Draft:Pandiya Vellalar
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Pandiya Vellalar is a prominent Tamil-speaking community historically associated with the Pandya country in South India. Similar to their counterparts - the Chozhia Vellalar in Chola country and Kongu (Cherakula) Vellalar in Chera country - they represent one of the major agricultural and administrative communities of ancient Tamil Nadu. Members of this community traditionally hold the title "Pillai".
Sub-castes
[edit]The Pandiya Vellalar community consists of three main sub-castes:
- Kodikal Vellalar
- Karaikattu Vellalar
- Malaikuthi Vellalar
Historical Clans and Their Roles
[edit]The Pandiya Vellalar community comprised numerous clans, each with distinct administrative, religious, or economic roles. Their influence extended throughout the Kongu and Pandya regions, with specific clans maintaining specialized functions within the society.
Religious and Temple Administration
[edit]- Aandi: Connected to temple administration and religious practices, particularly associated with religious devotees and ascetics
- Avudaiyar: A prominent clan involved in temple management and agricultural administration
- Eeswari and Eswaran: Associated with temple administration and religious authority, named in reference to divine feminine and masculine aspects respectively
Agriculture and Land Management
[edit]- Paduvalai: Specialized in agricultural expertise and land management
- Paruthiyurar and Semparuthiyan: Focused on cotton cultivation and textile trade
- Varaginathar: Experts in millet cultivation and grain trade
- Kulathoorar: Specialized in water resource management and irrigation systems
Administration and Governance
[edit]- Maivadiyan: Held roles in local governance
- Onakkan Thalaiyari: Traditional village administrators and security maintainers
- Sithuran: Known for expertise in local administration
- Thasarkilavan: Involved in village administration and land management
Trade and Commerce
[edit]- Muzhichan: Engaged in general trade and commerce
- Pavalakkodi: Associated with coral trade and ornamental work
- Sankupillai: Involved in conch shell trade and temple rituals
- Sonakagoundar: Maintained trade connections with foreign merchants
- Sungakkarar: Served as toll collectors and trade administrators
Regional Administration
[edit]- Keeranoorar: Associated with the Keeranoor region
- Kozhivalathan: Specialized in agricultural management and livestock in the Pandya region
- Kudal: Connected to Madurai (historically known as Kudal)
- Therkatthiyan: Focused on southern territorial administration
Education and Culture
[edit]- Bramman: Connected to Brahmanical traditions and education
- Kalibhogathar: Involved in cultural and artistic pursuits
- Madathu Kulathar: Associated with educational institutions and water body maintenance
Notable Aristocratic Clans
[edit]- Maniyakkarar: Connected to the petty king Sangu Pillai lineage
- Muthalam: Held senior positions in social hierarchy
Historical Significance
[edit]The Pandiya Vellalar clans played crucial roles in shaping the administrative, agricultural, and cultural landscape of the Kongu and Pandya regions. Their influence extended across various aspects of society, from religious administration to trade and education. While the exact nature and evolution of their roles varied over time, their contributions remain significant in understanding the social and administrative structure of ancient Tamil Nadu. It should be noted that detailed historical records for some clans are limited, and many interpretations are based on linguistic and historical context rather than direct documentation.