In Madagascar, the term Andriana refers to the Malagasy nobility. This word refers to the noble families of the island’s early kingdoms and primarily means “lord,” “noble,” and sometimes even “prince.” More specifically, it also designates the sovereign, who is referred to as Andriana or Andriamanjaka.
The history of the noble organization in Madagascar begins with Ralambo, an ancient king of Imerina, the region of today’s Central Highlands. He is credited with laying the foundations for the structure of the nobility by dividing families into four classes. The first, the highest, was led by his son Andriantompokoindrindra. The second and third classes consisted of lords from his family, called Andrianamboniolona and Andriandranando. The fourth class comprised his descendants from the Andrianjaka branch, known as Zanadralambo.
In 1655, another Malagasy king, Andriamasinavalona, added his own touch to this caste system. He introduced three new classes, placed above the first four, to strengthen and redefine the noble structure. These new classes were the Zanakandirana, the Zazamarolahy, and Andriamasinavalona.
Today, Madagascar has seven classes of nobility: the Zanakandriana, the Zazamarolahy, the Andriamasinavalona, the Andriantompokoindrindra, the Andrianamboniolona, the Zanadralambo, and finally, the Zanakandirana.
That said, in Madagascar, nobility is not identified by a noble particle, as is often the case in European countries. The system is not as formalized, but there are other distinct ways to identify a nobleman. For example, specific forms of salutation were used, though not systematically. Nobles from the Highlands often had names beginning with the prefixes Andria- or Ra, but it’s important to note that, since each Malagasy name is unique to an individual, it’s not always easy to determine whether someone belongs to the nobility just by reading their name. Knowledge of family lineage and history is essential.
After the monarchy in Imerina came to an end, many families chose to give their children names that included the prefix Andriana, even though they were not from the former aristocracy. Today, to determine whether someone belongs to the nobility, Malagasy people often inquire about the family’s geographical origins – specifically where the ancestors’ graves are located or where they lived. Noble families often remain in these regions, holding fast to tradition. Thanks to a strong oral tradition, which remains alive even among young people, it is not uncommon to encounter someone who can identify noble families simply by knowing the local history.
Thus, for us Malagasy, it’s the place and family ties that define nobility, far more than the name.
