Tharavad

Tharavad pronunciation is a system of joint family practised by people in Kerala, especially Nairs and Thiyar. Tharavadu was a legal entity like a Hindu Undivided Family as per Indian Income Tax laws, and was entitled to own properties. The others, like Namboothriris, Ezhavas, Christians and Muslims also now refer to their ancestral home as Tharavadu. However the Nairs system was very different and was an integral part of their joint-family lifestyle in the bygone era. There was a very complex system of relationships amongst tharavads, which were based on the matriarchal and marriage relationships. The key to a Nair Tharavad was a very prominent temple for forefathers and Serpent Groves.