What is the meaning of Kongu?

The name Kongunadu draws its origin from the term Kongu, meaning nectar or honey. ‘ Since this area served as a border to the Pandiya, Chola and Chera dynasties, it was likely given the name kangu, which was eventually transformed to Kongu. Kongu was later called as Kongunadu with the growth of civilization.

What caste is Kongu Vellalar?

Kongu Vellalar is a community found in the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu, India. The Kongu Vellalar were classified as a Forward Caste (General class) at the time of Indian independence but they successfully requested to be reclassified as an other Backward Class in 1975.

Is kongu a caste?

Which is the biggest caste in Tamilnadu?

Adi Dravida are numerically the largest SCs with a population of 5,402,755, constituting 45.6 per cent of the state SC population. They are followed by Pallan 2,272,265 (19.2 per cent), Paraiyan 1,860,519 (15.7 per cent), Chakkiliyan 777,139 (6.6 per cent) and Arunthathiyar 771,659 (6.5 per cent).

What is vellalar caste?

Vellalar is a generic Tamil term used primarily by various castes who traditionally pursued agriculture as a profession in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and northeastern parts of Sri Lanka.

Who are the Kongu Vellala Goundars?

Kongu Vellala Gounder is a sub-caste of Vellalar community found in Kongu Nadu. With reference to an inscription, Kongu Vellala Goundars belong to sudra varna. The inscription of Chitra Mezhi Nattaar indisputably cited Vellalars are from chathur varna or fourth varna and as Bhoomi Puthra.

What is the history of Kongu Nadu and Tamil Nadu?

The ancient recorded history of Kongu Nadu and Tamilakam reveals that the Chola warriors expanded into then heavily forested Kongu territory, took up agriculture and made the lands cultivable.

What is the difference between a Gounder and a Vellalar?

Vellalars are also known as Gangeyas (Children of Ganges) and Kaviri Puthalvar (Children of Kaviri) for this fact. Gounder (pronounced as Kavundar)is a traditional administrative title as well as common title popular among Kongu Vellalars. It is the corrupted form of the word ‘Kaamindan’ evident from inscriptions.

What is the origin of the name Gounder?

The name Gounder is a caste title derived from the Sangam Tamil word Kamindan (root word being Kavunda) which means “people who protected land, people and country” and was originally accorded to the “Feudal Lords” of the Kongu Nadu who had distinguished themselves bravely and fiercely in protecting the honour of the Kongu region and its people.