Ethnic roots
They are considered to be Tamil speakers of the Kongu Nadu, an ancient division of Tamilakam that was included parts of northwest Tamil Nadu, portions of neighbouring Kerala and the southern Mysore region of Karnataka. They are one of the Prominent castes of Tamil Community who have their roots to the Sangam Tamil Culture and it was mentioned clearly in the famous work of Ponnar Shankar epic by Dr Kalaignar. They are one of the most reformed, progressive castes who dominate the Kongu region of Tamil nadu.
The [Nattu] Velalar were of great assistance to the king by being in various positions and ranks in the army. The community enjoyed high reputation, influence, popularity and respect even from the Sangam age. They also got the title 'Kamindan' from the king for their meritorious service and loyalty. Later the title got modified as '(Nattu/Vellala) Gounder'.[citation needed]
Feudal past
They are considered to be Tamil speakers of the Kongu Nadu, an ancient division of Tamilakam that was included parts of northwest Tamil Nadu, portions of neighbouring Kerala and the southern Mysore region of Karnataka. They are one of the Prominent castes of Tamil Community who have their roots to the Sangam Tamil Culture and it was mentioned clearly in the famous work of Ponnar Shankar epic by Dr Kalaignar. They are one of the most reformed, progressive castes who dominate the Kongu region of Tamil nadu.
The [Nattu] Velalar were of great assistance to the king by being in various positions and ranks in the army. The community enjoyed high reputation, influence, popularity and respect even from the Sangam age. They also got the title 'Kamindan' from the king for their meritorious service and loyalty. Later the title got modified as '(Nattu/Vellala) Gounder'.[citation needed]
Feudal past
The land was divided into 24 regions. These regions are often suffixed by the word "Nadu", such as Annamalai Nadu or Kangeya Nadu. Under their organizational system, the chiefs of the 24 regions would get together and decide on various political and social issues
Clans or Kootams
Clans or Kootams
Unlike other Velaalar, of whose totemic clan and tribal origins have been eclipsed and totally erased by Sanskritisation, Kongu Velaalar still maintain their tribal and clan divisions.
People belonging to the same kootam usually will not intermarry. They are considered as brothers and sisters. Each kootam has its own Kulaguru and Kuladeivam or deity. In temples, it is a common practice to pray their 'idols' which is specific to a koottam/kulam. Some kulam/kootams betray a totemic origin, whereas others appear to be names of lineage founders or place name of the clan's original inhabitance. Others show other ethnic origins such as Kannadiga and Toda. From the clan name it appears that at some point in history many different people came together to coalesce into this social group.
Every Kootam also has one or more Kuladeivams or a Clan Deities
Surnames or titles
The people of the Kongu Vellala Gounder community have two titles in general:
1) The caste title, which is Gounder or Goundan. Others use honorary titles like Mandradiar, Vanavarayar, Kalingarayar and Kangeyan.
2) The clan name, which is the surname really, like Perungudi, Manian etc.
Nowadays it is a common practise among the community not to use any titles.
So, a person by name Shakthivel, son of Shanmughanathan, of Erode of the Perungudi clan would traditionally have his name as "Erode Perungudi Sakthivel Gounder", though he may call himself "Sakthivel Shanmughanathan" or "S. Sakthivel".
Demography
People belonging to the same kootam usually will not intermarry. They are considered as brothers and sisters. Each kootam has its own Kulaguru and Kuladeivam or deity. In temples, it is a common practice to pray their 'idols' which is specific to a koottam/kulam. Some kulam/kootams betray a totemic origin, whereas others appear to be names of lineage founders or place name of the clan's original inhabitance. Others show other ethnic origins such as Kannadiga and Toda. From the clan name it appears that at some point in history many different people came together to coalesce into this social group.
Every Kootam also has one or more Kuladeivams or a Clan Deities
Surnames or titles
The people of the Kongu Vellala Gounder community have two titles in general:
1) The caste title, which is Gounder or Goundan. Others use honorary titles like Mandradiar, Vanavarayar, Kalingarayar and Kangeyan.
2) The clan name, which is the surname really, like Perungudi, Manian etc.
Nowadays it is a common practise among the community not to use any titles.
