"The great province of Maabar* know too that it is trully the noblest and richest province in the whole world "
Marco Polo (AD 1200s)

*Maabar - Malabar - Kerala - India

Nairs

"These Nairs rarely laugh.... They are born in noble families and are adept warriors. They come out with the sword on one hand and shield on the other. They are a proud and arrogant people .... - John Nieuhoff (1661)
John Nieuhoff was a 17th century European traveller