• Source: Unnithan

Unnithan is one of the aristocractic Nair caste surnames used mainly in the Travancore region of present-day Indian state of Kerala.




History


The Unnithan and Valiathan surnames originated from the title "Thānkal" (Malayalam: "താങ്കൾ"), which is a respectful designation used to address members of aristocratic families in Kerala.
According to legend, Maharajah Marthanda Varma of Travancore sought the help of certain Nair families to overcome the powerful Nair clan of Ettuveetil Pillamar, the Lords of the Eight Houses. Many members of these families were killed by the Ettuveetil Pillamar. Later, these families were awarded the titles Valiathan and Unnithan, which mean "eldest Thānkal" and "youngest Thānkal," respectively.




Position in society


Unnithan surname prevalent mainly in the Kayamkulam region of central Travancore, later due to conflicts between the Kayamkulam Raja and the Unnithan families, they were settled in Kollam and Pathanamthitta region of central Travancore. Many of these Unnithan families are recognised as Stani families similar to the Nair titles Pillai, Kurup, Kaimals, Karthavs and Thampi titles.
Until the 19th century, Unnithan families were only allowed to marry from the Royal, Valiyathan, Pillai, Kurup, Thampi, Karthav and Kaimal families. Currently many families started using the Surname "Nair". Unnithan ladies used the honorific title of Kunjamma/ittiyamma, indicative of their greater status among the Nair community, where ladies unanimously used the title of Amma. Unnithan ladies were married by the Rajahs or princes of the royal families such as Mavelikara, Ennakad, Prayikkara etc.
Unnithan's were not allowed to marry from ordinary Nair families, who served as soldiers and performed kitchen duties in Unnithan households.




Notable people


Adoor Gopalakrishnan Unnithan (born 1941), Indian film director
Ramachandran Unnithan (born 1951), Indian Kathakali exponent
K. B. Unnithan (1936–2017), Indian politician
P. G. N. Unnithan (1898–1965), Indian politician
R. C. Unnithan (1936–2015), Malayalam political activist
Rajmohan Unnithan (born 1953), Indian politician
Suresh Unnithan (born 1956), Indian film and television director




References

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Sandeep Sawant
• Paapam Cheyyathavar Kalleriyatte
• Adoor Gopalakrishnan
• Uzi
• Minyak sawit
• Blekutak
• Kaante
• Kapal perusak kelas Visakhapatnam
• Kutty Srank
• Air India Express Penerbangan 1344
• Unnithan
• Rajmohan Unnithan
• Suresh Unnithan
• CBI 5: The Brain
• Mandakini (2024 film)
• K. B. Unnithan
• P. G. N. Unnithan
• Ramachandran Unnithan
• Jawanum Mullapoovum
• Yakshi – Faithfully Yours