So, a person by name Shakthivel, son of Shanmughanathan, of Erode of the Perungudi clan would traditionally have his name as "Erode Perungudi Sakthivel Gounder", though he may call himself "Sakthivel Shanmughanathan" or "S. Sakthivel".
Demography
The traditional Gounder belt is the area now known as Kongu Nadu. This area now comprises the following districts in the western part of Tamilnadu: Erode, Coimbatore, Gobichettipalayam, Tirupur, Nilgiris, Karur,Namakkal, northern Dindigul, western Tiruchirapalli, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri and western Vellore.
Kongu Velaalars are one of the Tamil Speaking majority communities in Tamilnadu along with Vanniar, Mukkulathor and Nadars. They are also spread across the globe ranging from Srilanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, US, Fiji, South Africa, Europe and many other countries.
The vital statistics on Kongu Velaalar community shows that they have the lowest fertility rates (total fertility rates (TFR) and gross reproduction rates (GRR)), among all communities in India. They adopted family planning very much earlier even before the Indian Government started advising small families. For the last 30 years, 90% of their families do not have more than two children. Today you can see single child families in thousands of their families. In the country where reservation is offered on numerical strength, this community suffers on the policy. Economic & Political weekly had published articles confirming this statistics wherein the lowest fertility rates in Coimbatore and Erode districts showed the lowest in the country and to some extent equal and lower than that of fertility rates in USA. But no recognition has been given to the community on this front though Census records are available. The government of India census wants to keep its people ignorant on this aspect though every community wants their quotas in educational institutions and employment.
Recently, Kongu Vellalar Gounders started the political party, Kongunadu Munnetra Peravai, KMP in Feburary 2009 and will contest in 12 Lok Sabha constituencies and 50 Legislative Assembly seats in the districts of Coimbatore, Tirupur, Nilgiris, Erode, Salem, Karur, Namakkal, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, and Dindigul in the western belt of Tamil Nadu. If they succeed, they may become like PMK a vanniar based party, a powerful regional party in Tamil Nadu. This is bound to cut into the growth of Dravidian parties like DMK and AIADMK, in western Tamil Nadu
Marriage customs
The marriage rites of Kongu Velaalar are ancient. Their marriage customs are unique amongst other communities in Tamil Nadu and usually do not accept the officiating of Brahmin priests.
Gounders marry outside their Kootam and are renowned for their elaborate three-day marriage extravaganzas.
The First day event: The first day event is called ‘Naal virundhu’. On this day, close relatives of the bride and bridegroom will host feasts for the bride’s family and bridegroom’s family respectively.
The Second day event: On the second day, marriage arrangements will be done by bringing together all relatives. Events such as erection of pandhal (temporary shed), cutting of ‘Muhurtha Kaal’, hairdressing of bridegroom by kudimagan, informing the marriage event to village community by drum beating, hosting of feast for the relatives in the bride’s family as well as bridegroom’s family, bridegroom leaving for the bride’s house will take place on the second day. The marriage event will take place in bride’s house.
The Third day event: The mukurtham will take place on third day. The bride and the bridegroom will be seated on the marriage platform on completion of appropriate rites. The thaali (mangala naan) will be tied by the bridegroom around the bride’s neck and mangala vaazhthu song will be recited.
The marriage events will come to a close with the serving of a grand feast to all relatives, friends and neighbors. The marriage events will be performed by a respected elderly person of the community, itself called arumaikaarar. All the rites are performed only in the Tamil language.
The Mangal Vaazthu song of the Kongu Velaalars is an extremely beautiful song in chaste Tamil and was written by the great poet Kamban in honour of the Kongu Velaalars.[1]
Culture
Kongu Velaalars are one of the Tamil Speaking majority communities in Tamilnadu along with Vanniar, Mukkulathor and Nadars. They are also spread across the globe ranging from Srilanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, US, Fiji, South Africa, Europe and many other countries.
