Etymology
The term Samoothiri came into use only after the 15th century, first time in the writings of Abdul Razzak. Ibn Battuta visited the country in the 14th century (1342–1347) and refers to the rulers as Punthureshan Kunnalakkonathiri. However, then the Eradis assumed the title of Samudrāthiri. The title Samudrāthiri was shortened to Sāmoothiri over time in common usage.
The Zamorins used these titles and no records indicate the actual personnel name of the king. There is one more title namely Virarayan. This title seems to be acquired when Zamorins annexed parts of Valluvanad to Zamorins territory. The title Virarayan is a form derived from Rayeran, a name of Valluvanad seen even in 9th century AD, in Panniyur inscriptions of Cheras.
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“The universal principle of etymology in all languages: words are carried over from bodies and from the properties of bodies to express the things of the mind and spirit. The order of ideas must follow the order of things.”
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—Stephen Bayley, British historian, art critic. “Taste: The Story of an Idea,” Taste: The Secret Meaning of Things, Random House (1991)