Kongu Vellalar
Encyclopedia
Gounders also known as Kongu Vellalars (கொங்கு வேளாளர்) are Kshatriya
s native to the western region of Tamil Nadu
known as Kongu Nadu
. They were known as a noble, feudal and land owning caste of Tamil Nadu
from the Sangam age. Gounder means people who protected land, people and country.
region of Tamil Nadu
.
KINGS - Sangam Cheras were the first kings to rule western region of Tamil Nadu
known as Kongu Nadu
. These Sangam Cheras ruled Kongu Nadu
with their capital at Karur
. Kongu Vellala Gounders were believed to be the descendants of these Karur Cheras. Kongu Mandala Satakam mentions that a section of gounders founded the Western Ganga Kingdom in KonguNadu before moving it to old mysore region. This is confirmed by the name Ganga-Kula which is used to refer Gounders in Mangala Vazhthu.
SEIGNEURS - Kalingarayar (Lingaraya Gounder) was a Pandya general who linked the Bhavani and Noyyal rivers through Kaligarayan canal. Konguvel, a Ganga vassal ruled the kongu region from Vijayamangalam. Athiyamans of Satyaputra who ruled from Thagadur belonged to gounder clan. Some of the velirs of Sangam age belonged to gounder community.
POLIGARS/ZAMINDARS - During sixteenth century, TamilNadu was divided into various palayams. Poligars were the rulers of these palayams. Western TamilNadu was divided between various Gounder Poligars. The list of the gounder palayams are given below.
1. Gopanna Mandradiars (Zamindars of Pollachi)
2. Samathur Vanavarayars
3. Uthukuli Zamin
4. Palaya Kottai Pattakarar (Sarkarai Mandradiars of Kangeyam - Dheeran Chinnamalai)
5. Kumaramangalam Zamin near Tiruchengodu
6. Konganapuram Zamin near Sankagiri
7. Vaenadudeyars of Sankaradamplayam near Palani/Dharapuram
, a number of heroes were known in the region for their valiance. This is evident from the various hero stones found throughout Kongu Nadu
. But legends of two of the historic personalities stand out among Gounders. One is Annamar Swamy story and another is the freedom fight of Dheeran Chinnamalai
.
Annamar Swamy - The legendry brothers Ponnar-Shankar were together called as Annamar Swamy. The story narrates how the brothers established their kingdom, how they fought against the conspiracy of vettuva leader and how they defended their kingdom. Today the brothers are worshipped as tutelar deities by people belonging to Kongu Vellala Gounder community as a tribute to the brave way the brothers defended their kingdom.
Dheeran Chinnamalai - Born as Theerthagiri Gounder, he commanded a vast army, notably during the Second Polygar War that took place in 1801–1802. He helped Tipu Sultan in his war against the British and were instrumental in victories at Chitheswaram, Mazahavalli and Srirangapatna. After Tipu's death, Chinnamalai settled down at Odanilai in Kongu Nadu and constructed a fort there and defeated the British in battles at Cauvery in 1801, Odanilai in 1802 and Arachalur in 1804. Later, Chinnamalai left his fort to avoid cannon attack and engaged in guerrilla warfare while he was stationed at Karumalai in the Palani region. He was captured by the British who hanged him at Sankagiri Fort on 31 July 1805 (Adiperukku day).
Neverthleess, Gounders have their own political parties too. Kongunadu Munnetra Kazhagam and Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaignar Peravai
are the two political parties floated by gounders for their political welfare. The former is now headed by Er. Eswaran and later headed by U. Thaniyarasu
. These two parties ensure that Gounders get right share in both state and central governments.
region of Tamil Nadu
is the economic power house of the state. A good section of the community is highly educated, many from the US and UK. Gounders are involved in various business in Coimbatore
, Karur
, Namakkal, Erode
, Tiruppur, Salem, Krishnagiri
, Dharmapuri
and Dindigul
districts. Most of the Gounders are third-generation businessmen and together they generate roughly Rs 40,000 crore of export revenue annually.
Two regions namely Tiruppur and Namakkal can be given as example for their economic clout. Trippur, known as knitwear capital creates export revenue of Rs 12000 crore. Most of the Spinning mill, dyeing and garment manufacturing company owners in Tiruppur belong to the Gounder caste. Namakkal, a dry region before four decades is now turned into hub of trucks and poultries. Again, Gounders own most of the trucks and poultries in Namakkal region. Through sheer hard work, Gounders have attained international recognition. They figure among the global leaders in several sectors including grey cotton, home textiles, hosiery, industrial and automobile components, heavy vehicles and even turmeric and eggs.