The vital statistics on Kongu Velaalar community shows that they have the lowest fertility rates (total fertility rates (TFR) and gross reproduction rates (GRR)), among all communities in India. They adopted family planning very much earlier even before the Indian Government started advising small families. For the last 30 years, 90% of their families do not have more than two children. Today you can see single child families in thousands of their families. In the country where reservation is offered on numerical strength, this community suffers on the policy. Economic & Political weekly had published articles confirming this statistics wherein the lowest fertility rates in Coimbatore and Erode districts showed the lowest in the country and to some extent equal and lower than that of fertility rates in USA. But no recognition has been given to the community on this front though Census records are available. The government of India census wants to keep its people ignorant on this aspect though every community wants their quotas in educational institutions and employment.
Recently, Kongu Vellalar Gounders started the political party, Kongunadu Munnetra Peravai, KMP in Feburary 2009 and will contest in 12 Lok Sabha constituencies and 50 Legislative Assembly seats in the districts of Coimbatore, Tirupur, Nilgiris, Erode, Salem, Karur, Namakkal, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, and Dindigul in the western belt of Tamil Nadu. If they succeed, they may become like PMK a vanniar based party, a powerful regional party in Tamil Nadu. This is bound to cut into the growth of Dravidian parties like DMK and AIADMK, in western Tamil Nadu
Marriage customs
The marriage rites of Kongu Velaalar are ancient. Their marriage customs are unique amongst other communities in Tamil Nadu and usually do not accept the officiating of Brahmin priests.
Gounders marry outside their Kootam and are renowned for their elaborate three-day marriage extravaganzas.
The First day event: The first day event is called ‘Naal virundhu’. On this day, close relatives of the bride and bridegroom will host feasts for the bride’s family and bridegroom’s family respectively.
The Second day event: On the second day, marriage arrangements will be done by bringing together all relatives. Events such as erection of pandhal (temporary shed), cutting of ‘Muhurtha Kaal’, hairdressing of bridegroom by kudimagan, informing the marriage event to village community by drum beating, hosting of feast for the relatives in the bride’s family as well as bridegroom’s family, bridegroom leaving for the bride’s house will take place on the second day. The marriage event will take place in bride’s house.
The Third day event: The mukurtham will take place on third day. The bride and the bridegroom will be seated on the marriage platform on completion of appropriate rites. The thaali (mangala naan) will be tied by the bridegroom around the bride’s neck and mangala vaazhthu song will be recited.
The marriage events will come to a close with the serving of a grand feast to all relatives, friends and neighbors. The marriage events will be performed by a respected elderly person of the community, itself called arumaikaarar. All the rites are performed only in the Tamil language.
The Mangal Vaazthu song of the Kongu Velaalars is an extremely beautiful song in chaste Tamil and was written by the great poet Kamban in honour of the Kongu Velaalars.[1]
Culture
The Kongu culture is reflected more in its folklore. Folklore is an archive of human civilization. It consists of customs, beliefs, value systems, festivals and rituals of a Community. It also reflects its greatness and shortcomings. "Kula Puranams' are the chief folkloristic expressions found in many communities in South India 'Annanmar Kathai' is the national literature of Kongu Nadu. It tells the story of the historic war between the vellalas and vettuvans. It was popularized by Sakthikkanal at the regional level and by American Anthropologist Brenda E.F. Beck at the international level. Kunnudiak Kavundan, Thamarai Naachiar, Poonar, Sangar and Thangam represent the kind of human beings we see in every age & in every society. The valour, heroism, social concern & the sacrifice of the brothers Ponnar Sangar still inspire and guide thousands of people living in and outside Kongu region. Visiting Valanadu Fort - where the Brothers are believed to have lived and ruled, Virappur - where Peria Kandi Amman Temple the clan deity of Annanmars is located and Padugalam where the sister Thangam revived her dead brothers with her divine power is considered to be a holy task cutting across caste and creed
Prominent Kongu Velaalar
Prominent Kongu Velaalar
The Kongu region flourishes mainly due to their innovation and hard work in Agriculture, Textiles (Coimbatore, Tirupur, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Gobichettipalayam, Kallakurichi), White silk (Gobichettipalayam - First automated silk reeling unit in the country), I.T (Hosur, Coimbatore), Education (Namakkal, Gobichettipalayam, Coimbatore, Salem), Poultry (Namakkal), Automobiles (Namakkal, Salem), Milk (Erode Aavin), Edible Oils (Erode), Turmeric (Erode has the largest market in South India), Gobichettipalayam. Kongunadu has the highest urban proportion and contributes 2/3rd of Tamilnadu's income.
