The sub-divisions among the Kanikars are known as illams or families, of which five are said to be endogamous, and five exogamous. The former are called Machchampi or brother-in-law illams, and the latter Annantampi or brother illams. They are named after mountains (e.g., Palamala, Talamala), places (e.g., Vellanat), etc. The Kanikars who live south of the Kodayar river cannot marry those living north of it, the river forming a marital boundary. Among the names of Kanikars are Parapan (broad-faced), Chanthiran (moon), Marthandan (sun), Muntan (dwarf), Kaliyan (little Kali), Madan (a deity), Nili (blue) and Karumpi (black). The first name is sometimes that of the settlement in which they live. For example, the various Mullans are known as Kuzhumbi Mullan, Anaimalai Mullan, Chembilakayam Mullan, etc. The Kanikars live together in small communities under a Muttakani or headman, who wields considerable influence over them, and enjoys various perquisites. He presides over tribal council meetings, at which all social questions are discussed and settled, and fixes the time for clearing the jungle, sowing the seed, gathering the harvest, worshipping the gods, etc. Fines which are inflicted are spent in propitiating the gods. The language of the Kanikars is a dialect of Malayalam, with a large admixture of Tamil, which they call Malampashai or language of the hills. The system of inheritance among those who live in the hills is makkathayam (from father to son). But a moiety of the personal property goes to the nephews. With those who live in the plains, an equal distribution of their self-acquired property is made between the sons and nephews. If there are no sons, the nephews inherit the property, the widow being entitled to maintenance.