Kurup of Travancore (alternatively Guyrip, Kuruppu or Kuruppanmar), meaning "Guru" in Sanskrit was a title used by Nairs in the Kingdom of Travancore,[1] many among them were powerful warlords, also serving as warriors and army generals. Additionally, a segment of the Nair Kurup belonged to the "Naaduvaazhi" and landlord class in Venad until the 17th century and they mostly belongs to the Illam and other subcastes in Travancore Nair caste. Kurup is also the title of Kiriyath Nairs in Malabar and Cochin. The Nair Kurup caste is unrelated to other Kurups. It is important not to confuse them with the Kurup Caste, Kalari Kurup, etc., as they have distinct identities.
| Group: | Kurup |
| Native Name Lang: | ta |
| Popplace: | Kerala |
| Languages: | Malayalam, Sanskrit |
| Religions: | Hinduism |
| Related: | Nambiar, Nair Pillai, Madampi, Malayali Brahmin |
The word "Kurup" originated from the Sanskrit word "Guru," which means 'Master' or "Spiritual teacher".
"Kurup" is a title of nobility among Nair subcastes, other higher titles of nairs such as Pillai, Nambiar, Unnithan, Thampi, Panicker, etc. Well-known Kurups of Travancore include Azhakath Kurup, a Nair noble man who represented Nairs in the Ettara Yogam or the King and Council of Eight, the longstanding administrative setup of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple for centuries.