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''' Mudaliar ''' also '''''Mudaliyār''''', '''''Mudali''''' and '''''Moodley''''' in [[Tamil language]] literally means a person of first rank in a feudal society<ref name = "http://content.cdlib.org/xtf/view?docId=ft038n99hg&brand=eschol">Irschick, Eugene F. Dialogue and History: Constructing South India, 1795-1895. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1994. direct web reference: http://content.cdlib.org/xtf/view?docId=ft038n99hg&brand=eschol</ref> in south [[India]]. |
''' Mudaliar ''' also '''''Mudaliyār''''', '''''Mudali''''' and '''''Moodley''''' in [[Tamil language]] literally means a person of first rank in a feudal society<ref name = "http://content.cdlib.org/xtf/view?docId=ft038n99hg&brand=eschol">Irschick, Eugene F. Dialogue and History: Constructing South India, 1795-1895. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1994. direct web reference: http://content.cdlib.org/xtf/view?docId=ft038n99hg&brand=eschol</ref> in south [[India]]. |
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According to Vijaya Ramaswamy in |
According to Vijaya Ramaswamy in<ref name="Indian Economic & Social History Review.">Vijaya Ramaswamy, "Artisans in Vijayanagar Society", ''Indian Economic & Social History Review,'' 12 1985; vol. 22: pp. 417 - 444.</ref> mudali in the 13th century referred to a title and not specific castes. |
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Due to the process called "[[sankritisation]]"(every caste takes up the habits and customs of its immediate superior to reach the superior status..) many of Kallars, Maravars and agamudaya thevars became Vellalars . This process started in the Pallav period.<ref name="Dravid Samskaram Sahyadrisanukkalil-VR.Parameswaran Pillai">Dravid Samskaram Sahyadrisanukkalil-VR.Parameswaran Pillai</ref> |
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However, in recent times the ''Mudaliar'' surname is widely used by people belonging to various [[caste]]s originally from [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]] and in the [[Tamil diaspora]] across the world. Most Mudaliars are [[Tamil people]] with [[Tamil language|Tamil]] as their mother tongue. |
However, in recent times the ''Mudaliar'' surname is widely used by people belonging to various [[caste]]s originally from [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]] and in the [[Tamil diaspora]] across the world. Most Mudaliars are [[Tamil people]] with [[Tamil language|Tamil]] as their mother tongue. |
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==Origin== |
==Origin== |
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In ancient times, cultivation in South India was spread by force, people would move into virgin land which was used by tribal people for slash and burn agriculture or for hunting and convert it into prime agricultural land. These raids were organized and carried out by chieftains, feudal lords and agricultural landlords called [[Vellalars]].<ref name="http://www.saivaneri.org/keralal-pillai-history.html">[http://www.saivaneri.org/keralal-pillai-history.html Kerala Pillai History as told by Dr. Kanam Sankara Pillai<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref name="Castes & Tribes of South India - ET.Thurston, VII 361">Castes & Tribes of South India - ET.Thurston, VII 361 |
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In ancient times, when people were first forming groups to identify themselves they needed a leader to represent their group to other groups. The most talented and suitable leader was chosen to represent the group and he was the first in the group. |
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</ref><ref name="http://dino-latchmi.tripod.com/id12.html">[http://dino-latchmi.tripod.com/id12.html Vellalar History<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[Vellalars]] are agricultural landlords and inhabitants of the "marutha nilam" (one of the [[Sangam landscape|five lands]] advocated by the [[Sangam]] literature). |
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Mudaliar, like [[Pillai]] is a title conferred upon prominent [[Vellalar]] chieftains and feudal lords by the King depending upon the Tamil Kingdom. More specifically, the Vellalars of Thondaimandalam or the Pallava Kingdom were given the title Mudaliar, while the [[Vellalars]] of [[Pandya]] and [[Chola]] Kingdoms were given the title Pillai.<ref name="http://www.saivaneri.org/keralal-pillai-history.html">[http://www.saivaneri.org/keralal-pillai-history.html Kerala Pillai History as told by Dr. Kanam Sankara Pillai<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref name="Castes & Tribes of South India - ET.Thurston, VII 361">Castes & Tribes of South India - ET.Thurston, VII 361 |
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Mudali in tamil means the first among many. So this was given as title to many individuals who were the first in importance or power. Some of the general areas used are |
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</ref> |
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* regiments - captains |
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* battallions - generals |
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* temples - priests |
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* weavers - masters |
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* merchants - chiefs |
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The Chola King, Karikala Chola collected the whole of the Mudali tribe of Vellalars and settled them in Tondaimandalam<ref name="http://books.google.com/books?vid=030r8wCzi070dfHyMo&id=TTQKoe4eXzgC&q=kurumbars+chola&dq=kurumbars+chola&pgis=1">http://books.google.com/books?vid=030r8wCzi070dfHyMo&id=TTQKoe4eXzgC&q=kurumbars+chola&dq=kurumbars+chola&pgis=1</ref>. The country was divided into 24 territorial domains called kottams, a reference to kurumbar policies for administrative purposes. The spatialization of the vellalas in the villages of the Tondai country had begun long before the British arrived.<ref name = "http://content.cdlib.org/xtf/view?docId=ft038n99hg&brand=eschol">Irschick, Eugene F. Dialogue and History: Constructing South India, 1795-1895. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1994. direct web reference: http://content.cdlib.org/xtf/view?docId=ft038n99hg&brand=eschol</ref><ref name="Order and Disorder in Colonial South India Eugene F. Irschick Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 23, No. 3 (1989), pp. 459-492, http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0026-749X(1989)23%3A3%3C459%3AOADICS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-B">Order and Disorder in Colonial South India Eugene F. Irschick Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 23, No. 3 (1989), pp. 459-492,http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0026-749X(1989)23%3A3%3C459%3AOADICS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-B</ref><ref name="Lionel Place, 1799 East India Company Report, para. 59.">Lionel Place, 1799 East India Company Report, para. 59.</ref> |
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Mudaliar, like [[Pillai]] is a title conferred upon prominent chieftains and feudal lords by the King depending upon the Tamil Kingdom. |
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This is further confirmed from another source ''The Tamils Eighteen Hundred Years Ago by V. Kanakasabhai'' in which the author describes the settlement of Tondaimandalam by the [[Chola]] King [[Karikala]] the Great who divided the Tondaimandalam country into 24 Kottams or districts and parcelled it out to families of the Vellala tribe<ref name="The Tamils Eighteen Hundred Years Ago By V. Kanakasabhai, http://books.google.com/books?id=BzgYmdwFby4C&pg=PA42&dq=maravar#PPA28,M1 (Page 28)">The Tamils Eighteen Hundred Years Ago By V. Kanakasabhai, http://books.google.com/books?id=BzgYmdwFby4C&pg=PA42&dq=maravar#PPA28,M1 (Page 28)</ref>(''A complete list of the 24 Kottams and the 79 nadus can also be found in the same source''). |
