The total population of the Nair community is disputed, since there has been no caste-based census since 1931.
The Nair population in Trivandrum and Ernakulam districts has been increasing since the beginning of 19th century.
[8] They were the major aristocratic warrior class, Naduvazhi and Deshavazhi in Travancore before the 19th century and considered as highest of all Nairs.
They were found only in Travancore and were a major military caste who mostly soliders of Illam Nair landlords and administrators in Swaroopams.
[15] Household sample surveys conducted by the Kerala Statistical Institute, the last of which were in 2000[needs update], produced estimates which were: