Nair lifestyle in the past

The following information has been condensed from the Travancore State Manual by V. Nagam Aiya. The General appearance of the Nairs will be clear from the following quote, as noted by the author in 1901.

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The Appearance of the well nourished Nair is perhaps among the finest in all India...the men and women among the Nairs are models of neatness and simplicity particularly in their dress, food and living. The men keep a small tuft of hair hanging in front, tied into a knot which is thrown behind or on the side, quite similar to the Tamil Brahmins while women have long black hair growing luxuriantly which they keep neat and orderly by constant bathing, rubbing of oil and use of comb. They tie it in a large bun suspended on the left side or in front. This is a very pretty observance and one that is worth imitation in other civilised countries

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Nair men were identified by their Tufts of hair in the front side (Mun Kudumma), side burns (Krithavu) and the upturned Moustache. They always carried swords or daggers with them as a sign of dignity and authority.Men wore Kaupinam (loin cloth) and a single strip of cloth, four or five cubits in length, known as the Mundu, round the waist and another one thrown over the shoulder or worn like a shawl(veshti). The lower cloth was not tucked between the legs as in northern India but was left to hang loose to the ground. The upper cloth known as the Neriatu was tied as a turban on the head while walking outside. Boiled rice (Choru) and the rice gruel known as kanjee (pronounced /ˈkɒndʒiː/) formed the staple food of the Nairs. The coconut, jackfruit, plantain, mango and other fruits and vegetables were widely used. Coconut oil was also used widely. Ghee was used in well-to-do families and on festive occasions. Rice in the form of 'Kanji' or 'Choru' was served thrice a day at mealtimes along with curries and other additional dishes. Non-vegetarian food was not objectionable and fish was the most commonly consumed additional dish. Chicken was also consumed. Many of them had a special liking for game meat. Traditionally beef was not eaten by Nairs. Killing of the cow was resented. They had a pious attitude towards cows just like other Hindus. Dairy items like milk, curd, buttermilk, butter and ghee were greatly relished. Alcoholic drinks as a rule were prohibited. Sweet dishes like Palpayasam and Ada Prathaman were prepared during festive occasions. Other special dishes included Kozhukkatta, Chivda, Elayappam (sweet), Ottada, Kaliyodakka, etc.