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==Mudaliar - From title to caste== |
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==Origin of Vellalars and other castes== |
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Mudali was originally created as a title to prominent citizens in the society. It was even awarded to prominent citizens of society who were not hindus. So Mudali was used as a title even till 18th century. |
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During cultural diversification, the Vellalars of TamilNadu can be classified into layers. The first layer consists of Saiva Vellalars Saiva Vellalars of the [[Tondai Nadu|Thondaimandalam]] became the [[Thondaimandala Mudaliars]]. |
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With the advent of British imperialism, an order began to appear among the castes and their titles. Before British imperialism , a non-brahmin king would be using the title of Iyer or Iyengar or Rao. Similarly a brahmin would be using the title of Mudali. In one case, two brothers were found to be using mudali and pillai title. |
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This area includes the present day areas of [[Chennai]], [[Chingleput]], [[Kanchipuram]], [[Vellore]], [[Cadalore]], [[Arcot]], [[Vadalore]], [[Thrivannamalai]]<ref name="http://www.saivaneri.org/keralal-pillai-history.html">[http://www.saivaneri.org/keralal-pillai-history.html Kerala Pillai History as told by Dr. Kanam Sankara Pillai<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>,<ref name="Castes & Tribes of South India - ET.Thurston, VII 361">Castes & Tribes of South India - ET.Thurston, VII 361 |
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Sometime in the 18th century, people of the same caste started using the same title. They avoided using differing titles and started using their title to refer to their caste. |
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</ref> |
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The second layer consists of a number of unique castes, which do not intermarry at all like Pandia Vellalar, (Madurai) Chozhia Vellalar, those who inhabited the areas of [[Chola]] ([[Thichy]], [[Thanjavur]], and [[Pudukottai]]) and [[Pandiya]] [[mandalam]]s ([[Madurai]], [[Thuthukudi]], [[Kanyakumari]], and [[Nagerkovil]]) became the Shoziya Vellar (or "Chola Velar") and Pandiya Vellar respectively. These communities use Mudaliar, udyar, Pillai titles.<ref name="http://www.saivaneri.org/keralal-pillai-history.html">[http://www.saivaneri.org/keralal-pillai-history.html Kerala Pillai History as told by Dr. Kanam Sankara Pillai<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref name="Castes & Tribes of South India - ET.Thurston, VII 361">Castes & Tribes of South India - ET.Thurston, VII 361 |
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So Chozia Vellalas referred to themselves as Pillais and Kongu Vellalas referred to themselves as Gounders. |
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</ref> |
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Agamudaiyar, a caste belonging to the Mukkulathor community who generally use Thevar as their |
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Similary Tondaimandala Vellalas, Sengunthars and Agamudayars started referring to themselves as Mudalis. |
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surname also use the Mudaliar surname. "Kallarum, Maravarum, Agamudaiyarum mella mella vanthu vellalar anaarkal"- so goes the saying in Tamil.<ref name="http://www.saivaneri.org/keralal-pillai-history.html">[http://www.saivaneri.org/keralal-pillai-history.html Kerala Pillai History as told by Dr. Kanam Sankara Pillai<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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However these are only names given by people to themselves to simplify the hundreds of castes found in Tamilnadu. Even now the government of India does not recognize castes such as Pillai or Gounder or Mudaliar. The proper name of the caste is used for all purposes. |
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So the Tondaimandala Vellalas are classified as OC, while Sengunthars and Agamudayars are classified as BC. |
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==Various Religions that used Mudaliar title in historical times== |
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People from all castes were awarded this title by the kings. Many Brahmins, Warriors, Poets and Sages were awarded this title in various countries. Even Jews in kerala were awarded this title in 1215 AD by the Maharajah of Cochin, according to the book <ref name="The Cochin State Manual">The Cochin State Manual http://books.google.com/books?id=X7UCAAAAMAAJ&q=jew+mudali&dq=jew+mudali&pgis=1</ref> by Si. Pi. Acyutamēnōn . In the 17th century a leading Muslim trader Marakkayar was given the title Mudali Pillai by the Nayak king of Madurai.<ref name="Marakkayar">Muslim trader with Mudali title http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3D11FYACaVySoC%26pg%3DPA17%26lpg%3DPA17%26dq%3Dmudali%2Bpillai%2Bmarakkayar%26source%3Dweb%26ots%3DeiwtCjhi7G%26sig%3D-2kNNkzgn_Yr1C_A7Ox3aTW0Rs4&ei=SfFOR9_1II-4gQTV7_TsCg&usg=AFQjCNEilgXz8uD_MNmmVvhnu7B5PDldkw&sig2=Ip7S5Nt8KflOsrXjzNcwRw</ref> |
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Sadayappa Mudaliar, patron of the poet Kambar, was a Kongu Vellala (who use Gounder title now) but he used Mudali title. |
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==Various castes using the "Mudaliar" title== |
==Various castes using the "Mudaliar" title== |
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===''Tondaimandala Kondaikatti Vellalar''=== |
===''Tondaimandala Kondaikatti Vellalar''=== |
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Tradition suggests that this group were the first Vellalar groups that were settled in Tondaimandalam by Adondai Chakravarti after overthrowing the Kurumbar sovereignty<ref name="Religion and Public Culture: encounters and identities in modern South Indi by John Jeya Paul, Keith Edward Yandell,http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0700711015&id=x3GuKnZTGG4C&pg=PA241&lpg=PA241&ots=0mGugDgcw8&dq=adondai+kondaikatti&sig=rvjX3UZKGetOlVMyoGQS0IC4ac0">Religion and Public Culture: encounters and identities in modern South Indi by John Jeya Paul, Keith Edward Yandell,http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0700711015&id=x3GuKnZTGG4C&pg=PA241&lpg=PA241&ots=0mGugDgcw8&dq=adondai+kondaikatti&sig=rvjX3UZKGetOlVMyoGQS0IC4ac0</ref> |
Tradition suggests that this group were the first Vellalar groups that were settled in Tondaimandalam by Adondai Chakravarti after overthrowing the Kurumbar sovereignty<ref name="Religion and Public Culture: encounters and identities in modern South Indi by John Jeya Paul, Keith Edward Yandell,http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0700711015&id=x3GuKnZTGG4C&pg=PA241&lpg=PA241&ots=0mGugDgcw8&dq=adondai+kondaikatti&sig=rvjX3UZKGetOlVMyoGQS0IC4ac0">Religion and Public Culture: encounters and identities in modern South Indi by John Jeya Paul, Keith Edward Yandell,http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0700711015&id=x3GuKnZTGG4C&pg=PA241&lpg=PA241&ots=0mGugDgcw8&dq=adondai+kondaikatti&sig=rvjX3UZKGetOlVMyoGQS0IC4ac0</ref> |
