Kongu Vellalar
| Kongu Vellalar | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Backward Class |
| Religions | Hinduism |
| Country | India |
| Original state | Tamil Nadu |
| Populated states | major population in Tamil Nadu, minor populations in Puducherry, Karnataka, Kerala, United Kingdom and the United States[1] |
| Region | Tamil Nadu |
| Related groups | Vellalar, Tamil people, Dravidian people |
Kongu Vellalars, sometimes referred to simply as Gounder, are a community from the western region of Tamil Nadu, which is known as Kongu Nadu. It also refers to the title or surname used by the Vellalar community from the region. Kongu Vellala Gounders were classified as a Forward Caste at the time of Indian independence but they successfully requested to be reclassified as a Backward Class in 1975.[2] The Vellalars of Kongu region came to be known as Kongu Vellalar or Gounder, though both the names have also been treated separately in some regions.[3]
The community plays a significant role in the political and economic life of the Kongu Nadu region.[4][5] Among them are businessmen who figure among the global leaders in several industrial sectors.[6]
References
- ^ Gounder consolidation could pose headache to major parties
- ^ The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Coimbatore News : Looking to create a Kongu stronghold
- ^ Ramaswamy, Vijaya (2007). Historical Dictionary of the Tamils. Scarecrow Press. p. 303. ISBN 9780810864450.
- ^ Gounder consolidation could pose headache to major parties - Times Of India
- ^ Rahul keen to test western belt - The Times of India
- ^ Gounders consolidation could pose headache to major parties