Meloot Varma/Panicker History

In Southern India only in Kerala there arose warrior lineages to the Kshatriya (Royal) class. Panicker is a group belonging to the Hindu religion, who live in the South Malabar and central parts of Kerala. They are well-known as the masters of Kalari tradition, having their Nalpatheeradi Kalari (name derived from its area of 42 x 21 feet). They are the people who propagated and practised Kalaripayattu (the martial art form of Kerala )and administered the royal wars. Meloot (descendant of Chera dynasty) is a prominent Varma family in kerala kalari tradition. During their dynasty period, The Meloot family branched themselves into two formations - Ruling authority and Military authority. Henceforth the military authority Meloot Varmas were acknowledged as Panickers (warrior) and upheld the kingdom's shield and administration. Meloot Varmas received principal royalty status from The Kingdom of Travancore Since 1827 for their service . They are chiefly known as Meloot Varma Panickers or Meloot Panickers. At present , Kalaripayattu is not practiced or followed in some of the Meloot families , yet they keep their tradition and heritage very close to them.