Kaimal is an aristocratic title that was historically given to various chiefs from the Nair caste during the feudal period of what is now the Indian state of Kerala. Several well known families have borne the title, including the Kaimals of Koratti, Angi and Koddachery.[1]
Kaimals identify themselves as a Nair Sub-caste. There are many references recorded in various historical documents. They are part of the Jenmi and Naduvazhi of Kerala.
Many Kaimal families are also part of Kshatriya Kshema Sabha along with Nair Service Society.
On 26 October 1662, the rulers of Kochi successfully defeated the Portuguese who wanted to change the statue of Kochi from that of an ally to that of a vassal. They exploited the rivalry between the Dutch and the Portuguese, and made the Dutch their ally in the war against the Portuguese forces. The Kochi kings fought this battle with the assistance rendered by the Anchi Kaimals.[10]
T. I. Poonen says
It may be mentioned that one of the important causes of Dutch success in Cochin was the loyal co-operation they received from the Anchi Kaimals or five lords of whom the most important was Cheranellular Kartha.[11]
Some regional rulers such as Koratty Kaimal were served and protected by trained non-Nair warriors as well.[12]
Territorial rulers titled Kaimal and Kartha ran parallel administrative systems by challenging kings. [13][full citation needed] A few of them were very powerful and even Raja sought help from foreign powers such as the Portuguese to conquer them.[14]
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Collected From The University of California