Valiathan

Valiathan is the surname used by members of certain families that are all part of a single original Tharavad and was a title corresponding to Unnithan. This latter title, originally known as Thankal, was conferred by the Rajah of Kayamkulam on Nair nobles of his state. In the 18th century it was Marthanda Varma of Travancore who conferred the title of Valiya Thankal (Senior Thankal) on the Vattaparambil family which was reduced to Valiathan. Correspondingly the other Thankals came to be known as Unni Thankals (Junior Thankals) or Unnithans.