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'''Sengunthar''' or [[Kaikolan]] or [[Kaikolar]] are a large [[Tamil people|Tamil]] |
'''Sengunthar''' or [[Kaikolan]] or [[Kaikolar]] are a large [[Tamil people|Tamil]] backward caste <ref name="http://www.tn.gov.in/bcmbcmw/bclist.htm">http://www.tn.gov.in/bcmbcmw/bclist.htm</ref><ref name="http://ncbc.nic.in/backward-classes/ap.html">http://ncbc.nic.in/backward-classes/ap.html</ref> of weavers in the states of [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Andhra Pradesh]] in southern India. ''Sengunthar''' is a distinguished caste from Tamilnadu. Sengunthar are also known as Kaikolar. Sengunthars live throughout India and around the world. Sengunthars form a significant proportion of population in various districts of Tamilnadu esp. in Arcot, Chingleput, Salem, Erode, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri. Sengunthars use the title of '''[[Mudaliar]]''' after their name. In this page we will discuss about the history of sengunthars, their culture and customs. |
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==Origin== |
==Origin== |
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==History of Kaikolars in Medieval South India and 21st Century== |
==History of Kaikolars in Medieval South India and 21st Century== |
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===Ties of Kinship between Kaikolar and Devadasis=== |
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The earliest historically accurate evidence for Sengunthars, as per Chola inscriptions ( Thelintha Kaikola Padai ) indicate that they belong to the warrior class. |
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Traditionally, one girl in every family from the [[Sengundar]]/ [[Kaikolar]] caste was set apart to be dedicated to temple service and becomes a [[Devadasi]] (meaning female servant of god). In the temple, the girl is considered married to the temple deity and she learns traditional music and dancing<ref name="Contending identities: Sacred prostitution and reform in colonial South India Priyadarshini Vijaisri A1, A1 Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), New Delhi, South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group Issue: Volume 28, Number 3 / December 2005 Pages: 387 - 411. http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/link.asp?id=jv31l27518262711">Contending identities: Sacred prostitution and reform in colonial South India Priyadarshini Vijaisri A1, A1 Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), New Delhi, South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group Issue: Volume 28, Number 3 / December 2005 Pages: 387 - 411. http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/link.asp?id=jv31l27518262711</ref><ref name=" http://globalindiamissions.org/newsletter/nwsltr0802.htm"> http://globalindiamissions.org/newsletter/nwsltr0802.htm</ref><ref name="http://www.go2southasia.org/l_peoples.html">http://www.go2southasia.org/l_peoples.html </ref>. |
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They took up weaving silk and transformed to land owners and business men. |
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This research article talks about the relation between the ''Kaikolan musicians and the Devadasis'' <ref name="The Erotic Sculptures of India Y. Krishan, Artibus Asiae, Vol. 34, No. 4 (1972), pp. 331-343">The Erotic Sculptures of India Y. Krishan |
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Artibus Asiae, Vol. 34, No. 4 (1972), pp. 331-343, http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-3648(1972)34%3A4%3C331%3ATESOI%3E2.0.CO%3B2-2</ref> |
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Later, during 17th and 18th century history indicate that Sengunthars were predominantly involved in weaving. This is indicated in various sources. At the same time, weaving was not the only occupation involved. Agriculture and business were also secondary occupations of Sengunthars. |
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This research article explains the blood relation between the Devadasis and the Kaikolar. (Quoted from article: ''"Devaradiyar (dancing girls who have very close kinship ties with the Kaikkolar"'') <ref name="Artisans in Vijayanagar Society, Vijaya Ramaswamy, Indian Economic & Social History Review, Vol. 22, No. 4, 417-444 (1985), http://ier.sagepub.com/cgi/content/citation/22/4/417">Artisans in Vijayanagar Society, Vijaya Ramaswamy, Indian Economic & Social History Review, Vol. 22, No. 4, 417-444 (1985), http://ier.sagepub.com/cgi/content/citation/22/4/417</ref> |
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Since Sengunthars were not Vellalars and belonged to the Idangai (Left-hand) caste group as per old British documents of the 18th century they did not feel bound to the land. They also migrated across Tamilnadu from their origin to spread tamil literature. |
