Valiathan
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Valiathan is the name of one of the Nair sub castes in Travancore, Kerala state of south India. They were regarded as Samanthans and have originated through the marriages between Royal Kshatriya princes and Nair ladies.
When Marthanda Varma, the Maharajah of Travancore embarked upon his territorial espansion and annexed the kingdoms like Thekkumkur, Vadakumkur, Kayamkulam etc, he removed the traditional Naduvazhis or Feudal Lords who ruled within those kingdoms. In their place he appointed his relations and Nobles and gave them the distinguished title of 'Than', 'Unnithan' and 'Valiathan'.
[edit] References
Travancore State Manual by V.Nagam Aiya