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Adondai Chakravarti is described in tradition in various ways: a) as a lieutenant in the Chola empire<ref name="Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland By Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland,http://books.google.com/books?vid=0o3HpzvAK7y1RHyxOc&id=JLFfVFU1mCoC&pg=PA581&lpg=PA581&dq=adondai+chola#PPA581,M1">Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland By Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland,http://books.google.com/books?vid=0o3HpzvAK7y1RHyxOc&id=JLFfVFU1mCoC&pg=PA581&lpg=PA581&dq=adondai+chola#PPA581,M1</ref>, b) as the son of ancient Chola King Kokkili and a Naga princess, c) as the illegitimate son of Rajendra Kulotunga Chola I and a palace attendant <ref name="Some Contributions of South India to Indian Culture By S. Krishnaswami Aiyangar, http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN8120609999&id=vRcql-QBhRwC&pg=PA394&lpg=PA394&dq=adondai+chola&sig=CUdOfMyvFWr60FUG2jBelSkCQhQ">Some Contributions of South India to Indian Culture By S. Krishnaswami Aiyangar, http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN8120609999&id=vRcql-QBhRwC&pg=PA394&lpg=PA394&dq=adondai+chola&sig=CUdOfMyvFWr60FUG2jBelSkCQhQ</ref>, d) son of Karikala Chola <ref name="History of Tirupati: The Tiruvengadam Temple By T. K. T. Viraraghavacharya, http://books.google.com/books?vid=0EAC1QqCYpse1n8eEo&id=VBoaAAAAMAAJ&q=adondai&dq=adondai&pgis=1">History of Tirupati: The Tiruvengadam Temple By T. K. T. Viraraghavacharya, http://books.google.com/books?vid=0EAC1QqCYpse1n8eEo&id=VBoaAAAAMAAJ&q=adondai&dq=adondai&pgis=1</ref>. This claim appears blurred due to the ambiguous identity of Adondai Chakravarti and the time of such settlement. There are conflicting sources, some that say the settlement was in 7th or 8th century AD and others that say that it was much later in 11th or 12th century AD. Nevertheless, this settlement is much later than Karikala Chola's settlement of Tondaimandalam<ref name="<ref name="http://books.google.com/books?vid=030r8wCzi070dfHyMo&id=TTQKoe4eXzgC&q=kurumbars+chola&dq=kurumbars+chola&pgis=1">http://books.google.com/books?vid=030r8wCzi070dfHyMo&id=TTQKoe4eXzgC&q=kurumbars+chola&dq=kurumbars+chola&pgis=1</ref>. |
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===''Tondaimandala Saiva Vellalar''=== |
===''Tondaimandala Saiva Vellalar''=== |
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The Tondaimandala Saiva Vellala Mudaliars are forward-caste and are vegetarians. They are the original homogeneous group of Mudaliyars who were settled in Tondaimandalam or Tondai Nadu in South [[India]] by Chola King, Karikala [[Chola]]<ref name="The Tamils Eighteen Hundred Years Ago By V. Kanakasabhai, http://books.google.com/books?id=BzgYmdwFby4C&pg=PA42&dq=maravar#PPA28,M1 (Page 28)">The Tamils Eighteen Hundred Years Ago By V. Kanakasabhai, http://books.google.com/books?id=BzgYmdwFby4C&pg=PA42&dq=maravar#PPA28,M1 (Page 28)</ref><ref name = "http://content.cdlib.org/xtf/view?docId=ft038n99hg&brand=eschol">Irschick, Eugene F. Dialogue and History: Constructing South India, 1795-1895. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1994. direct web reference: http://content.cdlib.org/xtf/view?docId=ft038n99hg&brand=eschol</ref><ref name="Order and Disorder in Colonial South India Eugene F. Irschick Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 23, No. 3 (1989), pp. 459-492, http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0026-749X(1989)23%3A3%3C459%3AOADICS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-B">Order and Disorder in Colonial South India Eugene F. Irschick Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 23, No. 3 (1989), pp. 459-492,http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0026-749X(1989)23%3A3%3C459%3AOADICS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-B</ref><ref name="Lionel Place, 1799 East India Company Report, para. 59.">Lionel Place, 1799 East India Company Report, para. 59.</ref><ref name=" http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/09/03/stories/2004090300780600.htm"> |
The Tondaimandala Saiva Vellala Mudaliars are forward-caste and are vegetarians. They are the original homogeneous group of Mudaliyars who were settled in Tondaimandalam or Tondai Nadu in South [[India]] by Chola King, Karikala [[Chola]]<ref name="The Tamils Eighteen Hundred Years Ago By V. Kanakasabhai, http://books.google.com/books?id=BzgYmdwFby4C&pg=PA42&dq=maravar#PPA28,M1 (Page 28)">The Tamils Eighteen Hundred Years Ago By V. Kanakasabhai, http://books.google.com/books?id=BzgYmdwFby4C&pg=PA42&dq=maravar#PPA28,M1 (Page 28)</ref><ref name = "http://content.cdlib.org/xtf/view?docId=ft038n99hg&brand=eschol">Irschick, Eugene F. Dialogue and History: Constructing South India, 1795-1895. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1994. direct web reference: http://content.cdlib.org/xtf/view?docId=ft038n99hg&brand=eschol</ref><ref name="Order and Disorder in Colonial South India Eugene F. Irschick Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 23, No. 3 (1989), pp. 459-492, http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0026-749X(1989)23%3A3%3C459%3AOADICS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-B">Order and Disorder in Colonial South India Eugene F. Irschick Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 23, No. 3 (1989), pp. 459-492,http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0026-749X(1989)23%3A3%3C459%3AOADICS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-B</ref><ref name="Lionel Place, 1799 East India Company Report, para. 59.">Lionel Place, 1799 East India Company Report, para. 59.</ref><ref name=" http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/09/03/stories/2004090300780600.htm">[http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/09/03/stories/2004090300780600.htm The Hindu : Of tilting pillars<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. Karikala Chola annexed Thondai naadu and gave it to his son Athondai after whom the region is named after. |
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</ref> <ref name="http://dino-latchmi.tripod.com/id12.html">http://dino-latchmi.tripod.com/id12.html |
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</ref> . Some of the [[Tamil people|Tamils]] in [[Ceylon]] also trace their lineage to this group some of whom had become saints called [[Nayanars]]. The book: ''The Tamils in Early Ceylon By C. Sivaratnam'' traces some of the ''Mudaliyars'' in Ceylon to ''Thaninayaka Mudaliyar'' (among other), a rich Saiva Vellala who emigrated to [[Ceylon]] from Tondaimandalam''<ref name="The Tamils in Early Ceylon By C. Sivaratnam, http://books.google.com/books?vid=0PrqSaY8TV9DtgCG9v&id=hlocAAAAMAAJ&q=mudaliyar+vellala&dq=mudaliyar+vellala&pgis=1">The Tamils in Early Ceylon By C. Sivaratnam, http://books.google.com/books?vid=0PrqSaY8TV9DtgCG9v&id=hlocAAAAMAAJ&q=mudaliyar+vellala&dq=mudaliyar+vellala&pgis=1</ref>. |
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Dalawai Ariyanatha Mudaliar who is regarded as the founder of the Poligar system also settled some of them in areas outside of Thondaimandalam. They are endogamous and inter-marriage with other Mudaliars is quite rare. Their mother tongue is [[Tamil language|Tamil]]<ref name="http://www.saivaneri.org/keralal-pillai-history.html">[http://www.saivaneri.org/keralal-pillai-history.html Kerala Pillai History as told by Dr. Kanam Sankara Pillai<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> <ref name="http://dino-latchmi.tripod.com/id12.html">[http://dino-latchmi.tripod.com/id12.html Vellalar History<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> . |
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===''Agamudayar/Arcot/Thuluva Vellala''=== |
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Some of the [[Tamil people|Tamils]] in [[Ceylon]] also trace their lineage to this group some of whom had become saints called [[Nayanars]]. The book: ''The Tamils in Early Ceylon By C. Sivaratnam'' traces some of the ''Mudaliyars'' in Ceylon to ''Thaninayaka Mudaliyar'' (among other), a rich Saiva Vellala who emigrated to [[Ceylon]] from Tondaimandalam''<ref name="The Tamils in Early Ceylon By C. Sivaratnam, http://books.google.com/books?vid=0PrqSaY8TV9DtgCG9v&id=hlocAAAAMAAJ&q=mudaliyar+vellala&dq=mudaliyar+vellala&pgis=1">The Tamils in Early Ceylon By C. Sivaratnam, http://books.google.com/books?vid=0PrqSaY8TV9DtgCG9v&id=hlocAAAAMAAJ&q=mudaliyar+vellala&dq=mudaliyar+vellala&pgis=1</ref>. |