Rites relating to government administration and war find their places in Gounder marriages. The events such as bridegroom riding a horse in olden days, giving gifts and presents including weapons are examples. The main occupation of Kongu Vellala Gounders became agriculture and from this came rites such as boiling paddy and seer koodai.
On the specified day, the three arumaikaarars, after planting the Muhurthakaal, will go to an anthill of white ants, offer prayer, gather sacred earth in three baskets and bring those to the wedding place.
* The first day sees the Naal virundhu, when close relatives of the bride and bridegroom will host feasts for their respective families.
* The second day is when all relatives are brought together. Events such as the erection of a pandal, the cutting of muhurtha kaal, hairdressing
of the bridegroom by kudimagan, informing the marriage event to village community by drum beating, hosting of a feast for the relatives of the
two families, and the bridegroom leaving for the house of the bride all take place on this day.
* On the third day, the muhurtham takes place. The bride and the bridegroom will be seated on the marriage platform on completion of appropriate
rites. The Thaali will be tied by the bridegroom around the neck of the bride and the Mangala Vaazhthu song is recited.
The marriage events ends with the serving of a feast to all relatives, friends and neighbours.
. Some of the popular movies are Suryavamsam
, Chinna Gounder
, Nattamai
and Yejaman
.
Kshatriya
*For the Bollywood film of the same name see Kshatriya Kshatriya or Kashtriya, meaning warrior, is one of the four varnas in Hinduism...
s native to the western region of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
known as Kongu Nadu
Kongu Nadu
Kongu Nadu is a region comprising the western part of the Tamil Nadu India. The region is bounded on the west and north-west by the Karnataka state, on the west by the Kerala state, on the east by Tondai Nadu, on the south-east by Chola Nadu and on the south by Madurai regions of...
. They were known as a noble, feudal and land owning caste of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
from the Sangam age. Gounder means people who protected land, people and country.
History of Gounders
The history of Kongu Vellala Gounders is associated with the history of the KonguKongu
Kongu may refer to:* Kongu , a region in Tamil Nadu* Kongu Engineering College, an engineering college in Tamil Nadu* Toa Kongu, a fictional hero from the BIONICLE series.* Kongu Arts and Science College, an Arts college in Tamil Nadu...
region of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
.
KINGS - Sangam Cheras were the first kings to rule western region of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
known as Kongu Nadu
Kongu Nadu
Kongu Nadu is a region comprising the western part of the Tamil Nadu India. The region is bounded on the west and north-west by the Karnataka state, on the west by the Kerala state, on the east by Tondai Nadu, on the south-east by Chola Nadu and on the south by Madurai regions of...
. These Sangam Cheras ruled Kongu Nadu
Kongu Nadu
Kongu Nadu is a region comprising the western part of the Tamil Nadu India. The region is bounded on the west and north-west by the Karnataka state, on the west by the Kerala state, on the east by Tondai Nadu, on the south-east by Chola Nadu and on the south by Madurai regions of...
with their capital at Karur
Karur
Karur is a large town and a municipality in Karur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu situated on the banks of Amaravati. Karur district was formed on 30 September 1995 by trifurcating Tiruchirappalli district. It is the administrative headquarters of Karur District. Karur has a very long...
. Kongu Vellala Gounders were believed to be the descendants of these Karur Cheras. Kongu Mandala Satakam mentions that a section of gounders founded the Western Ganga Kingdom in KonguNadu before moving it to old mysore region. This is confirmed by the name Ganga-Kula which is used to refer Gounders in Mangala Vazhthu.
SEIGNEURS - Kalingarayar (Lingaraya Gounder) was a Pandya general who linked the Bhavani and Noyyal rivers through Kaligarayan canal. Konguvel, a Ganga vassal ruled the kongu region from Vijayamangalam. Athiyamans of Satyaputra who ruled from Thagadur belonged to gounder clan. Some of the velirs of Sangam age belonged to gounder community.
POLIGARS/ZAMINDARS - During sixteenth century, TamilNadu was divided into various palayams. Poligars were the rulers of these palayams. Western TamilNadu was divided between various Gounder Poligars. The list of the gounder palayams are given below.
1. Gopanna Mandradiars (Zamindars of Pollachi)
2. Samathur Vanavarayars
3. Uthukuli Zamin
4. Palaya Kottai Pattakarar (Sarkarai Mandradiars of Kangeyam - Dheeran Chinnamalai)
5. Kumaramangalam Zamin near Tiruchengodu
6. Konganapuram Zamin near Sankagiri
7. Vaenadudeyars of Sankaradamplayam near Palani/Dharapuram
Valiance of Gounders
Throughout the history of Western Tamil NaduTamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
, a number of heroes were known in the region for their valiance. This is evident from the various hero stones found throughout Kongu Nadu
Kongu Nadu
Kongu Nadu is a region comprising the western part of the Tamil Nadu India. The region is bounded on the west and north-west by the Karnataka state, on the west by the Kerala state, on the east by Tondai Nadu, on the south-east by Chola Nadu and on the south by Madurai regions of...
