The contribution of Nairs in protecting Hinduism and helping it expand in Kerala, has been huge. The Nair rajas (kings) of Kerala like the Zamorin of Calicut (Samoothiri of Nediyiruppu Swaroopam) built and patronized many temples.
One of the most ignored events in the Hindu history of Kerala, is about the lesser known Mughal invasion into Kerala during the 17th century which was successfully defended at Manacaud in South Kerala.