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This research article explains in vivid detail, the way the Kaikkolas used their women to enjoy special privileges in the Vijayanagar empire. (Text Quoted from article: ''At least one woman in every Kaikkola household was, according to age-old tradition dedicated to the temple as a devaradiyar or devadasi. The devaradiyar enjoyed special privileges in the days of the Vijayanagar empire and were the only women permitted a direct audience with the king''<ref name="Weaver Folk Traditions as a Source of History, Vijaya Ramaswamy, Indian Economic & Social History Review, Vol. 19, No. 1, 47-62 (1982), http://ier.sagepub.com/cgi/content/citation/19/1/47?ck=nck">Weaver Folk Traditions as a Source of History, Vijaya Ramaswamy, Indian Economic & Social History Review, Vol. 19, No. 1, 47-62 (1982), http://ier.sagepub.com/cgi/content/citation/19/1/47?ck=nck</ref> |
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They form a significant population in Kancheepuram and Tirupur-Salem. They started using '''[[Mudaliar]]''' surname even though there is no established date on when they started using the title. Some sengunthars also were using '''[[Pillai]]''' title, but later abandoned it for the uniform mudaliar title. |
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This research article (along with references to an inscription) ''describes how a devaradiyar or devadasi won special privileges for the Kaikkolas from the King Deva Raya II (A.D 1433)'' <ref name="Weaver Folk Traditions as a Source of History, Vijaya Ramaswamy, Indian Economic & Social History Review, Vol. 19, No. 1, 47-62 (1982), http://ier.sagepub.com/cgi/content/citation/19/1/47?ck=nck">Weaver Folk Traditions as a Source of History, Vijaya Ramaswamy, Indian Economic & Social History Review, Vol. 19, No. 1, 47-62 (1982), http://ier.sagepub.com/cgi/content/citation/19/1/47?ck=nck</ref><ref name="Some Enquiries into the Condition of Weavers in Medieval South India, Indian Historical Review, Vol. VI, Nos. 1 and 2">Some Enquiries into the Condition of Weavers in Medieval South India, Indian Historical Review, Vol. VI, Nos. 1 and 2></ref> |
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It should be noted that Sengunthars do not tend to intermarry with other Mudaliars even though they may reside in the same area as other Mudaliars. |
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The research articles clearly define Kaikolars as the Sengunthar-Kaikolars of the terinja-Kaikolar Padai of the Chola empire. There is absolutely no question of ambiguity regarding their identity. |
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==History and Historical Evidence== |
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Another reference book ''Donors, Devotees, and Daughters of God. Temple Women in Medieval Tamilnadu by Leslie C. Orr.'' gives ample references to inscriptions regarding the Kaikkolars being Devadasis in Tanjore temples during the Chola empire. This research article explains how ''Kaikola women still go into sacred prostitution''<ref name="Contending identities: Sacred prostitution and reform in colonial South India Priyadarshini Vijaisri A1, A1 Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), New Delhi, South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group Issue: Volume 28, Number 3 / December 2005 Pages: 387 - 411. http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/link.asp?id=jv31l27518262711">Contending identities: Sacred prostitution and reform in colonial South India Priyadarshini Vijaisri A1, A1 Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), New Delhi, South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group Issue: Volume 28, Number 3 / December 2005 Pages: 387 - 411. http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/link.asp?id=jv31l27518262711</ref>. |
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During chola rule kaikolars served as soldiers and called as "Thelintha kaikolar padai" |
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Kaikolars were considered as decendents of lord Muruga having a kol{Vel}. There is another story indicating that Kaikolars are descendants of VeeraBahu the general of Lord Muruga. |
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===Current Status in the Society=== |
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The link below indicates that Kaikolas were prominent members of tamil society even during the 10th century AD during chola rule. |
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According to author Leslie C. Orr, the Kaikolar girls who were dedicated regularly came back and married other Kaikolars and occasionally the children of temple also married regular Kaikolars and thus some of them have been assimilated into the Kaikolar caste <ref name="Donors, Devotees, and the Daughters of God: Temple Women in Medieval Tamilnadu -Page 158 by Leslie C. Orr - 2000 - 305 pages">Donors, Devotees, and the Daughters of God: Temple Women in Medieval Tamilnadu -Page 158 by Leslie C. Orr - 2000 - 305 pages</ref> |
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http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_19/inscription_of_parakesarivarman_no_85.html |