. But legends of two of the historic personalities stand out among Gounders. One is Annamar Swamy story and another is the freedom fight of Dheeran Chinnamalai
Dheeran Chinnamalai
Dheeran Chinnamalai was a Kongu chieftain and Palayakkarar from Tamil Nadu who rose up in revolt against the British East India Company in the Kongu Nadu, Southern India...
.
Annamar Swamy - The legendry brothers Ponnar-Shankar were together called as Annamar Swamy. The story narrates how the brothers established their kingdom, how they fought against the conspiracy of vettuva leader and how they defended their kingdom. Today the brothers are worshipped as tutelar deities by people belonging to Kongu Vellala Gounder community as a tribute to the brave way the brothers defended their kingdom.
Dheeran Chinnamalai - Born as Theerthagiri Gounder, he commanded a vast army, notably during the Second Polygar War that took place in 1801–1802. He helped Tipu Sultan in his war against the British and were instrumental in victories at Chitheswaram, Mazahavalli and Srirangapatna. After Tipu's death, Chinnamalai settled down at Odanilai in Kongu Nadu and constructed a fort there and defeated the British in battles at Cauvery in 1801, Odanilai in 1802 and Arachalur in 1804. Later, Chinnamalai left his fort to avoid cannon attack and engaged in guerrilla warfare while he was stationed at Karumalai in the Palani region. He was captured by the British who hanged him at Sankagiri Fort on 31 July 1805 (Adiperukku day).
Political Influence
Being one of the largest communities among Tamils, Gounders dominate the politics in western TamilNadu and have always retained their fair share in both Dravidian governments (ADMK and DMK) and central government. Current TN ministry has 8 ministers from Gounder community and this is the largest among any community in TN ministry. Important portfolios like Higher Education, Industries, Public Works, Agriculture, Highways & Ports, Revenue, Transport & Small scale Industries are held by Gounders in current ADMK government. In central government, one ministry is given to Gounder community from DMK side.Neverthleess, Gounders have their own political parties too. Kongunadu Munnetra Kazhagam and Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaignar Peravai
Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaignar Peravai
Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaignar Peravai of late senior Kongu leader and famous politician Kovai Chezhian. The association is led by U. Thaniyarasu M.L.A...
are the two political parties floated by gounders for their political welfare. The former is now headed by Er. Eswaran and later headed by U. Thaniyarasu
U. Thaniyarasu
U. Thaniyarasu is an Indian politician and incumbent Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from the Paramathi Velur constituency. He represents the Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaignar Peravai party....
. These two parties ensure that Gounders get right share in both state and central governments.
Economic Clout
KonguKongu
Kongu may refer to:* Kongu , a region in Tamil Nadu* Kongu Engineering College, an engineering college in Tamil Nadu* Toa Kongu, a fictional hero from the BIONICLE series.* Kongu Arts and Science College, an Arts college in Tamil Nadu...
region of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
is the economic power house of the state. A good section of the community is highly educated, many from the US and UK. Gounders are involved in various business in Coimbatore
Coimbatore
Coimbatore , also known as Kovai , is the second largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a major commercial centre in Tamil Nadu and is known as the "Manchester of South India"....
, Karur
Karur
Karur is a large town and a municipality in Karur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu situated on the banks of Amaravati. Karur district was formed on 30 September 1995 by trifurcating Tiruchirappalli district. It is the administrative headquarters of Karur District. Karur has a very long...
, Namakkal, Erode
Erode
Erode is a city, a municipal corporation and the headquarters of Erode district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.It is situated at the center of the South Indian Peninsula, about southwest from the state capital Chennai and on the banks of the rivers Cauvery and Bhavani, between 11° 19.5"...
, Tiruppur, Salem, Krishnagiri
Krishnagiri
-Tourism:Thousands of visitors visit Krishnagiri each year. Majority come from Hosur/Bangalore and Chennai. KRP dam constructed in 1960's during the rule of the then Chief Minister Kamaraj located near the town, is a nice picnic spot. Nearby, Sayed Basha hills has a fort that was the fortress of...
, Dharmapuri
Dharmapuri
Dharmapuri is a town and the administrative headquarters of Dharmapuri district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is located 65 km north of Salem. Dharmapuri is a part of the Kongu Nadu an ancient division of Tamilakam. It is one of the ancient towns of Tamil Nadu and a rapid developing...
and Dindigul
Dindigul
Dindigul is a town and municipality in the Tamil Nadu state of southern India. The name Dindigul comes from the Portmanteau of “Thindu” meaning pillow and “kal” meaning Rock and refers to the bare hill dominating the city’s both land and skyscape...
districts. Most of the Gounders are third-generation businessmen and together they generate roughly Rs 40,000 crore of export revenue annually.
