Aickara

Aickara is an aristocratic Hindu Nair tharawad (aka family) located in Kothamangalam (central Kerala, India). The family which was inherited from the old Ambattukunnel family now includes four generations of members.

Nair's are a large matriarchal caste in Kerala. They were the warrior's of olden times. Women played a very dominant role in Nair families. The birth of a girl child was very auspicious as it meant that the family lineage would continueFact|date=February 2007. A child took on the family name of his/her mother. Women had priority during family wealth distribution - men received one share of family property and each woman received her share and one share for each of her childrenFact|date=February 2007.