What is "andriana"

Andriana is both the name of the noble class and a title of nobility in Madagascar. Historically, many Malagasy ethnic groups lived in highly stratified caste-based social orders in which the andriana were the political and/or spiritual leaders. Among the Merina of the central highlands of Madagascar, the emergence of a noble class is attributed to its decree by King Andriamanelo (1540–1575), later subdivided into four sub-castes by King Ralambo (1575–1600) and eventually six sub-castes by King Andriamasinavalona (1675–1710).

The use of the word "Andriana" to denote nobility occurs among numerous Malagasy ethnic groups including the Zafiraminia, the Merina, the Betsileo, the Betsimisaraka, the Tsimihety, the Bezanozano, the Antambahoaka and the Antemoro. Andriana often traditionally formed part of the names of Malagasy kings, princes and nobles. Linguistic evidence suggests its origin is traceable back to an ancient Javanese nobility title, although alternate theories have been proposed.

Andriana may refer to:

• Andriana, both the name of the noble class and a title of nobility in Madagascar
• 3413 Andriana, an asteroid