Section 2(b) in Mappilla Marumakkattayam Act, 1939
(b)"Karnavan" means the oldest major male member of a tarwad or tavazhi, as the case may be, in whom the right to management of its properties vests or in the absence of such a male member, the older major female member; or where by custom or family usage, the right to such management vests in the oldest major female member, such female member;
