In the royal family, thalis of the princesses were usually tied by Kshatriyas from Kodungallur chief's family, which the Zamorin recognised as more ancient and therefore higher rank. The women's sambandham partners were Nambudiri Brahmins or Kshatriyas.[25][26] Royal men married Samantan or other Nair women. Zamorin's consort was dignified by the title "Naittiyar".[27]