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The [[Agam udayar]] actually belong to the [[Mukkulathor]] community, which also includes the [[Kallar]]s and [[Maravar]]s. These three communities together known as [[Mukkulathor]] generally use "[[Thevar]]" as their surname. But later the [[Agam udaiyar]]s (the most upward community among the three) slowly migrated towards the northern part of Tamil Nadu, settled there, changed their caste name to Thuluva Vellala. So in reality Thuluva vellalar is just the renaming of Agam udayar and hence are classified as one by the [[Tamil Nadu]] government, [[India]]<ref name="http://www.tn.gov.in/bcmbcmw/bclist.htm">http://www.tn.gov.in/bcmbcmw/bclist.htm</ref>. So intermingling of on a large scale between two distinct communities is very unlikely and has no historical evidence. The Agam udaiyars changed their name to Thuluva Vellala. |
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===''Agamudayar/Arcot/Thuluva Vellala''=== |
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As early as 13th century, Agam udayars were using Mudaliar title. This inscription illustrates the accounts of the temple of Rajaraja-Isvaram-Udaiyar at Rajraja-Kulattur in Tiruvindalur-nadu, a subdivision of Rajraja-valanadu were audited by Kayiladamudaiyan alias Solakon-Pallavaraiyar, an agambadi-mudali of Solakon, between the 23rd and 25th [days of Adi]<ref name="http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_12/stones_176_to_200.html No 199" http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_12/stones_176_to_200.html>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_12/stones_176_to_200.html</ref> |
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The [[Agam udayar]] actually belong to the [[Mukkulathor]] community, which also includes the [[Kallar]]s and [[Maravar]]s. These three communities together known as [[Mukkulathor]] generally use "[[Thevar]]" as their surname. But later the [[Agam udaiyar]]s (the most upward community among the three) slowly migrated towards the northern part of Tamil Nadu, settled there, changed their caste name to Thuluva Vellala and hence are classified as Agam udiyar by the [[Tamil Nadu]] government<ref name="http://www.tn.gov.in/bcmbcmw/bclist.htm">[http://www.tn.gov.in/bcmbcmw/bclist.htm List Of Backward Classes Approved<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. |
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===''Kerala Muthali/Mudali''=== |
===''Kerala Muthali/Mudali''=== |
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{{Unreferencedsection|date=March 2008}} |
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Kerala Muthali (Mudali) belongs to various Mudaliar communities. They are predominantly found in the areas of Trivandrum and Palghat Districts of Kerala and Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu. They migrated to these places starting late 17th Century onwards for various purposes including Agriculture, Coconut Oil extraction, Coir Trade and as Specialized Fighters and Reliable Spies. They were given special preference by Royal Family of Travancore due to their cultural similarity and loyalty. This status resulted in furhter deepening their area of influence with in Travancore. During the British era many families came in to the influence of Christianity and became strong supporters and eventually embraced that religion. Unlike the Tamil Brahmins settled in various places of Kerala, Muthalis/Mudalis engage with marital relationships with Nairs, Chakravar, Sakravar (Kavathi) and those who are converted to Christianity but retaining Mudaliar identity. Kerala Muthalis still keep their separate identity even though they are a micro-minority caste in Kerala. Due to their linguistic and educational backwardness Kerala [http://www.keralapsc.org/obcs.htm], Tamilnadu [http://www.tn.gov.in/department/bclist.htm] and Pondicherry [http://ncbc.nic.in/backward-classes/pondicherry.html] states have categorized them as BCs. Gradually after independence and state reorganization, Kerala Muthalis have completely integrated with the Kerala Culture, but still consider Lord Muruga/Subramanya as their primary god of worship while most of the Kerala Hindus are devotees of Lord Vishnu. |
Kerala Muthali (Mudali) belongs to various Mudaliar communities. They are predominantly found in the areas of Trivandrum and Palghat Districts of Kerala and Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu. They migrated to these places starting late 17th Century onwards for various purposes including Agriculture, Coconut Oil extraction, Coir Trade and as Specialized Fighters and Reliable Spies. They were given special preference by Royal Family of Travancore due to their cultural similarity and loyalty. This status resulted in furhter deepening their area of influence with in Travancore. During the British era many families came in to the influence of Christianity and became strong supporters and eventually embraced that religion. Unlike the Tamil Brahmins settled in various places of Kerala, Muthalis/Mudalis engage with marital relationships with Nairs, Chakravar, Sakravar (Kavathi) and those who are converted to Christianity but retaining Mudaliar identity. Kerala Muthalis still keep their separate identity even though they are a micro-minority caste in Kerala. Due to their linguistic and educational backwardness Kerala [http://www.keralapsc.org/obcs.htm], Tamilnadu [http://www.tn.gov.in/department/bclist.htm] and Pondicherry [http://ncbc.nic.in/backward-classes/pondicherry.html] states have categorized them as BCs. Gradually after independence and state reorganization, Kerala Muthalis have completely integrated with the Kerala Culture, but still consider Lord Muruga/Subramanya as their primary god of worship while most of the Kerala Hindus are devotees of Lord Vishnu. |
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===''Sri Lankan Mudaliyars''=== |
===''Sri Lankan Mudaliyars''=== |
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History of Jaffna has at least two or three clans from Thondaimandalam with Mudali surname. Irumarapum Thooya Thaninayaga Mudali from Seyyoor and Mannadukonda Mudali whose clan has been quoted even during famour poet Kambar's time. Please read Vaipava Malai and migration of people from Thondai Nadu to Jaffna and then write about Sri Lankan Mudaliars. It is not a British Phenomenon. |
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Here is the direct quotation from a part of Kailaya Malai a historical book of Jaffna on the migration into Jaffna from Thondai Nadu. The other clans may come under this section or under Sri Lankan Vellalar section. |
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''The next was the Vellala of the family of him who shed over kamban a shower of gold for the work of Erezhupatu, whose country was Tondainade, who had a widespread name, who used to wear a lotus garland and whose name was Maanadukanda Mudali. He was made to reside at Irupalai. The next was the Vellala of Seyur, who was as wealthy as Indra, and who never deviated from the path of visture. whose garland was of water lilies. Whose fame was great and whose paternal and maternal lines were matchless and pure and whose name was Taninayaga. He was made a chief of Neduntiva.''<ref name="http://noolaham.net/library/books/02/101/101.htm">http://noolaham.net/library/books/02/101/101.htm</ref> |
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See [[Sri Lankan Mudaliyars]] for the class of Mudaliyars created by the British administrators during 19th century [[Sri Lanka]]. |
See [[Sri Lankan Mudaliyars]] for the class of Mudaliyars created by the British administrators during 19th century [[Sri Lanka]]. |
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===''Sengunthar/Kaikolar/Isai Vellalar''=== |
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===''Sengunthar/Kaikolar''=== |
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''See main article at [[Sengunthar]]'' |
''See main article at [[Sengunthar]]'' |
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The Kaikolars also called as Sengunthar, are a large [[Tamil people|Tamil]] people in the states of Southern India<ref name="http://www.tn.gov.in/bcmbcmw/bclist.htm">http://www.tn.gov.in/bcmbcmw/bclist.htm</ref>. Historically, there were seventy-two subdivisions (nadu or desams). Their name comes from the [[Tamil language|Tamil]] 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 are also known as Sengunthar, which means a red dagger in [[Tamil language|Tamil]]. |
