Vanniyar

For other uses, see Vanniar (Chieftain).

Vanniyar, also transliterated Vanniar, are a large social group in South India. They primarily live in Tamil Nadu where they speak Tamil, while in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka they speak their native Dravidian languages namely, Telugu and Kannada respectively.

Origin

The name Vanniyar is derived from the Tamil word 'Vanmai' which means strength. Agni,the God of Fire is connected with Regal office,as kings hold in their hands the fire wheel or Agneya chakra. The Vanniyars of South India considered as a representative of the Non-Aryan,a Dravidian Element.

At Sirkazhi Vaideeswaran Temple Inscriptions about Vanniyar Puranam are seen. It denotes that,at ancient times there is two asuras known as Vatapi and Mahi, worshipped Brahma and obtained immunity from Death and subsequently they garrisoned the Earth. Jambuva Mahamuni,performed a Yagam,or sacrifice by power.soon Armed Horse men sprung from the flames,undertook twelve expeditions against them and destroyed them. Their leader then assumed the government of the country under the name Rudra Vanniya Maharaja,who had five sons,the Ancestors of Vanniya Caste. This Tradition alludes to the destruction of the city of Vatapi by Narasimhavarman,the king of Pallis or Pallavas.

Historical references

The Titles," Indicating Authority,Bravery and Superiority," assumed by them are Nayakar,Varma,Padaiyachi (Head of an Army), Kandar, Sambuvarays, Kadavarayas, Kalingarayas, Mazhavarayas, Samattiyars, Udaiyars, Kondiyars, Nainars, Sozhaganars, Munaiarayas and Kachirayas,Goundan and Kavandan. Some say that they belong to Chennai people race,and that, as such, they should be called as Chembians.

1.Vanniyar 2.Vanniyar Matchi 3.Vanniyar Varalaru Vol-1 4.Vanniyar Varalaru Vol-2,Part 1 and Part 2 5.Tamizhagam harappan nagariga Thayagam,(Most of the chapters are related to vanniya palayakkarars) 6.Vanniyar 2nd Edition with more information

History

- 7th Century - Pallava Empire

- From 943 AD to 953 AD - Chola Empire

- From 1278 AD to 1291 AD - Kadavas, Sambuvarayar, Kadavarayar dynasty,malayaman chieftains called chethirayar and also the vanagapadi vanar. - From 1456 AD to 1468 AD - Kalingarayar, Naicker Dynasty as poligar, chiefians under feudral rule of vijiyanagar empire and arcot nawab

- From 1798 AD to 1947 AD - British Rule, - - From 1947 AD to still date - Tamil Nadu Toilers Party, Common Wheel Party and PMK dominate parts of North Tamil Nadu in electoral junctions

Caste titles

The Vanniyars were known as Vanniakula Kshatriyas and Padayatchis. Depending upon the status, the members of the Vanniyar caste use titles such as Padayatchi, Gounder, Naicker/Nayagar, Kander/Kandar, Palli in Tamil Nadu, in Karnataka they are called Tigala / Thigala, or Thigilaru with a common suffix of Hebbar or Hebbe and Nayakar. In Andhra Pradesh, Vanniars are usually known as Palli, Vanniyakula Kshatriya, Vanne Kapu or Vanne Reddy. There are 92 different names or sub caste/sub titles given for Vannia Kula Kshatriyas. This can be seen in the book written by A.K.Natarajan of Vanniyar sangam. The sub caste like Gounder, Naicker, Kandar, Padaiyaachi, Raju, Palli e.t.c.

• Also see List of Vanniyar subcaste

Demographic spread

Vanniyars live in an area where three South Indian states intersects. They currently predominate in northern Tamil Nadu whereas sizable numbers are found in southern Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. In these latter Indian states they are in sizeable mass primarily due to migration of other sects from outside and vice versa. Vanniyars constitute 36% of the population of Tamil Nadu.

In terms of population they are the most populated community in Tamil Nadu (Both as Vanniars) and Pondichery.

Important cities

Important cities are Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Bangalore, Kolar, Salem, Thiruchirapalli, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Vellore, Cuddalore, Virudhachalam, Thiruvannamalai, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Villupuram, Tindivanam, Gingee, Nellore, Thirupathi, Jayankondam, Pondicherry, Mayiladuthurai, Vedaranyam,Chidambaram, Ariyalur and Nagapattinam.

Vanniyar in Sri Lanka

Main article: Vanniar (Sri Lanka)

Vanniar or Vannia is a title of a feudal chief in medieval Sri Lanka who ruled as a tribute payer to any number of local kingdoms. It was also recorded as that of a name of a caste amongst Sri Lankan Tamils iin the Vanni District of northern Sri Lanka during the early 1900’s. It is no longer used as a name of a caste or as chiefs in Sri Lanka. There are number of origin theories for the feudal chiefs as well as the caste as coming from modern Tamil Nadu state or as an indigenous formation. (see Pandara Vannian)

Vanniyar outside India

Vanniyar also migrated to South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, Seychelles, Mauritius and Fiji as part of the great Tamil diaspora. Variant Vanniyar titles such as Govendar, Naicker and Padayachee are used amongst their descendants.

Vanniyar Charities

The Vanniyars may be linked in tradition to the vanni tree (prosopis spicigera), a holy tree in Hindu tradition.

Prominent Vanniyars

• See List of prominent Vanniars

See also

• Padayatchi

Matrimony Site

Matrimony Site and info for Vanniar community is www.vanniarmatrimony.com[[1]] .