Wikipedia
Tharakan is a Hindu caste from the Palakkad district of Kerala, South India. The majority of the Guptans are located in Valluvanad, with major agglomerations around Vayillyamkunnu, Katambazhippuram, Sreekrishnapuram, Chethallur and Mannarkkad. Many Sanskrit scholars and popular astrologers originated from this community.
Tharakan is an honorific hereditary title which was bestowed upon a handful prominent Saint Thomas Christian families in the erst-while Kingdoms of Travancore and Cochin, currently being the State of Kerala in India. This title of "Tharakan" was given by the Maharaja of Travancore, the Maharaja of Cochin and by the Rajas of the smaller Kingdoms to Nasrani Christian families for their services and contributions. The families which held the title had certain specific monetary obligation to their ruler, i.e. they paid taxes, or Tariff.