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This is also confirmed by authors Bannerji, Himani, Mojab, Shahrzad, Whitehead, Judith who describe that most of the present day Kaikolars are offsprings of Kaikolar Devadasis and men from Brahmin communities <ref name="Book: Of Property and Propriety: The Role of Gender and Class in Imperialism and Nationalism - Page 178 by Bannerji, Himani, Mojab, Shahrzad, Whitehead, Judith">Book: Of Property and Propriety: The Role of Gender and Class in Imperialism and Nationalism - Page 178 by Bannerji, Himani, Mojab, Shahrzad, Whitehead, Judith</ref>. |
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http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/03/25/stories/2002032503000500.htm |
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Isai Vaelalar(NOT VELLALAR) are none other than that section of Sengunthar Mudaliars or Kaikolars who were associated with the system of Devadasis<ref name="Union Territory of Pondicherry By Francis Cyril Antony, Pondicherry (India : Union Territory)">Union Territory of Pondicherry By Francis Cyril Antony, Pondicherry (India : Union Territory)</ref>. |
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==Culture and Customs== |
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In present day, the regular Kaikolars have renamed themselves as Sengunthars and the Kaikolar Devadasis have renamed themselves as Isai Vaelalar in order to evade detection and for the purpose of social upliftment in the society<ref name="Union Territory of Pondicherry By Francis Cyril Antony, Pondicherry (India : Union Territory)">Union Territory of Pondicherry By Francis Cyril Antony, Pondicherry (India : Union Territory)</ref>. This is similar to Pallars renaming themselves as Devendra Kula Vaelalars and claiming to be the Vellalars and descendants of the Pallavas. |
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The Culture and Customs of the Sengunthars is similar to most tamilians. However there are differences in customs between the various kootams of Sengunthar. The significant difference being that some Sengunthars are more kootam conservative than other Sengunthar groups when it comes to marriage partners. |
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== |
==Marriage Culture and Marriage Customs== |
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Sengunthar are a very diverse group even though they are classified under the same group by the government of India. So there is a very diverse culture and custom among Sengunthar. Sengunthar follow the local custom and culture of the region where they live. |
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According to the book, ''Some Marriage Customs in Southern India:Deformity and Mutilation, Uralis, Sholagas and Irulas by historian Thurston'', A custom prevails among the Kaikolars by which one woman in each family becomes a prostitute, while retaining her caste<ref name="Some Marriage Customs in Southern India:Deformity and Mutilation, Uralis, Sholagas and Irulas by Thurston.E">Some Marriage Customs in Southern India:Deformity and Mutilation, Uralis, Sholagas and Irulas by Thurston.E</ref>. The girl chosen is taken to the temple where a sword is placed beside her with a tali (marriage badge) under it. The tali is then tied round her neck by any woman present and she returns to her own house where she is permitted to carry on any amours she chooses. <ref name="Some Marriage Customs in Southern India:Deformity and Mutilation, Uralis, Sholagas and Irulas by Thurston.E">Some Marriage Customs in Southern India:Deformity and Mutilation, Uralis, Sholagas and Irulas by Thurston.E</ref> She gets her share of the family property just as if no such ceremony had taken place. |
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Some Sengunthar follow the kootam culture, gothram culture and sometimes without either. |
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Sengunthar who live in the same area could belong to different cultures and so they may not be endogamous nor be relatives. |
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This is very different from other groups which are concentrated in one area. So lots of confusion happen when discussing about culture and customs. |
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==Community Legends and festivals== |
==Community Legends and festivals== |
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Revision as of 21:02, 3 October 2007
'Sengunthar or Kaikolan or Kaikolar are a large Tamil backward caste [1][2] of weavers in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh in southern India. Sengunthar is a distinguished caste from Tamilnadu. Sengunthar are also known as Kaikolar. Sengunthars live throughout India and around the world. Sengunthars form a significant proportion of population in various districts of Tamilnadu esp. in Arcot, Chingleput, Salem, Erode, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri. Sengunthars use the title of Mudaliar after their name. In this page we will discuss about the history of sengunthars, their culture and customs.
