Malayali Brahmins (Malayalam: മലയാളി ബ്രാഹ്മണർ, malayali brahmaner; also known as Malayala Brahmanar) or Kerala Brahmins are the group of Brahmins from the Indian state of Kerala. The proper Malayali brahmin castes are the Nambudiri,[1] and the Potti.
Pushpaka Brahmin, Nambeeshan, Nambidi, Chakyar, Ilyathu, etc., are other semi-Brahmin castes, which are part of the Ambalavasi community. They are not directly involved in priestly duties but rather engaged in non-priestly temple activities.[1]
Like ambalavasis, a higher section of Nairs which includes Pillais, Kurup and Menon comes under semi-brahmin class mostly engaged in Kshatriya functions, administrative duties and control over temples, who have similar rights of Ambalavasi community.[2]