The Ladies of Nambudiri Brahmins are called Antharjanam. The literal meaning of the word is "the person who's inside." Some synonyms include Akathullor (അകത്തുള്ളോർ), Akathamma (അകത്തമ്മ), Athemma (അത്തേമ്മ), Aathol (ആത്തോൽ) etc. Traditionally, they have been living with the Ghosha (Parda) practice. Public transport, meeting other men (except husband) etc was banned fro them. They were to manage the kitchen and temple affairs. In the rare occasions they were allowed to get put of the house, they had to dress completely covering their body, use a Marakkuda or Manakkuda which is an umbrella of 4-5 feet diameter. The socio-cultural renaissance in the early 20th century, destroyed the age old traditions in kerala and freed Antharjanams alongside the women from the outside world.
When their husbands pass away, they had to shave their head and become a monk. Second marriage was banned for them.
Famous Antharjanams
- Kaippilly Aryadevi Antarjanam (Aryamba), Mother of Adi Shankara
- Lalithambika Antharjanam (1909–1987), Famous Malayalam Author