Panicker was an honorary title conferred by the King of Travancore in Kerala to distinguished Hindu individuals. This title was given to prominent warriors who led soldiers in battle. They belonged to various castes, including Syrian Catholics, Kaniyar, Ezhava,[1] and Nairs.


The surname "Panicker" is mainly associated with the state of Kerala, India. It is derived from the Hindu Nair community, which is traditionally considered an upper-caste group in Kerala. The name "Panicker" is specifically associated with individuals who held the position of "Panicker" or "Panikkar," which was a hereditary title given to military chieftains or commanders in ancient Kerala. However, it is important to note that caste classifications and social hierarchies can vary across regions and communities, so it is always advisable to approach individual cases with sensitivity and respect for cultural diversity.

They were well known for their expertise in Kalari and practiced Kalaripayattu, the native martial arts of Kerala. They usually had their own Nalpatheeradi Kalari (the name being derived from its area of 42 x 21 feet).[2]

History

A present-day Kalari in Aloor, Thrissur, Kerala (Aloor Kalari)

Kalaris in Kerala were established during different periods. The formation of Kerala is interlinked with the story of Parashurama. It is believed that Parashurama established 108 kalaris across Kerala.[3] Several kalaris were established during the reign of Kulasekharas.[4] In the 12th century towards the end of Perumal era, the present state of Kerala was divided into small autonomous provinces called Nadus and ruled by its Kings. During the Kulasekhara rule and later the kings of Nadus brought in warriors from Tulu Nadu.


The Portuguese traveller Duarte Barbosa said that "They are the skillful men who teach this art Kalarippayattu, and they are called the Panickers: these are the captains in war."[5] In Journal of the Epigraphical Society of India it, is given that "The teachers of martial arts in order to distinguish themselves from other Panikkars, named themselves as Vanma, Varma Panikkars, Other titles include a middle name of "Kalarikkal" (literally, 'of the kalari') generally following the name of the respective 'kalari' to which he/she belongs to.[6][7]

Kalari Panicker is a different caste in Kerala and should not be confused with Nair panicker. The National Commission of Backward Classes lists Kalari Panicker under the list of OBCs.[8]

Meloot Panicker

"Meloot is a prominent varma family in kerala (descendant of Chera dynasty ). During their dynasty period, the Meloot family branched themselves into two formations - Ruling authority and Military authority. Henceforth the military authority Meloot Varmas were acknowledged as Panickers (warrior) and upheld the kingdom's shield and administration. [4] Varmas received principal royalty status from The Kingdom of Travancore Since 1827 for their service . They are chiefly known as Meloot Varma Panickers or Meloot Panickers."[9][4] At present , Kalaripayattu is not practiced or followed in some of the Meloot families, yet they keep their tradition and heritage very close to them.

Notable people

  • Puthumana Panicker: Title held by the Padanair( head of army) from Puthumana family[10]
  • Chandroth Panicker: Title held by the Padanair from Chandroth family, 15-year-old boy warrior chandroth chanthunni hailed from chandroth family[10]
  • Kokat Panicker: Title held by the Padanair from Kokat family[10]
  • Verkot Panicker: Title held by the Padanair from Verkot family[11]


See also Panikkar

References

  1. ↑ Osella, Filippo; Osella, Caroline (2000). Social Mobility in Kerala: Modernity and Identity in Conflict. Pluto Press. p. 55. ISBN 978-0-7453-1693-2.
  2. ↑ "Kalaripayattu".
  3. ↑ Keralolpathi (The origin of Malabar).
  4. 1 2 3 Thampuran ., Ramavarma Appan (1923). Bhootharayar. pp. 86–127.
  5. ↑ Lord Egerton of Tatton (2002). Indian and Oriental Arms and Armour. Courier Dover Publications. p. 80.
  6. ↑ Nossiter, T. J. (Thomas Johnson) (1982). Communism in Kerala : a study in political adaptation. Royal Institute of International Affairs. Berkeley: University of California Press for the Royal Institute of International Affairs, London. ISBN 0-520-04667-6. OCLC 9602086.
  7. ↑ Panikkar, K. M. (July 1918). "Some Aspects of Nayar Life". The Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland. 48: 242–248. doi:10.2307/2843423. ISSN 0307-3114. JSTOR 2843423.
  8. ↑ "National Commission for Backward Classes".
  9. ↑ Sreedhara Menon, A. (2007). A survey of Kerala history. Kerala State, India: D C Books. ISBN 978-81-264-1578-6. OCLC 426093919.
  10. 1 2 3 "മാമാങ്കം: ചോര കൊണ്ടെഴുതിയ വീരചരിത്രങ്ങൾ; പോരാട്ടം, മരണം വരെ". ManoramaOnline (in Malayalam). Retrieved 7 December 2019.
  11. ↑ "Festivals in Ancient Kerala: Mamankam". Kerals.com. 4 March 2016. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
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