Kartha

Kartha or Karthavu, meaning "Lord" in the Malayalam language, is an aristocratic Nair title which traditionally meant, "One who does." It was conferred by the kings of Kerala to powerful Nair families, and as such, they enjoyed Raja (regional kings) or Naduvazhi (feudal chieftains and landlords) status. Kartha chieftains were also bestowed with extraordinary rights and authorities by the erstwhile kings and they held a special status within the royal court. They used these privileges to own vast acres of land (Jenmi). History has it that some members of the Kartha community also used to work as Supreme Commanders in the royal armies of the king, while other Kartha families were renowned for their expertise in traditional Ayurveda medicine. Most Kartha families have their ancestral tutelary deity as the Hindu Goddess Bhadrakali, or the Goddess Durga. A few families also consider their ancestral deity as Vettakkorumakan, a Hindu entity worshiped in parts of North Kerala.

Kaimal is a closely related Cast/Title Both Kartha and Kaimal are identified as Samanthan. Those who belong to the old Royal families are styled Rāja or Tamburān (lord), their ladies Tamburāttis, and their houses Kōvilagams or palaces. Some Sāmantans have the caste titles of Kartāvu and Kaimal. But it does not appear that there are really any material differences between the various classes of Sāmantans, other than purely social differences due to their relative wealth and influence.

Kartha and Kaimals identify themselves as a Nair sub-cast with Kshatriya Varna. There are many references recorded in various historical documents. They are noted as Kings/Nadivazis(നാടുവാഴി)/ Princes.