Following is a list of prominent and well known Kongu Velaalars:
Historical Personalities
Kulasekara Alvar:one of the twelve azhwar saints. ref- 9.3). Kalingarayan: Born Lingaya Gounder (1240 A.D.), Constructed the Kalingarayan canal in Erode. Cheraman Perumal: a Shaivite Nayanmar, ruled Karur. Diwan Bahadur Agathur Muthuramaswami Kalingarayar
Freedom fighters, Leaders
Dheeran Chinamalai: Indian freedom fighter. Vellaikinar Chinnappa Vellingiri Gounder: Farmer-turned-nation builder. Appachi Gounder: Coordinated the nationalist operation between the Marathas under Thoondhaji bagh and the southern leaders like Maruthu brothers and Kattabomman. Ennamangalam K. Ramasami Gounder: Freedom Fighter from age of 14
Academics, Literature
Following is a list of prominent and well known Kongu Velaalars:
Historical Personalities
Kulasekara Alvar:one of the twelve azhwar saints. ref- 9.3). Kalingarayan: Born Lingaya Gounder (1240 A.D.), Constructed the Kalingarayan canal in Erode. Cheraman Perumal: a Shaivite Nayanmar, ruled Karur. Diwan Bahadur Agathur Muthuramaswami Kalingarayar
Freedom fighters, Leaders
Dheeran Chinamalai: Indian freedom fighter. Vellaikinar Chinnappa Vellingiri Gounder: Farmer-turned-nation builder. Appachi Gounder: Coordinated the nationalist operation between the Marathas under Thoondhaji bagh and the southern leaders like Maruthu brothers and Kattabomman. Ennamangalam K. Ramasami Gounder: Freedom Fighter from age of 14
Academics, Literature
V. C. Kulandaiswamy: Academician and renowned author. Formerly Vice Chancellor of Anna University, IGNOU & Tamil Virtual University. Padma Shri(1992), Padma Bhushan (2002). Subramaniam .C: Vice-Chancellor of the Tamil University, Thanajvur. Pulavar S. Rasu: Kongu Research Centre founder M.P. Periasamy Thooran: Musician, Chief Editor, Tamil Encyclopaedia (1948-1978), Padma Bhushan (1968) Soundara Kailasam: Activist and poet Pulavar Kuzhanthai: Author of Ravanakaviyam Sirpi Balasubramaniam: Winner of two Sahitya Academy awards, Former Professor and Head of Tamil Department, Bharathiar University. Silamboli S. Chellappan: Tamil Scholar. He was Registrar, Tamil University, Thanjavur, Director, Directorate of Tamil Development, and Director, International Institute for Tamil Studies. Awarded Kalaimamani Award and Pavendhar Bharathidasan Award. P. K. Ponnusamy: Former Vice-chancellor, Madras University and Madurai Kamaraj University. C. Ramasamy: Former Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Polanaickenpalayam N. Silambannan: Former Registrar - Bharathiar University, Former Principal - Gobi Arts & Science College, Gobichettipalayam. Palanisamy Gounder: Former Principal of Madras Law college, Former Director of Legal Studies, and Former TNPSC Board member. R.Sivakumar: Director, Directorate of Technical Education - Former District Collector of Vellore Dt.
Science and Technology
Science and Technology
mylswamy Annadurai: Project Director, Chandrayan-I & II, ISRO. P.A. Venkatachalam: Founding Chairman, School of Computer Science and Engg., Anna University (1973-88). R. M. Vasagam: Project Director for APPLE, India's first experimental Geostationary Communication Satellite Project during 1977-83. Vice- Chancellor of Dr. M.G.R. Deemed University, formerly Vice- Chancellor of Anna University. Padma Shri (1982). K. R. Palaniswamy: Former president of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology. Awarded the Padma Shri for 2006. He was awarded the FRCP Glasgow. He was instrumental in founding the department of Gastroenterology at Stanley Medical College, Chennai. Dr.Rengasamy Ponnappan (US Air force): Scientist and Associate Director in propulsion & Space sciences, Japan. MD.Ravi Kumar Ponnappan: Specializes in spine care. Assistant Professor, Rotman Institute in Thomas Jefferson Hospital, USA.
