas were also given the titles Lokar and Malokar. Once I read on website that Lokar and Malokar are the surnames of Gaud Saraswat Brahmin community. I don't if it's a correct information or not.
The origin of Nāgavansha is from Kashmir. Later their empire expanded to northern Pakistan and northern Afghanistan. The Naga kingdom of northern Pakistan was known as Takshashila and the Naga kingdom of northern Afghanistan was known as Gāndhāra. In Kalhana's Rājatarangini, we find frequent references to Gāndhāra and its Brahmins. It is recorded that Mihirakula the Ephalite Hun King of Kashmir settled thousands of Gāndhāran Brahmins in Kashmir. He also tells us that young warriors of Gāndhāra were in great demand for the army of Kashmir.
In the Mahabharata time, Gāndhāra was ruled by King Shakuni and Princess Gāndhāri was his sister. The southern part of Travancore region was known as Anantapura in ancient times. It was too a kingdom ruled by the Nāgavanshi kings. I think it had some connection with Gāndhāra because in Thiruvananthapuram there is a Temple called Shree Gāndhāri Amman Kovil. The main deity of this Temple is a Goddess. I personally believe that the Idol of the Goddess of this Temple was brought by the Nāgavanshis of Afghanistan. Similarly, in Kollam, there is a Temple dedicated to King Shakuni. Kānthāri Mulaku (कांतारि मुळक) is typical chilli found in Kerala and is similar to Afghan chillies. I think its real name was Gāndhāri Mulaku.
Ahichhatra (अहिछत्र) in India is the place from which Brahmans are said to have been brought into Malabar by King Mayura Varma. Ahichhatra was evidently a stronghold of the Nagas, chief among whom were the Madras, the Gāndhāras, and the Bahlikas. Once I saw on the internet that in Rajasthan there is a beautiful ancient fort called Ahichhatragarh (अहिछत्रगढ़) and it was built by the Nāgavanshis. So, the word Ahi has some connection with Nāgavansha. In the Rigveda the term Ahi (अहि) is applied to the Asuras or Dasyus.
A legend of the Mahabharata relates how Princess Kadru compelled Garuda to convey her sons across the sea “to a beautiful country, in a distant region, which was inhabited by Nagas”. After encountering a violent storm and great heat, the sons of Kadru were landed in a place called Ramanika (रमणिका) in Ahidesha. Ahidesha (अहिदेश) is the territory of the serpents (Nagas or Asuras in ail probability). According to some historians, Ahidesha is Kerala. Below are some verses taken from ancient Malayalam scriptures.
"എങ്കിലോ അക്കടലുടയവർ നാകത്താന്മാരല്ലൊ ആകുന്നതു,
അവർക്കല്ലൊ ആദികാലത്തെ വരുണൻ ഒരു നൂറ്റെട്ട് കാതം കൊണ്ടു തറമുഴുവതും കൊടുത്തു എന്ന് ചൊല്ലിയതു.
കൈത്തടിമെ കരുവാന നാകത്താരെ
മെയ്ത്തടിമെ മെനിയാന നാകത്താരെ
പൊയിത്തിടരെ പൊടിയാക്കും നാകത്താരെ
എത്തിശൈയും പൂക്കൾ കൊണ്ട നാകത്താരെ
ചിത്തി മുത്തി കൈ കണ്ട നാകത്താരെ
വില്ലാളി വീരനാന നാകത്താരെ
വിരുതു കെട്ടി പടൈ വെല്ലം നാകത്താരെ
പുല്ലനെ വെല്ലാം തുറക്കും നാകത്താരെ"
I got its translation as shown below. Please forgive me if the translation is incorrect.
"Isn't it the Nagas who own the sea,
they were given 108 units of land by Lord Varuna (of Rigveda).
O Nagas, who have strong hands.
O Nagas, who are true men.
O Nagas, who crush the villains.
O Nagas, who are adorned with flowers.
O Nagas, who are best in Siddhi and Mukti.
O Nagas, who are brave archers.
O Nagas, who are honoured and whose army is like a flood.
O Nagas, who easily remove barriers."
The Nagas were called Nāgara in ancient Malabar. It is assumed that it was during the third century B. C. the Buddhism came to Kerala. The language of Buddhism is Prakrit (प्राकृत्). In Prakrit, the word for Nāgara is Nāyara. So, when Kerala became a Buddhist region the word Nāgara got replaced with Nāyara. I was surprised when I read on the internet that Armenia was known as Nairi in ancient times and the people of Nairi used to worship particular stone sculptures which they called Vishapakar. Vishapakar means serpent-stones. This made me think that perhaps Nagavanshis might have lived in Armenia for some considerable time. An Armenian king is described as being so strong that he could "seize two bulls by horns, and break them off with his bare hands." Another king taken prisoner by the Byzantines was thrown to the beast in the arena of Constantinople. He overpowered the bear and lion that attacked him. In reward, he was pardoned and released.