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The Kaikolars also called as Isai Vellalar and Sengunthar, are a large [[Tamil people|Tamil]] and [[Telugu people|Telugu]] caste of weavers in the states of [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]] in southern India<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>. There are seventy-two subdivisions (nadu or desams). They consider the different parts of the loom to represent various gods and sages. Traditionally, one girl in every family 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 but in practice becomes a prostitute, especially to the Brahmans 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="Donors, Devotees, and Daughters of God. Temple Women in Medieval Tamilnadu by Leslie C. Orr">Donors, Devotees, and Daughters of God. Temple Women in Medieval Tamilnadu by Leslie C. Orr</ref><ref name="Artisans in Vijayanagar Society, Vijaya Ramaswamy, Indian Economic & Social History Review, Vol. 22, No. 4, 417-444 (1985)">Artisans in Vijayanagar Society, Vijaya Ramaswamy, Indian Economic & Social History Review, Vol. 22, No. 4, 417-444 (1985)</ref> |
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During Chola rule Kaikolars served as soldiers and were called "Terinja kaikolar padai". (Terinja means "known" in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and Padai means "regiment"), so "terinja-kaikolar padai" were the personal bodyguards. Kaikkolars 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. Kaikkolar formed merchant groups and maintained a military unit to protect the merchants. |
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Isai 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>. In present day, the regular Kaikolars have renamed themselves as Sengunthars and the Kaikolar Devadasis have renamed themselves as Isai Vellalar 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 Vellalars and claiming to be Vellalars and the descendants of the Pallavas. |
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They formed many regiments in the Chola army. Kaikolars were prominent members of Tamil society even during the 10th century AD during Chola rule.<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_19/inscription_of_parakesarivarman_no_01.html</ref> |
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Smarakesarit-terinja-Kaikkolar and Vikramasingat-terinja-Kaikkolar derived their names from possible titles of Parantaka<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_19/introduction1.html</ref> |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_13/stones_26_to_50.html</ref> |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_13/introduction.html</ref> |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_17/introduction.html</ref> |
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Udaiyar-Gandaradittatterinja-Kaikkolar[8] must have been the name of a regiment called after king Gandaraditya, the father of Uttama-Chola. |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_13/stones_1_to_25.html</ref> |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_26/vijayanagara.html</ref> |
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Singalantaka-terinda-Kaikkolar (a regiment named after Singalantaka i.e. Parntaka I) |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_2/no_77_78_west_base_anekatangapadam_temple_kanchi.html</ref> |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_3/no_129_133_uttama_chola.html</ref> |
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Danatonga-terinja-Kaikkola (regiment or group). The early writing of the record and the surname Danatunga of Paranataka I suggests its assignment to his reign. |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_19/inscription_of_parakesarivarman_no_22.html</ref> |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_13/stones_101_to_125.html</ref> |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_19/inscription_of_parakesarivarman_no_274.html</ref> |
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Muttavalperra seems to indicate some special honour or rank conferred on the regiment by the king. |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_19/inscription_of_parakesarivarman_no_358.html</ref> |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_22/part_1/rajaraja_1.html</ref> |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/tiruvarur_temple/introduction.html</ref> |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_23/aditya_2_karikala.html</ref> |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_26/kulasekhara_dharmaperumal.html</ref> |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_26/bujabalaraya.html</ref> |
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<ref>http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_26/vikramacholadeva.html</ref> |
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''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> |
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Most 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>.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>. Another 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> The Kaikkolars used their women to enjoy special privileges in the Vijayanagar empire<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>. (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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=== Nanjil Mudali=== |
=== Nanjil Mudali=== |
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Nanjil Mudali is another group of people who have Mudali surname. They belong to Nanjil nadu in Kanyakumari district. |
Nanjil Mudali is another group of people who have Mudali surname. They belong to Nanjil nadu in Kanyakumari district. |
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<ref>http://www.tn.gov.in/department/bclist.htm</ref> |
<ref>[http://www.tn.gov.in/department/bclist.htm List of Backward Classes<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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===Mudaliars of Bangalore=== |
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Mudaliars constitute a significant percentage of the population in South Bangalore (surrounding Ulsoor Lake, MG Road, High grounds). Many well-known buildings on MG Road & surrounding areas of Infantry Road and Kamaraj Road are still owned by Mudaliars (e.g - Gangaram's, Vimal Chambers). The famous "Attara Kachheri" or the red court house that stands opposite of Vidhana Sauda was built by Rai Bahadur Arcot Narayansamy Mudaliar. Palatial homes surrounding Windsor Manor (5 star hotel) are even today owned & inhabited by affluent Mudaliar families. The Bangalore Exhibition is usually conducted on the RBANMS grounds in Ulsoor which is owned by Rai Bahadur Arcot Narrainswamy Mudaliar trust. The trust has several schools and colleges affiliated to it. |
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===Gatti mudalis of Taramangalam=== |
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#REDIRECT [[Gatti Mudalis]] |
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==Notable Mudaliars== |
==Notable Mudaliars== |
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* Thalavai Ariyanadha Mudaliyar - Prime Minister of Viswanatha [[Madurai Nayaks|Nayak]] |
* Thalavai Ariyanadha Mudaliyar - Prime Minister of Viswanatha [[Madurai Nayaks|Nayak]] |
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* Kanthappa mudaliar - land lord, ruled an island under ariya kings government |
* Kanthappa mudaliar - land lord, ruled an island under ariya kings government |
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* [[Pachaiyappa Mudaliar]] - 18th century [[dubash]] of [[Madras]]. His name is associated with [[Pachaiyappa's College]]. |
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===Arts=== |
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*[[TR Sundaram]]: Modern Theatres, Salem to Produce and direct many movies who patronised MGR,VC.Ganesan & M.K. |
