Administration in Medieval Kerala: Kings, Nobles, and Village Systems

Introduction

The administration of medieval Kerala was headed by the king, who stood at the apex of authority. During the era of the early Perumals, the Travancore kingdom was divided into four distinct regions: The Tulu kingdom, the Kupa kingdom, The Kerala Kingdom, and the Mushika kingdom. This division reflected the decentralized nature of governance, where rulers, nobles, and the religious class shared power in a system resembling the feudal structures of medieval Europe.

Territorial Divisions

The land was divided into nadus and desams, each comprising several Nair communities. Examples include the “Five Hundred” of Kodakaranad, the “Four Hundred” of Annamanad, and the “Three Hundred” of Chengalinad. This non-nucleated character of villages was a unique feature of Malabar administration.

A Nair village, or tara, consisted of detached houses surrounded by gardens. Each village had its own civil and administrative organizations, ensuring self-governance at the local level.

Role of Village Leaders

The Karanavans, or eldest members of households, managed local affairs and supervised cultivation of lands belonging to their chiefs. In return, they received a share of agricultural produce and were expected to render military service when required.

Village headmen were known as Gramadhipatis or Janmivalis, and in some places as Desavalis. They were proprietors of village lands and enjoyed privileges such as:

• Ambalappati: Direction of ceremonies in village temples.
• Management of pagoda lands.
• Asaima: Control of household ceremonies.
• Desadhipatyam: Supervision of village affairs.

A headman without the first two privileges was referred to as a Janmivali.

Military Organization

The Nairs formed the military class, serving as retainers of chiefs or kings. They protected dominions in times of war and held estates in fief from their chiefs. Their role in both military and administrative functions reinforced the feudal character of Kerala’s governance.

Self-Governance in Villages

Every village was self-governing, with its own headman, hereditary servants (Pramanis), panchayats, kuttams, police (kaval), and watchmen (kavalkar). Each function was clearly defined, ensuring smooth administration at the grassroots level.

Judicial Administration

Judicial authority rested with the king, but there were no written laws. Instead, customs served as unwritten laws, guiding justice and social order. Remarkably, justice was free in medieval Kerala, reflecting the community-oriented nature of governance.

Conclusion

The Administration of Medieval Kerala was a blend of centralized royal authority and decentralized village governance. Kings ruled over divided territories, but nobles, Brahmins, and Nairs played crucial roles in maintaining order. The village system, with its self-governing structures and reliance on customs, ensured continuity and stability. This feudal yet community-driven model highlights the distinctive character of Kerala’s medieval administration, where local autonomy coexisted with royal oversight.