Buddhism was popular in the time of Ashoka[174] but vanished by the 12th century CE.[175] Certain Hindu communities such as the Samantan Kshatriyas, Ambalavasis, Nairs, Thiyyas and some Muslims around North Malabar used to follow a traditional matrilineal system known as marumakkathayam,[176][177] although this practice ended in the years after Indian independence.[178] Other Muslims, Christians, and some Hindu castes such as the Namboothiris, most of the Ambalavasi castes and the Ezhavas followed makkathayam, a patrilineal system.[179][180] Owing to the former matrilineal system, women in Kerala enjoy a high social status.[181] However, gender inequality among low caste men and women is reportedly higher compared to that in other castes.[182]: 1