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*[[G.N.Velumani]]: Tamil film producer (Saravana Films) who was instrumental in paving a bright career for MGR,Shivaji by giving hit films like Paasa malar, Paava manippu etc. |
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*[[Bharathidasan]] (1891-1964) Tamil Poet |
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*[[Pammal Sambandam Mudaliar]]: Tamil movie director and actor of early 20th century. |
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*[[Nataraja Mudaliar]]: Founder of South Indian Cinema - to Produce and direct a Movie in South India-(1917) |
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*[[Thengai Srinivasan]]: Tamil comedian. |
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*[[P.S VEERAPPA]]: Tamil film Actor. |
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*[[Perumal Mudaliayar]]: Founder of National pictures who introduced Shvajiganesan in Parasakthi. |
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===Education=== |
===Education=== |
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*[[Sir. A. Ramaswami Mudaliar]]: Mayor of Madras(1928-30), Member-Advisor in High Level "War Committee" formed by the British PM Sir. Winson Churchill during the World Wars, Member-Advisor in all the 3 London-Round Table Conferences(1930,'31,'32);Commerce member of the Viceroy's Council;Indian Representative & Leader in U.N.in 1945 and his efforts put India as a Member Nation in the U.N.; Chief of U.N. Finance Committee; Diwan of Mysore(1946-49) |
*[[Sir. A. Ramaswami Mudaliar]]: Mayor of Madras(1928-30), Member-Advisor in High Level "War Committee" formed by the British PM Sir. Winson Churchill during the World Wars, Member-Advisor in all the 3 London-Round Table Conferences(1930,'31,'32);Commerce member of the Viceroy's Council;Indian Representative & Leader in U.N.in 1945 and his efforts put India as a Member Nation in the U.N.; Chief of U.N. Finance Committee; Diwan of Mysore(1946-49); Vice Chancellor of University of Kerala(1951-61), Travancore ; Chairman-The Shipping Corporation of India; FOUNDER Chairman & Managing Director of ICICI (1955) -Industrial Credits & Investment Corporation of India. |
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*[[Dr. A. Lakshmanaswami Mudaliar]]: First Indian principal of the Madras Medical College, Served as Chairman-UNESCO; Vice Chancellor, University of Madras for the Longest Tenure of 27 Yrs; Chairman-W.H.O, Younger Twin Brother of Sir. A.Ramaswami Mudaliar. |
*[[Dr. A. Lakshmanaswami Mudaliar]]: First Indian principal of the Madras Medical College, Served as Chairman-UNESCO; Vice Chancellor, University of Madras for the Longest Tenure of 27 Yrs; Chairman-W.H.O, Younger Twin Brother of Sir. A.Ramaswami Mudaliar. |
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*[[Visirimadi P. Shanmugam Mudaliar]] freedom fighter from Pondicherry. |
*[[Visirimadi P. Shanmugam Mudaliar]] freedom fighter from Pondicherry. |
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*[[Pradeep V. Mudaliar]] freedom fighter from Bangalore. |
*[[Pradeep V. Mudaliar]] freedom fighter from Bangalore. |
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*[[M Arjunan Mudaliar]] freedom fighter from Arcot. |
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===Sports=== |
===Sports=== |
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*[[Mithali Raj]] India's Women's Cricket Team Captain |
*[[Mithali Raj]] India's Women's Cricket Team Captain |
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===Government=== |
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*Politics |
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**[[CNA @ Annadurai]]: Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu & Founder DMK. |
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**[[M.Bhaktavatchalam]]: Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu & Congress Leader. |
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**[[V. Kalyanasundaram]]: Writer and trade union Leader (Thiru. Vi. Ka). |
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**[[P Shanmugam]]: Former Chief Minister of Pondicherry State and present State Congress Chief. |
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**[[P.U.Shanmugham]]: Former Minister of Tamilnadu. |
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**[[O V Alagesan]]: Former Union Minister of India. |
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**[[V R Nedunchezhiyan]]: Former Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu and Former Intermin Chief minister of Tamilnadu. |
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**[[K Anbazhagan]]: Minister of Tamil Nadu and DMK Leader. |
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**Sir [[P T Rajan]]: Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Leader Justice Party. |
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**[[Pulavar Govindhan]]: Former Speaker of Tamil Nadu Assembly. |
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**[[PTR Palanivel Rajan]]: Formerly Speaker of Tamil Nadu Assembly, Endowment Minister. |
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*Social Service |
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**[[Pachaippa Mudaliar]]: Founder, Philanthropist, Pachaiappan Institutions, Chennai. |
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**[[Dharmarathnakara Rai Bahadur Arcot Narrainswamy Mudaliar]]: Founder of RBANMS Institutions, |
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===Religion=== |
===Religion=== |
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*[[Vethathiri|Yogiraj Shri Vethathiri Maharishi]]: Founder of the [http://wcsc.info The World Community Service Center], an organisation striving for [[World peace]] from 1911 and propagator of the famous blessing phrase of "''Vaazgha Vaiyagam Vaazgha Valamudan''" (வாழ்க வையகம் வாழ்க வளமுடன்). |
*[[Vethathiri|Yogiraj Shri Vethathiri Maharishi]]: Founder of the [http://wcsc.info The World Community Service Center], an organisation striving for [[World peace]] from 1911 and propagator of the famous blessing phrase of "''Vaazgha Vaiyagam Vaazgha Valamudan''" (வாழ்க வையகம் வாழ்க வளமுடன்). |
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=== |
===Underworld=== |
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*[[Varadharajan Mudaliar]]: Known as Vardha Bhai; former prominent underworld kingpin of 70s. Tamil movie Nayagan was based on his life story. |
*[[Varadharajan Mudaliar]]: Known as Vardha Bhai; former prominent underworld kingpin of 70s. Tamil movie Nayagan was based on his life story. |
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===Business=== |
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LIST OF BUSINESS OWNED BY MUDALIARS: |
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*'''The Nilgris''' |
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*'''The Chennai silks''' |
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*'''SP APPARELS'''-(THE COMPANY THAT OWNS CROCODILE BRAND) |
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*'''AMBATTUR CLOTHING COMPANY''' (COLOUR PLUS) |
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*VST Tractors and Tillers |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 04:39, 19 March 2008
 | This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. (July 2007) |
 | This article's factual accuracy is disputed. (March 2008) |
Mudaliar also Mudaliyār, Mudali and Moodley in Tamil language literally means a person of first rank in a feudal society[1] in south India.
According to Vijaya Ramaswamy in[2] mudali in the 13th century referred to a title and not specific castes.
Due to the process called "sankritisation"(every caste takes up the habits and customs of its immediate superior to reach the superior status..) many of Kallars, Maravars and agamudaya thevars became Vellalars . This process started in the Pallav period.[3]
However, in recent times the Mudaliar surname is widely used by people belonging to various castes originally from Tamil Nadu, India and in the Tamil diaspora across the world. Most Mudaliars are Tamil people with Tamil as their mother tongue.
