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 own practice of marriage ceremonial. This ceremonial lead by person called Arumbukarar (Tamil: அரும்புகாரர்). He sings ritual song called "Mangala valthu" (Tamil:மங்களவாழ்த்து).[7][8] In them wedding ceremony brother bride and sister of the groom plays significant role.
Them wedding ceremony compose of various function in stages Uridhi varthai (Tamil:உறுதிவார்த்தை), Nall Virundhu(Tamil:நால்விருந்து), Nichiyathartham (Tamil:நிச்சையதார்த்தம்), Inayaisear (Tamil:இணைசீர்) and Thalikattu (Tamil:தாலிகட்டு)
Known Peoples
Few achievers from this community
Entertainer
Spritual
- Swami Satchidananda, founder of Integral Yoga [9]
- Swami Chidbhavananda
References
- ^ Sivan, Jayaraj (21 May 2009). "Gounder consolidation could pose headache to major parties". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ Prasad, K.V. (8 May 2009). "Looking to create a Kongu stronghold". The Hindu. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ Ramaswamy, Vijaya (2007). Historical Dictionary of the Tamils. Scarecrow Press. p. 303. ISBN 9780810864450.
- ^ Gounder consolidation could pose headache to major parties - Times Of India
- ^ Menon, Jaya (15 February 2011). "Rahul keen to test western belt". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ Gounders consolidation could pose headache to major parties
- ^ http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Kambar-Kongunadus-Friend-or-Foe/2015/09/20/article3037320.ece
- ^ http://www.sripudhuvangalamman.net/mangalavalthu
- ^ http://swamisatchidananda.org/swami-satchidananda-biography/