Search results
Sambandham was a mode of traditional marriage practiced by Nambudiris, Nairs, Samantan Nairs, Samantha Kshatriyas and Ambalavasis among their own communities as well as with each other, in medieval Kerala, India.
- Introduction
- Who Are The Nairs?
- Origin of Nairs
- Martial Tradition of Nairs
- Nairs and Vedic Tradition
- Matrilineal and Marriage System of Nairs
- Misconceptions Regarding Sambandham Among Nairs
- Husbands Had Close Relations with Their Nair Wives and Children
- Conclusion
- References
There are many misconceptions and accusations against the Sambandhamunions which were prevalent among Nair community and Nambuthiri Brahmin community of Kerala. Many have accused and attacked Kerala Brahmins for being lecherous and Nair women of practicing polyandry, i.e. the custom of wife having multiple partners at the same time, and hence they ...
The Nairs were the ruling nobility and warrior community of Kerala during pre-colonial times. Marumakkathayam or matrilineal inheritance through nieces and nephews was the most important element of a Nair family. The ruling clans of Kerala styled themselves as Samantan or Samanta Kshatriyas and held names like Varma, Thampan, Thirupad/Thirumulpad, ...
The origins of Nair community are shrouded in mystery. Many authors have stated that the ancestors of Nairs are in fact Nagavamshis or warrior tribe which had a serpent cult. The serpent worship among Nairs is a widespread phenomenon. Each Nair Tharavad or household had a separate place for Sarpa Kavu or a sacred grove dedicated to Nagas. Nair wome...
Whatever the origins of Nairs maybe, it is clear that they existed in Kerala at least during the time of the second Chera kingdom or the kingdom of the Chera Parumals of Mahodayapuram or Kodungallur in central Kerala starting from 8-9th century CE. The Perumal era inscriptions make mention of Nairs as consisting of the nobility and militia of Keral...
Although most Nairs were considered only Shudra in Kerala’s peculiar Varna system, most of them were given functions of Kshatriyas. It was mandatory for Nairs to take oath for protecting cows and Brahmins when appointed in the military of the kingdom or when a new king takes up the throne . Nairs are also said to be the guardians of Vedic rituals c...
What made the Nairs famous among anthropologists is their matrilineal tradition and marriage system. Though matrilineality was practiced by a few other communities in Kerala, it was dominant among Nairs. The family was managed by the eldest uncle and property succession through nephews and nieces. Mothers and maternal aunts also had a significant r...
As stated in the beginning, the Sambandham system had led to many controversies and misconceptions associating with polyandry. Most of the mentions about Nair women having multiple Sambandham partners comes from accounts of foreigners who visited Kerala during the pre-colonial era. Most of these descriptions would’ve been done to explain the lifest...
Clearly, husbands and fathers had an important role to play in Nair’s married life, even though the children had no say over their property. Here are a few instances where it is evident that fathers indeed had good relations with their children. 1) The entire property of a Nambuthiri Brahmin was passed on to his Nair wife belonging to the Samuthiri...
So to conclude, polyandry was not a widespread mainstream custom among Nairs. Most Nair women may have new Sambandhamunions in her lifetime, but not at the same time. Also, we should remember that men too had the liberty to choose different partners. Even if polyandry was in practice in some localities, it was on certain uncommon circumstances as M...
The Great Indian Novel By Shashi Tharoor Perumals of Kerala by MGS Narayanan Palakkattussery Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/717234848459983/photos/a.717251338458334/1247790828737713/?type=3&theater നമ്മുടെ ഇരിങ്ങാലക്കുട (Our Irinjalakuda) Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourijk/permalink/2036379489813430/ Samoothirimar by PCM R...
Jul 3, 2021 · What is Sambandham? Sambandham was a custom among higher castes like Nairs, Samantha Kshatriya and Nambudiris. What it meant was that a woman could take more than one man as her husband.
May 13, 2024 · In the pre-British era, marriage customs in Kerala exhibited significant variation across regions and among different communities. Let’s explore these diverse marriage customs which sheds light...
Aug 19, 2024 · Sambandham, a unique form of marriage alliance practiced by the Namboothiri Brahmins of Kerala in ancient times, represented a distinct cultural and social arrangement within the region. The Namboothiris, being a Brahmin community, adhered to strict customs regarding marriage and lineage.
Nov 1, 2021 · The word ‘Sambandham’ is a localised form of the Sanskrit word Sabandham (Sat+Bandham), which means Good Relationship. It is a mode of marriage followed by all matrilinear Savarna communities...
In ancient Kerala it appears that both men and women could have Sambhandam with more than one person at the same time. Marriages contracted and ended with considerable ease. This was called Sambandham and a woman might have Sambandham with a number of men at the same time.