Origin
In ancient times, cultivation in South India was spread by force, people would move into virgin land which was used by tribal people for slash and burn agriculture or for hunting and convert it into prime agricultural land. These raids were organized and carried out by chieftains, feudal lords and agricultural landlords called Vellalars.[4][5][6] Vellalars are agricultural landlords and inhabitants of the "marutha nilam" (one of the five lands advocated by the Sangam literature).
Mudaliar, like Pillai is a title conferred upon prominent Vellalar chieftains and feudal lords by the King depending upon the Tamil Kingdom. More specifically, the Vellalars of Thondaimandalam or the Pallava Kingdom were given the title Mudaliar, while the Vellalars of Pandya and Chola Kingdoms were given the title Pillai.[4][5]
The Chola King, Karikala Chola collected the whole of the Mudali tribe of Vellalars and settled them in Tondaimandalam[7]. The country was divided into 24 territorial domains called kottams, a reference to kurumbar policies for administrative purposes. The spatialization of the vellalas in the villages of the Tondai country had begun long before the British arrived.[1][8][9]
This is further confirmed from another source The Tamils Eighteen Hundred Years Ago by V. Kanakasabhai in which the author describes the settlement of Tondaimandalam by the Chola King Karikala the Great who divided the Tondaimandalam country into 24 Kottams or districts and parcelled it out to families of the Vellala tribe[10](A complete list of the 24 Kottams and the 79 nadus can also be found in the same source).
Origin of Vellalars and other castes
During cultural diversification, the Vellalars of TamilNadu can be classified into layers. The first layer consists of Saiva Vellalars Saiva Vellalars of the Thondaimandalam became the Thondaimandala Mudaliars.
This area includes the present day areas of Chennai, Chingleput, Kanchipuram, Vellore, Cadalore, Arcot, Vadalore, Thrivannamalai[4],[5]
The second layer consists of a number of unique castes, which do not intermarry at all like Pandia Vellalar, (Madurai) Chozhia Vellalar, those who inhabited the areas of Chola (Thichy, Thanjavur, and Pudukottai) and Pandiya mandalams (Madurai, Thuthukudi, Kanyakumari, and Nagerkovil) became the Shoziya Vellar (or "Chola Velar") and Pandiya Vellar respectively. These communities use Mudaliar, udyar, Pillai titles.[4][5]
Agamudaiyar, a caste belonging to the Mukkulathor community who generally use Thevar as their surname also use the Mudaliar surname. "Kallarum, Maravarum, Agamudaiyarum mella mella vanthu vellalar anaarkal"- so goes the saying in Tamil.[4]
Various castes using the "Mudaliar" title
A brief description of various castes using the title Mudaliar is given below.
Tondaimandala Kondaikatti Vellalar
Tradition suggests that this group were the first Vellalar groups that were settled in Tondaimandalam by Adondai Chakravarti after overthrowing the Kurumbar sovereignty[11]
Adondai Chakravarti is described in tradition in various ways: a) as a lieutenant in the Chola empire[12], b) as the son of ancient Chola King Kokkili and a Naga princess, c) as the illegitimate son of Rajendra Kulotunga Chola I and a palace attendant [13], d) son of Karikala Chola [14]. This claim appears blurred due to the ambiguous identity of Adondai Chakravarti and the time of such settlement. There are conflicting sources, some that say the settlement was in 7th or 8th century AD and others that say that it was much later in 11th or 12th century AD. Nevertheless, this settlement is much later than Karikala Chola's settlement of TondaimandalamCite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page)..
Tondaimandala Saiva Vellalar
The Tondaimandala Saiva Vellala Mudaliars are forward-caste and are vegetarians. They are the original homogeneous group of Mudaliyars who were settled in Tondaimandalam or Tondai Nadu in South India by Chola King, Karikala Chola[10][1][8][9][15]. Karikala Chola annexed Thondai naadu and gave it to his son Athondai after whom the region is named after.
Dalawai Ariyanatha Mudaliar who is regarded as the founder of the Poligar system also settled some of them in areas outside of Thondaimandalam. They are endogamous and inter-marriage with other Mudaliars is quite rare. Their mother tongue is Tamil[4] [6] .
Some of the Tamils in Ceylon also trace their lineage to this group some of whom had become saints called Nayanars. The book: The Tamils in Early Ceylon By C. Sivaratnam traces some of the Mudaliyars in Ceylon to Thaninayaka Mudaliyar (among other), a rich Saiva Vellala who emigrated to Ceylon from Tondaimandalam[16].
Agamudayar/Arcot/Thuluva Vellala
The Agam udayar actually belong to the Mukkulathor community, which also includes the Kallars and Maravars. These three communities together known as Mukkulathor generally use "Thevar" as their surname. But later the Agam udaiyars (the most upward community among the three) slowly migrated towards the northern part of Tamil Nadu, settled there, changed their caste name to Thuluva Vellala and hence are classified as Agam udiyar by the Tamil Nadu government[17].
Kerala Muthali/Mudali
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Kerala Muthali (Mudali) belongs to various Mudaliar communities. They are predominantly found in the areas of Trivandrum and Palghat Districts of Kerala and Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu. They migrated to these places starting late 17th Century onwards for various purposes including Agriculture, Coconut Oil extraction, Coir Trade and as Specialized Fighters and Reliable Spies. They were given special preference by Royal Family of Travancore due to their cultural similarity and loyalty. This status resulted in furhter deepening their area of influence with in Travancore. During the British era many families came in to the influence of Christianity and became strong supporters and eventually embraced that religion. Unlike the Tamil Brahmins settled in various places of Kerala, Muthalis/Mudalis engage with marital relationships with Nairs, Chakravar, Sakravar (Kavathi) and those who are converted to Christianity but retaining Mudaliar identity. Kerala Muthalis still keep their separate identity even though they are a micro-minority caste in Kerala. Due to their linguistic and educational backwardness Kerala [1], Tamilnadu [2] and Pondicherry [3] states have categorized them as BCs. Gradually after independence and state reorganization, Kerala Muthalis have completely integrated with the Kerala Culture, but still consider Lord Muruga/Subramanya as their primary god of worship while most of the Kerala Hindus are devotees of Lord Vishnu.
Sri Lankan Mudaliyars
See Sri Lankan Mudaliyars for the class of Mudaliyars created by the British administrators during 19th century Sri Lanka.
Sengunthar/Kaikolar/Isai Vellalar
See main article at Sengunthar
The Kaikolars also called as Isai Vellalar and Sengunthar, are a large Tamil and Telugu caste of weavers in the states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in southern India[17][18]. There are seventy-two subdivisions (nadu or desams). They consider the different parts of the loom to represent various gods and sages. Traditionally, one girl in every family 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 but in practice becomes a prostitute, especially to the Brahmans and she learns traditional music and dancing [19][20][21]
Isai Vellalar are none other than that section of Sengunthar Mudaliars or Kaikolars who were associated with the system of Devadasis[22]. In present day, the regular Kaikolars have renamed themselves as Sengunthars and the Kaikolar Devadasis have renamed themselves as Isai Vellalar in order to evade detection and for the purpose of social upliftment in the society [22]. This is similar to Pallars renaming themselves as Devendra Kula Vellalars and claiming to be Vellalars and the descendants of the Pallavas.