Two regions namely Tiruppur and Namakkal can be given as example for their economic clout. Trippur, known as knitwear capital creates export revenue of Rs 12000 crore. Most of the Spinning mill, dyeing and garment manufacturing company owners in Tiruppur belong to the Gounder caste. Namakkal, a dry region before four decades is now turned into hub of trucks and poultries. Again, Gounders own most of the trucks and poultries in Namakkal region. Through sheer hard work, Gounders have attained international recognition. They figure among the global leaders in several sectors including grey cotton, home textiles, hosiery, industrial and automobile components, heavy vehicles and even turmeric and eggs.
Education
The Kongu Vellala Gounders are traditionally a forward community in India, competing as such in the educational and government sectors with other forward classes until the 1970s. Since most of the rural areas had no schools and the missionary schools were slowly becoming the order of the day, the non-converting caste like Gounder were largely let off from modern education from the start of the 20th century. The Gounders were educationally lagging behind other communities who benefited enormously from missionaries who were running their own community banks and schools. It took another couple of decades for the revival of the Gounders in the educational sector after the community was accorded as an educationally backward class.Customs and Traditions
The Kongu Vellala Gounders follow the system of Kootam/Gotra keeping with their Kshatriya tradition, in which persons from the same Kootam are considered brothers and sisters and hence do not marry one another. See here for list of kootams. Gounders marry outside their Kulam/Kootam and are known for their elaborate three-day marriage ceremonies. They do not conduct marriages in the months of Aadi and Maargazhi and generally also avoid Chithirai. Marriages are held mostly in the months of Vaikaasi, Aani and Aavani, taking into consideration the fact that the season will be good during these months and also that the fragrant jasmine flower, which is required in large quantities for the marriage, will be plentiful during this season.Rites relating to government administration and war find their places in Gounder marriages. The events such as bridegroom riding a horse in olden days, giving gifts and presents including weapons are examples. The main occupation of Kongu Vellala Gounders became agriculture and from this came rites such as boiling paddy and seer koodai.
On the specified day, the three arumaikaarars, after planting the Muhurthakaal, will go to an anthill of white ants, offer prayer, gather sacred earth in three baskets and bring those to the wedding place.
* The first day sees the Naal virundhu, when close relatives of the bride and bridegroom will host feasts for their respective families.
* The second day is when all relatives are brought together. Events such as the erection of a pandal, the cutting of muhurtha kaal, hairdressing
of the bridegroom by kudimagan, informing the marriage event to village community by drum beating, hosting of a feast for the relatives of the
two families, and the bridegroom leaving for the house of the bride all take place on this day.
* On the third day, the muhurtham takes place. The bride and the bridegroom will be seated on the marriage platform on completion of appropriate
rites. The Thaali will be tied by the bridegroom around the neck of the bride and the Mangala Vaazhthu song is recited.
The marriage events ends with the serving of a feast to all relatives, friends and neighbours.
In Media
A lot of Tamil movies have captured the life styles of Kongu Vellala Gounders in the rural lands of Kongu NaduKongu Nadu
Kongu Nadu is a region comprising the western part of the Tamil Nadu India. The region is bounded on the west and north-west by the Karnataka state, on the west by the Kerala state, on the east by Tondai Nadu, on the south-east by Chola Nadu and on the south by Madurai regions of...
. Some of the popular movies are Suryavamsam
Suryavamsam
Suryavamsam is a Tamil film directed by Vikraman. The film stars Sarath Kumar, Devayani and Raadhika in the lead roles. The film was remade into bollywood as Sooryavansham. Sooryavansham starred actor Amitabh Bachan and Soundarya. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by S. A...
, Chinna Gounder
Chinna Gounder
Chinna Gounder is a 1992 Tamil language film directed by R. V. Udayakumar and starring Vijayakanth, Suganya, Manorama, Goundamani, Senthil and Vadivelu.-Plot:...
, Nattamai
Nattamai
Nattamai is a 1994 Tamil language film directed by K. S. Ravikumar. It starred Sarath Kumar, Kushboo Sundar and Meena in the lead roles. It became a blockbuster upon release...
and Yejaman
Yejaman
Yejaman is a Tamil language romantic film directed by the Tamil Director R. V. Udhayakumar. It stars Rajinikanth, Meena and Napoleon in the lead roles.Also Known As: Ejamaan -Plot:...
.