Pallichan Nair is an intermediate Malayali caste who had adopted Nair surname and thus classified under Nairs[1][2] seen predominantly in Malabar and Cochin areas. They are found in Travancore in very low numbers. They are the palanquin / pallak bearers for the ruling dynasties, at some places for the Janmi Namboothiris[3] and Nair chieftains.[4] Vaniya Nairs, Pallichan Nairs, and Maniyani Nairs are Theyyam worshippers (The former being superior) and they have their own shrines for their Theyyams.[5]
Pallichan and Vattakad were treated as an intermediate class of Shudras.[6]