Civil Services
Civil Services
General Paramasiva Prabhakar Kumaramangalam (1913-2000): Seventh Chief of Army Staff (June 7 1966 - June 7 1969), Distinguished Service Order (DSO) as a Major for action in Libya, erstwhile hero of the theme behind the 'Great Escape', when he escaped from a Nazi concentration camp. Padma Vibhushan - 1970. D.R. Karthikeyan: Former Director, Central Bureau of Investigation. Justice P S Kailasam: Former judge of the Supreme Court and former Chief Justice of the Madras High Court. Dr.N.K.Palaniswamy: Former Deputy Director of Animal husbandry. Sakthi Chandrasekharan: Former chief engineer of National Highways, Tamil Nadu. Kamini Natarajan, IPS: Deputy Commissioner of Police, Law and Transport, Coimbatore. Justice T. V. Masilamani: Retired High Court Judge, Chennai. Presently serving as Chair Person of DRAT, Chennai. Shanthi.S: First S.P. for newly formed Tiruppur district.
Entertainers
Film Actors
Sivakumar Sathyaraj Surya Karthi Sivakumar Sibiraj Nanda Ranjith Ponvannan Sathyan K B Sundarambal Vijaykumar
Film Producers
K.E.Gnanavelraja Kaliyappa Gounder Kovai Chezian Madhampatti Sivakumar
Sports
Muthiah Muralitharan: Cricket S.Marisamy: Spiker (Volleyball) - Represented India Ramalingam: Spiker (Volleyball) - Represented India
Spiritual
Sachidananda Swami: Founder of Integral yoga and Yogaville. Sollerulavan Sellamuthu: A great orator and founder of Farmers Associations. Dhavathiru Sundara Swamigal of Perur Mutt. Santhalinga Ramasamy Adigalaar of Perur Mutt. Jagaduru Sri Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math. Maruthachala Adigalar: First man to fight for Tamil Archanas in Tamilnadu Temples
Other Prominent Persons
Pollachi Dr.N.Mahalingam Gounder: Chairman of Sakthi group of companies, a notable philanthropist and a prominent and influential person in the Kongu districts. S.V.Balasubramaniam - Chairman, Bannari Amman Groups. Nalla G.Palanisamy - KMCH, Coimbatore (Kovai Medical Centre Hospitals). Dr.Palanisamy - Gem Hospitals, Coimbatore. P.G.Palanisamy - Chairman, PGP Groups, Namakkal. S.K.Mailanandan - Chairman, SKM Groups, Erode. K.S.Rangasamy - Chairman, KSR Groups, Tiruchengode.
Entertainers
Film Actors
Sivakumar Sathyaraj Surya Karthi Sivakumar Sibiraj Nanda Ranjith Ponvannan Sathyan K B Sundarambal Vijaykumar
Film Producers
K.E.Gnanavelraja Kaliyappa Gounder Kovai Chezian Madhampatti Sivakumar
Sports
Muthiah Muralitharan: Cricket S.Marisamy: Spiker (Volleyball) - Represented India Ramalingam: Spiker (Volleyball) - Represented India
Spiritual
Sachidananda Swami: Founder of Integral yoga and Yogaville. Sollerulavan Sellamuthu: A great orator and founder of Farmers Associations. Dhavathiru Sundara Swamigal of Perur Mutt. Santhalinga Ramasamy Adigalaar of Perur Mutt. Jagaduru Sri Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math. Maruthachala Adigalar: First man to fight for Tamil Archanas in Tamilnadu Temples
Other Prominent Persons
Pollachi Dr.N.Mahalingam Gounder: Chairman of Sakthi group of companies, a notable philanthropist and a prominent and influential person in the Kongu districts. S.V.Balasubramaniam - Chairman, Bannari Amman Groups. Nalla G.Palanisamy - KMCH, Coimbatore (Kovai Medical Centre Hospitals). Dr.Palanisamy - Gem Hospitals, Coimbatore. P.G.Palanisamy - Chairman, PGP Groups, Namakkal. S.K.Mailanandan - Chairman, SKM Groups, Erode. K.S.Rangasamy - Chairman, KSR Groups, Tiruchengode.