A custom prevails among the Kaikolars by which one woman in each family becomes a prostitute, while retaining her caste[23]. 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. [23]
Most present day Kaikolars are offsprings of Kaikolar Devadasis and men from Brahmin communities [24].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[19]. Another 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") [25] The Kaikkolars used their women to enjoy special privileges in the Vijayanagar empire[26]. (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[26]
Nanjil Mudali
Nanjil Mudali is another group of people who have Mudali surname. They belong to Nanjil nadu in Kanyakumari district. [27]
Notable Mudaliars
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Saints
Vaayilar Nayanar: One of the 63 Saivite Nayanars
Kings & Lords
- Thalavai Ariyanadha Mudaliyar - Prime Minister of Viswanatha Nayak
- Kanthappa mudaliar - land lord, ruled an island under ariya kings government
- Pachaiyappa Mudaliar - 18th century dubash of Madras. His name is associated with Pachaiyappa's College.
Education
- Sir. A. Ramaswami Mudaliar: Mayor of Madras(1928-30), Member-Advisor in High Level "War Committee" formed by the British PM Sir. Winson Churchill during the World Wars, Member-Advisor in all the 3 London-Round Table Conferences(1930,'31,'32);Commerce member of the Viceroy's Council;Indian Representative & Leader in U.N.in 1945 and his efforts put India as a Member Nation in the U.N.; Chief of U.N. Finance Committee; Diwan of Mysore(1946-49); Vice Chancellor of University of Kerala(1951-61), Travancore ; Chairman-The Shipping Corporation of India; FOUNDER Chairman & Managing Director of ICICI (1955) -Industrial Credits & Investment Corporation of India.
- Dr. A. Lakshmanaswami Mudaliar: First Indian principal of the Madras Medical College, Served as Chairman-UNESCO; Vice Chancellor, University of Madras for the Longest Tenure of 27 Yrs; Chairman-W.H.O, Younger Twin Brother of Sir. A.Ramaswami Mudaliar.
Freedom Fighter
- Tirupur Kumaran: Indian Freedom Fighter.
- Kodai Idi Kuppusamy Mudaliar freedom fighter from vellore.
- Visirimadi P. Shanmugam Mudaliar freedom fighter from Pondicherry.
- Pradeep V. Mudaliar freedom fighter from Bangalore.
- M Arjunan Mudaliar freedom fighter from Arcot.
Sports
- Mithali Raj India's Women's Cricket Team Captain
Religion
- Sekkizhar (Wrote periapuranam): Minister in chola dynasty
- Ottakoothar (Wrote Thakayagaparani): Minister in chola dynasty
- Kovoor kizar (poet)
- kamba nattar(poet who wrote ramayana in Tamil) There is a saying that Kamban veetu kattu thariyum kavi paadum, loosesly meaning, Even Kamban's loom can pen a poem.
- Kirupanandha Variyar (Variyar Swamigal): Saint
- Yogiraj Shri Vethathiri Maharishi: Founder of the The World Community Service Center, an organisation striving for World peace from 1911 and propagator of the famous blessing phrase of "Vaazgha Vaiyagam Vaazgha Valamudan" (வாழ்க வையகம் வாழ்க வளமுடன்).
Underworld
- Varadharajan Mudaliar: Known as Vardha Bhai; former prominent underworld kingpin of 70s. Tamil movie Nayagan was based on his life story.
References
- ^ a b c Irschick, Eugene F. Dialogue and History: Constructing South India, 1795-1895. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1994. direct web reference: http://content.cdlib.org/xtf/view?docId=ft038n99hg&brand=eschol
- ^ Vijaya Ramaswamy, "Artisans in Vijayanagar Society", Indian Economic & Social History Review, 12 1985; vol. 22: pp. 417 - 444.
- ^ Dravid Samskaram Sahyadrisanukkalil-VR.Parameswaran Pillai
- ^ a b c d e f Kerala Pillai History as told by Dr. Kanam Sankara Pillai
- ^ a b c d Castes & Tribes of South India - ET.Thurston, VII 361
- ^ a b Vellalar History
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?vid=030r8wCzi070dfHyMo&id=TTQKoe4eXzgC&q=kurumbars+chola&dq=kurumbars+chola&pgis=1
- ^ a b Order and Disorder in Colonial South India Eugene F. Irschick Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 23, No. 3 (1989), pp. 459-492,http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0026-749X(1989)23%3A3%3C459%3AOADICS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-B
- ^ a b Lionel Place, 1799 East India Company Report, para. 59.
- ^ a b The Tamils Eighteen Hundred Years Ago By V. Kanakasabhai, http://books.google.com/books?id=BzgYmdwFby4C&pg=PA42&dq=maravar#PPA28,M1 (Page 28)
- ^ Religion and Public Culture: encounters and identities in modern South Indi by John Jeya Paul, Keith Edward Yandell,http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0700711015&id=x3GuKnZTGG4C&pg=PA241&lpg=PA241&ots=0mGugDgcw8&dq=adondai+kondaikatti&sig=rvjX3UZKGetOlVMyoGQS0IC4ac0
- ^ Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland By Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland,http://books.google.com/books?vid=0o3HpzvAK7y1RHyxOc&id=JLFfVFU1mCoC&pg=PA581&lpg=PA581&dq=adondai+chola#PPA581,M1
- ^ Some Contributions of South India to Indian Culture By S. Krishnaswami Aiyangar, http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN8120609999&id=vRcql-QBhRwC&pg=PA394&lpg=PA394&dq=adondai+chola&sig=CUdOfMyvFWr60FUG2jBelSkCQhQ
- ^ History of Tirupati: The Tiruvengadam Temple By T. K. T. Viraraghavacharya, http://books.google.com/books?vid=0EAC1QqCYpse1n8eEo&id=VBoaAAAAMAAJ&q=adondai&dq=adondai&pgis=1
- ^ The Hindu : Of tilting pillars
- ^ The Tamils in Early Ceylon By C. Sivaratnam, http://books.google.com/books?vid=0PrqSaY8TV9DtgCG9v&id=hlocAAAAMAAJ&q=mudaliyar+vellala&dq=mudaliyar+vellala&pgis=1
- ^ a b List Of Backward Classes Approved Cite error: The named reference "http://www.tn.gov.in/bcmbcmw/bclist.htm" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ http://ncbc.nic.in/backward-classes/ap.html
- ^ a b 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
- ^ Donors, Devotees, and Daughters of God. Temple Women in Medieval Tamilnadu by Leslie C. Orr
- ^ Artisans in Vijayanagar Society, Vijaya Ramaswamy, Indian Economic & Social History Review, Vol. 22, No. 4, 417-444 (1985)
- ^ a b Union Territory of Pondicherry By Francis Cyril Antony, Pondicherry (India : Union Territory)
- ^ a b Some Marriage Customs in Southern India:Deformity and Mutilation, Uralis, Sholagas and Irulas by Thurston.E
- ^ Book: Of Property and Propriety: The Role of Gender and Class in Imperialism and Nationalism - Page 178 by Bannerji, Himani, Mojab, Shahrzad, Whitehead, Judith
- ^ 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
- ^ a b 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
- ^ List of Backward Classes