Kongu Gounder
Kongu Vellalar Gounder Caste: An Overview
Introduction:
Caste was and has been a central determining factor for individuals born into orthodox families. It not only determines what opportunities are available at your disposal but also what you can or cannot do, in practically every sphere of life.
Having realized this through various experiences, a thought occurred to me to find out, atleast, how the caste I belong to- Kongu Vellalar Gounder (in Tamil Nadu) actually came into existence. The following has been highly drawn from secondary sources. * Gounders! Who are they?
The Tamil country was ruled mainly by three dynasties- Pandyas, Cheras and Cholas. During the reign of Satru Sadhana Pandyan, a war was fought between him and Uttama Chola of the Chola dynasty for expansion of territory. The Chola king was a strong and brave fighter who put Satru Sadhana Pandyan in deep turmoil. But the general of the army of the Pandyas- Kariyan alias ‘Pillai Sakkarai’ assured Satru Sadhana Pandyan that he will route the Cholas back to their territory.
He lived up to his words. The pandyas emerged victorious. Satru Sadhana Pandyan became extremely happy and gifted ‘Pillai Sakkarai’ the regions of Karaiyur, Valiarchal, Muthur, Marutharai Grama as well as half of Papani Grama. He was also conferred the title Uttama Chola for accomplishing such a feat.
Overtime the title changed to Uttama Chola Kammindan, which literally means the noble protector of the country. Gradually, the term Cholan disappeared and became Uttama Kammindan. Eventually, Kammindan became what is presently called the Gounders. This information is seen in the “Nathakadayur Jayakundanathar” Temple inscription.
Therefore, the progeny of ‘Pillai Sakkarai’ form what is presently called the Gounders. * Historical Role: The regions inherited by ‘Pillai Sakkarai’ became a part of the Chera dynasty which was later a part of the Mysore Kingdom ruled by Tipu Sultan. This information is obtained from the
Introduction:
Caste was and has been a central determining factor for individuals born into orthodox families. It not only determines what opportunities are available at your disposal but also what you can or cannot do, in practically every sphere of life.
Having realized this through various experiences, a thought occurred to me to find out, atleast, how the caste I belong to- Kongu Vellalar Gounder (in Tamil Nadu) actually came into existence. The following has been highly drawn from secondary sources. * Gounders! Who are they?
The Tamil country was ruled mainly by three dynasties- Pandyas, Cheras and Cholas. During the reign of Satru Sadhana Pandyan, a war was fought between him and Uttama Chola of the Chola dynasty for expansion of territory. The Chola king was a strong and brave fighter who put Satru Sadhana Pandyan in deep turmoil. But the general of the army of the Pandyas- Kariyan alias ‘Pillai Sakkarai’ assured Satru Sadhana Pandyan that he will route the Cholas back to their territory.
He lived up to his words. The pandyas emerged victorious. Satru Sadhana Pandyan became extremely happy and gifted ‘Pillai Sakkarai’ the regions of Karaiyur, Valiarchal, Muthur, Marutharai Grama as well as half of Papani Grama. He was also conferred the title Uttama Chola for accomplishing such a feat.
Overtime the title changed to Uttama Chola Kammindan, which literally means the noble protector of the country. Gradually, the term Cholan disappeared and became Uttama Kammindan. Eventually, Kammindan became what is presently called the Gounders. This information is seen in the “Nathakadayur Jayakundanathar” Temple inscription.
Therefore, the progeny of ‘Pillai Sakkarai’ form what is presently called the Gounders. * Historical Role: The regions inherited by ‘Pillai Sakkarai’ became a part of the Chera dynasty which was later a part of the Mysore Kingdom ruled by Tipu Sultan. This information is obtained from the