The martial art practiced by Nairs was Kalaripayattu. It was taught to their ancestors by Shree Parashurama, who is a warrior sage and one of the Holy Chiranjeevis (those who are blessed by God to live till the end of the Kaliyuga) according to Hinduism. Shree Parasurama, in his fight with Kshatriyas, was assisted by Nāgas. This martial art got passed from one generation to another and hence it became one of the traditions of the Nair community. The Nair warriors used Kalaripayattu only to protect and defend, never as aggressive combat or for evil purposes. In some of their ceremonies including weddings the Nairs used to perform sword play.
The Kalari system of Kerala is based on the concept of awakening of Kundalini, or the Serpent power and it was zealously maintained. The original Nairs were ardent serpent-worshippers from ancient times. The warlike propensity of Nairs was attested by the employment of implements of war in their household ceremonies, by their isolated mode of living in the midst of fenced gardens and by establishment to each Thara or field of a Kalari where in the gymnasium section their youth were taught to accustom themselves to the use of arms. Nair ballads are too abound with stories of martial achievement of the Nair warriors.
The Nairs were always greedy after the prey. They were all bred to the war, even from the seventh year of age, when they used to anoint their limbs with certain ointments to render the nerves pliable, which made them very active and nimble, and the best wrestlers in the world. They were not only well acquainted with the use of bows and arrows, but also with musquets and great cannon. They made their own gun-barrels, gun-powder and matches. Being very nimble they often turned their backs, but soon returned to the charge, when they find the little opportunity of having an advantage against their enemies. On the hilts of their swords they wore certain pieces of metal, which made a noise as they moved, served them for a certain Musick: They were very dexterous in defending their bodies with their shields, and consequently were better at handy blows. Among the Nairs those who called themselves Amok, were the worst, being a company of desperadoes, who engaged themselves and their families by oaths to revenge such Injuries as are done them.
The power of the Kings of Kerala was generally esteemed by the number of the Nairs under their jurisdiction. If any of their Kings got murdered, they used to sacrifice all to revenge his death. One can find the mention about Nairs in the scriptures of the time of King Rama Varma Kulasekhara (1020 - 1102) of the second Chera dynasty. When the Chera empire was attacked by Cholas the Nairs fought forming suicide squads or Chavers against the invading force. The Naduvazhi was the military chief and it was his duty to be present at the" battle field with his fighting men whenever requisitioned by the Princes. The Nairs formed a huge militia, and, till regular standing armies were organised, were entrusted with the protection of the land. While not fighting, they engaged themselves in agricultural and other occupations. The Thara was the Nair territorial unit of organisation for civil purposes, and was governed by representatives of the caste, who were styled Karanavars or elders.
Though a military race, the lives of the Nairs, from start to finish, seem to be invested by religion. From birth to death, every act and rite of theirs is touched by it. When they settled down and began to till and toil for livelihood. When the necessity for common shrines for the community, settled in different centres, was felt, these were established, and were called Kāvu. A Kāvu is a sacred place that consists of a small platform which will be maximum two or three feet high with a deity or some deities installed on it and this platform is surrounded by a lot of trees and plants which makes this place look like a forest. There are even now 108 Durgālayas in Malabar. They are Kāvus dedicated to Goddess Durga. They have a history behind them. Durgālaya means The Abode of Goddess Durga or The Temple of Goddess Durga. In the verses taken from Malayalam scriptures, mentioned above, it is given that the Nāgas were given 108 units of land by Lord Varuna of Rigveda. I think the Nāgas had built Temples for Goddess Durga in each unit of the land and those Temples are known as sacred 108 Durgālayas today.
The position of the Nairs in spiritual matters is evidenced by the prominent part they played in the establishment and management of Temples. If the chronicles of the Temples of Kerala are ransacked, it will be found that many of them were either owned or managed by the Nairs. In a Sanskrit work called Kerala Kshiti Ratna Mala (meaning: A garland of gems of the land of Kerala) the author says “Some of them (the Nairs) are superior warriors even amongst warriors. All the Gods take to them" (verse 115).
Reference: Four Wishes: Selected Writings of Sri Chatambi Swamikal By S.Jagathsimhan Nair, Sri Chatambi Swamikal, Folklore of Kerala by Shri. Kavalaṃ Narayaṇappanikkar, Racial Synthesis in Hindu Culture By S.V. Viswanatha, History of the Tamils: From the Earliest Times to 600 A.D. By P. T. Srinivasa Iyengar, Mapping Place Names of India By Anu Kapur, The Penguin Food Guide to India. Author: Charmaine O' Brien, Aliens and the Multi-Paradox of Reality by Peter J Miele, A True and Exact Description of The Most Celebrated Coast of The Malabar and Coramandel, As Also of The Isle of Ceylon by Philip Baldeus, Social Change in Malabar by Shri. M. S. A. Rao, Manual of the Administration of the Madras Presidency, in Illustration of the Records of Government & the Yearly Administration Reports, Volume 2 by E. Keys, The Eastern Anthropologist, Volumes 12-13, Some Aspects of Nayar Life by Shri. K. M. Panikkar, Performing Arts of Kerala - Page 129 by Sushri. Mallika Sarabhai, Malabar and Anjengo Vol 1, Armenia Food: Fact, Fiction & Folklore by Irina Petrosian and David Underwood, Culture and Political History of Kashmir, Volume 1 by Shri. P. M. K. Bamzai.
