According to legend, it is said that the Maharajah Marthanda Varma of Travancore sought the help of the Vattaparambil, later Valiathan, family in order to overcome the powerful clan of Ettuveetil Pillamar, the Lords of the Eight Houses.
The Maharajah and his heir apparent, the popular Dharmarajah, therefore addressed the oldest, and most powerful, lady of the Vattaparambil House as Valiyamma.
Later the lord of the House died in battle against the Ettuveetil Pillamar, leaving the family without a head figure.
When Marthanda Varma finally became king, he gave the title of "Valiathan" to the family.
Today, these three families, known collectively as the Valiathans, constitute a subcaste of the Nair community.