Madampi or Madambi, plural Madampimār, is the Malayalam term used to refer to the landed aristocracy of Kerala, used by the uppermost Nair subdivisions. Pillai is the main title used by the Madampi. They were mostly found in the kingdoms of Jaisimhanadu and Venad. The Madampis served as the Jenmimar and had their own Nair armies during the pre-independence era. They held authority within their respective regions and also had the right to adjudicate provincial disputes, often exercising greater judicial power than the kings themselves. Their power was severely reduced after the Communist government passed the Land Reforms Ordinance.