Origin
The Kaikolars also called as Sengunthar, are a large Tamil and Telugu socially backward caste[1][2] of weavers in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh in southern India. Their name comes from a mythical hero and from the words "kai" (hand) and "kol" (shuttle used in looming or spear). They consider the different parts of the loom to represent various gods and sages.
They were in the army of Chola dynasty. http://www.tamilnation.org/literature/kalki/unicode/mp169v2p2.htm#1 They are also known as Sengundar, which means a red dagger, which is traced to the legend of the earth being harassed by demons, which led to the people asking the god Shiva to help them. He was furious with the demonic giants and sent six sparks from his eyes. Parvati, his wife became frightened and retired to her chamber but dropped nine beads from her anklets. Shiva converted those beads into nine women, each giving birth to a hero, complete with moustache and daggers. These nine led by Subramanya, with a large army destroyed the demons. Kaikolans or Sengundar claim descent from one of the nine heroes. There are seventy-two subdivisions (nadu or desams).These legends were created at a time when the weaver community had lost its social status and the formuale were efforts at self-glorification[3].
History of Kaikolars in Medieval South India and 21st Century
The earliest historically accurate evidence for Sengunthars, as per Chola inscriptions ( Thelintha Kaikola Padai ) indicate that they belong to the warrior class.
They took up weaving silk and transformed to land owners and business men.
Later, during 17th and 18th century history indicate that Sengunthars were predominantly involved in weaving. This is indicated in various sources. At the same time, weaving was not the only occupation involved. Agriculture and business were also secondary occupations of Sengunthars.
Since Sengunthars were not Vellalars and belonged to the Idangai (Left-hand) caste group as per old British documents of the 18th century they did not feel bound to the land. They also migrated across Tamilnadu from their origin to spread tamil literature.
They form a significant population in Kancheepuram and Tirupur-Salem. They started using Mudaliar surname even though there is no established date on when they started using the title. Some sengunthars also were using Pillai title, but later abandoned it for the uniform mudaliar title.
It should be noted that Sengunthars do not tend to intermarry with other Mudaliars even though they may reside in the same area as other Mudaliars.
History and Historical Evidence
During chola rule kaikolars served as soldiers and called as "Thelintha kaikolar padai"
Kaikolars were considered as decendents of lord Muruga having a kol{Vel}. There is another story indicating that Kaikolars are descendants of VeeraBahu the general of Lord Muruga.
The link below indicates that Kaikolas were prominent members of tamil society even during the 10th century AD during chola rule.
http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/03/25/stories/2002032503000500.htm
Culture and Customs
The Culture and Customs of the Sengunthars is similar to most tamilians. However there are differences in customs between the various kootams of Sengunthar. The significant difference being that some Sengunthars are more kootam conservative than other Sengunthar groups when it comes to marriage partners.
Marriage Culture and Marriage Customs
Sengunthar are a very diverse group even though they are classified under the same group by the government of India. So there is a very diverse culture and custom among Sengunthar. Sengunthar follow the local custom and culture of the region where they live.
Some Sengunthar follow the kootam culture, gothram culture and sometimes without either.
Sengunthar who live in the same area could belong to different cultures and so they may not be endogamous nor be relatives.
This is very different from other groups which are concentrated in one area. So lots of confusion happen when discussing about culture and customs.
Community Legends and festivals
The Sura Samhara festival is a ritual tradition practised by the Kaikolars to sustain the myth of the divine origin of the weavers with the intention of exalting their caste in the face of actual social inferiority[3]. According to the mythology of weaver community, the Kaikolars weavers were born out of nine gems that were scattered from Parvati's anklet. At the Sura Samhara festival, they dress up as the nine warriors of Virabahu, the lieutenant of Lord Karthikeya and enact the killing of the demon Narakasura[3]. These legends were created at a time when the weaver community had lost its social status and the formuale were efforts at self-glorification[3].
Gods/Goddesses
Kaikolars are predominantly Shaivites. They possess a Clan God as most of the castes in Tamil Nadu. Mostly, it is some form of Amman i.e Parvati or Murugan.
Kootam/kulam
Kootam defines birth from a single male ancestor. Kootam is transferred patrilineally i.e., via the father of a person. Hence people belonging to the same kootam are considered brothers and sisters. So marriage between a male and female belonging to the same kootam is prohibited however distantly they may be related.
