Kongu Vellalar

Kongu Vellalar
Classification Backward Class
Religions Hinduism
Country India
Original state Tamil Nadu
Populated States major population in Tamil Nadu, minor populations in Puducherry, Karnataka, Kerala, United Kingdom and the United States[1]
Region Tamil Nadu
Related groups Vellalar, Tamil people, Dravidian people

Kongu Vellalars, sometimes referred to simply as Gounder, are a community from the western region of Tamil Nadu, which is known as Kongu Nadu. It also refers to the title or surname used by the Vellalar community from the region. Kongu Vellala Gounders were classified as a Forward Caste at the time of Indian independence but they successfully requested to be reclassified as a Backward Class in 1975.[2] The Vellalars of Kongu region came to be known as Kongu Vellalar or Gounder, though both the names have also been treated separately in some regions.[3]

The community plays a significant role in the political and economic life of the Kongu Nadu region.[4][5] Among them are businessmen who figure among the global leaders in several industrial sectors.[6]

Wedding

The community has its own style of marriage ceremony. The ceremony is led by person called an Arumbukarar or Arumaikkarar.[7] A long song composed by Kambar, called "Mangala valthu", is usually sung.[8] In the wedding ceremony the brother of the bride and sister of the groom play significant roles.[9]

References

  1. ↑ Sivan, Jayaraj (21 May 2009). "Gounder consolidation could pose headache to major parties". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  2. ↑ Prasad, K.V. (8 May 2009). "Looking to create a Kongu stronghold". The Hindu. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  3. ↑ Ramaswamy, Vijaya (2007). Historical Dictionary of the Tamils. Scarecrow Press. p. 303. ISBN 9780810864450.
  4. ↑ Gounder consolidation could pose headache to major parties - Times Of India
  5. ↑ Menon, Jaya (15 February 2011). "Rahul keen to test western belt". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  6. ↑ Gounders consolidation could pose headache to major parties
  7. ↑ Beck, Brenda (1972). Peasant Society of Konku: A Study of right and left subastes in South India. University of British Columbia Press, Vancouver. p. 299. ISBN 0-7748-0014-3.
  8. ↑ Sundaram, B. Meenakshi (20 September 2015). "Kambar, Kongunadu's Friend or Foe?". New Indian Express. Retrieved 2016-09-12.
  9. ↑ Beck, Brenda (1972). Peasant Society of Konku: A Study of right and left subastes in South India. University of British Columbia Press, Vancouver. p. 240. ISBN 0-7748-0014-3.
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