What is "kettilamma"

Kettilamma was the title held by the Nair consorts of the principal ruling Rajahs of Malabar (Northern Kerala) in pre-democratic feudal Kerala. Similarly, Nair consorts of the Maharajahs of southern Kingdoms of Kerala namely Cochin and of Travancore were known as Nethyar Ammas and Panapillai Amma respectively. The form of marriage was Sambandham and was referred to as Pattum Vala, after which she assumed the honorific title of Kettilamma.