Historically there were 72 kootams in Kaikolan. Each kootam had a leader. The head leader in Kanchipuram was the head for all these leaders. This was used to manage disputes within the community.
Nowadays, the kootams have merged into one another and there is no well defined leader for each kootam. It is used only for setting up marriage alliances.
A list of Kootam has been removed from this section awaiting authentication by accurate reference material.
Warrior Clans
During Chola rule Kaikolars served as soldiers and were called "Terinja kaikolar padai". (Terinja means "known" in Tamil and Padai means "regiment"), so "terinja-kaikolar padai" were the personal bodygurads. Kaikkolars who were initially weavers were militarised during the Chola empire and formed a major part of the Chola army from 8th century to 13th century. There were no Kaikolar army before or after the Chola empire.
They formed many regiments in the Chola army. Some of those regiments are:
Singalantaka-terinda-Kaikkolar (a regiment named after Singalantaka i.e. Parntaka I)
Virasola-terinja-Kaikkolar
Kodandarama-terinja-Kaikkolar
Danatonga-terinja-Kaikkolar
Parantaka-terinia-Kaikkolar
Muttavalperra-Kaikkolar - (meaning the "recipient of the pearl ornamented sword" in Tamil)
Samarakesarit-terinja-Kaikkolar
Vikramasingat-terinja-Kaikkolar
Adityapanma-terinda-Kaikkolar
Karikala-Chola-terinja-Kaikkolar
Arumolideva-terinja Kaikkolar
Parttivasekarat-terinja-Kaikkolar
Gangadaditta-terinja-Kaikkola
Madurantaka-terinja-Kaikkolar
Pirantaka-terinja-Kaikkolar
The link below indicates that Kaikolars were prominent members of Tamil society even during the 10th century AD during Chola rule.
Weaving Clans
The end of Chola rule brought the end to Kaikolans role in the army. Reasons are unknown, but Kaikolars took up weaving on a mass scale or continued their weaving business exclusively for pretty much the next six to seven centuries. Even though there may have been a few rich Kaikolans doing various businesses including agriculture, the vast majority of Kaikolans were involved in weaving which was not a profitable business due to the industrial revolution.
Historical Personalities
Ottakoothar was a court poet of three Chola kings namely Vikrama Chola. Kulotunga-II and Rajaraja II. He wrote poems in praise of these three kings namely Vikrama Cholan Ula, Kulothunga Cholan Ula and Rajarajan Ula. Ottakoothar had also written Kulothungan Pillai Tamil in praise of Chola king Kulothunga II and Saraswathy Andhadhi in praise of Saraswathi the Goddess of learning Sekizhar the minister of chola dynasty wrote periyapuranam his native is kundrathur near chennai kambar who wrote ramayana in tamil he is also from chola empire kamban veetu kattu tharium kavipadum
Associations
There are many associations for Sengunthars.
They are:
Socio Economic Service Society (SES) in Nungambakkam - Chennai.
Sengunthar Mahajana Sangam.
EVKS Sampath? He belongs to EVR's family
Pulavar Govindhan: Former Speaker of Tamil Nadu Assembly.
perumal mudaliar national pictures
Vallal sabapathi mudaliar: vallal sapabathy mudaliar educational trust.
ethiraj mudaliar: Chairman, Binny Group, partner Ramachandra medical college.
M. Nandagopal Executive Chairman, Mohan Breweries and Distilleries Limited, Chennai
Prof. Dr.Arumuga perumal.S , Professor of Computer Science,Fellow of IETE.
References
- ^ a b http://www.tn.gov.in/bcmbcmw/bclist.htm
- ^ a b http://ncbc.nic.in/backward-classes/ap.html
- ^ a b c d Weaver Folk Traditions as a Source of History, Vijaya Ramaswamy, Indian Economic & Social History Review, Vol. 19, No. 1, 47-62 (1982), http://ier.sagepub.com/cgi/content/citation/19/1/47?ck=nck, register here for free->http://www.sagepublications.com/sjofreeaccess/ Cite error: The named reference "Weaver Folk Traditions as a Source of History, Vijaya Ramaswamy, Indian Economic & Social History Review, Vol. 19, No. 1, 47-62 (1982), http://ier.sagepub.com/cgi/content/citation/19/1/47?ck=nck" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).