sub-division of Mādhva and Smarta Brāhmans who speak the Kanarese language, as opposed to the Dēsastha Brāhmans, who are immigrants into Southern India from the Marātha country.
Kāro Panikkar.___ A class of temple servants in Malabar. "The Kāro Panikkar is said to be descended from the union of Vēttakorumagan (the God of hunting) and a Kiriyattil Nāyar woman. His occupation is to act as Vellichapād or oracle in temples dedicated to his divine ancestor." *[1]
Karpūra Chetti.— A synonym of Uppiliyans, who used to manufacture camphor (karpūra).
Kartā.— Kartā and Kartāvu, meaning agent or doer, is an honorific title of Nāyars and Sāmantas. It is also the name for the chief mourner at funerals of Nāyars and other castes on the west coast. Kartākkal, denoting, it is said, governors, has been returned, at times of census by Balijas claiming to be descendants of the Nāyak kings of Madura and Tanjore.
Karukku-pattayar (those of the sharp sword). — A sub-division of Shānān. In the Census Report, 1891, the division Karukku-mattai (petiole of the palmyra leaf with serrated edges) was returned. Some Shānāns are said to have assumed the name of Karukku-mattai Vellālas.
Karumala (black mountain). — An exogamous sept of Kānikar.
Karuman.— A sub-division of Kammālans, who do blacksmith's work.
Karumpuraththal.— A synonym for the caste name adopted by some Kāppiliyans.
- ↑ * Gazetteer of the Malabar district.
