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{{short description|Umbrella term for several agricultural castes in Tamil Nadu, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}{{Use Indian English|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox ethnic group
|group = Devendrakula Velalar
|image =
|poptime =
|population =
|popplace =
|languages = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|religions = [[Hinduism]]
|related = [[Tamil people]]
}}

'''Devendrakula Velalar''' (also referred to as ''Devendrar'' and ''Devendrakulam'') is an umbrella term for seven castes in the Indian state of [[Tamil Nadu]] such as Devendrakulathar, Kalladi, Kudumbar, [[Pallar]](Mallar), Pannadi , Moopar and Vathiriyar, after the bill amending the list of [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Castes]] belonging to the state in the [[Tamil Nadu]] as per the conditions of Article 341 in the [[Part XVI of the Constitution of India|Part 16]] of the [[Constitution of India]] at the [[Parliament of India]] in 2021.<ref>{{cite news|title= Clarification of M/o Social Justice & Empowerment regarding news item on delisting of Devendra Kula Velalar community from SC community |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1698105|newspaper=Press Information Bureau |date=}}</ref>

== History ==
The demand of merging castes such as Devendrakulathar, [[Pallar]], Pannadi and Vathiriyar in the [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Castes]] list and the castes such as Kaladi and Moopar in the [[Other Backward Class]] list in the state of [[Tamil Nadu]] into an umbrella term called "Devendrakula Velalar" and delisting them to [[Other Backward Class]] arose.<ref>{{cite news|title=Puthiya Tamilagam spearheads demand for de-listing 6 castes from SC list|newspaper=Hindustan Times|location=Chennai|date=26 October 2019|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-dalit-party-spearheads-demand-for-de-listing-6-castes-from-supreme-court-list/story-EnZD7iWe7ocQLCrHvCK5nL.html|access-date=20 April 2024}}</ref>

Before the [[2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]], the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]] under [[M. Karunanidhi]] constituted a one-man commission under the chairmanship of Justice Jannarthanam to study and submit a report on the demand. However post elections, with the change in power in the state, the demand did not proceed further.<ref>{{cite news|title=Panel to examine caste name plea|newspaper=The New Indian Express|location=Chennai|date=17 May 2012|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2011/Jan/27/panel-to-examine-caste-name-plea-222379.html|access-date=20 April 2024}}</ref>

But with the increasing agitations and protests from the people and parties like [[Puthiya Tamilagam]], [[Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam]] and [[Anaithinthiya Thamizhaga Munnetra Kazhagam]] and various caste organisations the demand gained pace. The demand was supported by [[Pattali Makkal Katchi]], [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] and [[Indian National Congress]]. Before the [[2019 Indian general election]], the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]] under [[Edappadi K. Palaniswami]] constituted a commission under the chairmanship of Hansraj Varma IAS to study and report on the issue.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rename six Scheduled Castes as Devendrakula Velalar: Krishnasamy|newspaper=The New Indian Express|location=Chennai|date=7 October 2020|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/rename-six-scheduled-castes-as-devendrakula-vellalar-krishnasamy/article32787118.ece|access-date=20 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=PT goes on hunger strike demanding regrouping of Devendra Kula Velalar|newspaper=The New Indian Express|location=Chennai|date=7 October 2020|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2020/Oct/07/pt-goes-on-hunger-strike-demanding-regrouping-of-devendra-kula-vellalars-2206874.html|access-date=20 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Government thanked for Devendrakula announcement|newspaper=Daily Thanthi|location=Chennai|date=6 December 2020|url=https://www.dailythanthi.com/News/Districts/2020/12/06045216/Government-Recommendation-to-the-Devendrakula-Vellalar.vpf|access-date=20 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Announce seven Scheduled Castes as Devendrakula Velalars immediately, says INC Tamilnadu President Alagiri|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai|date=7 July 2020|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/announce-seven-scheduled-castes-as-devendrakula-vellalars-immediately-says-alagiri/article32011799.ece|access-date=20 April 2024}}</ref>

The demand even gained pace with the community members boycotting the [[Nanguneri Assembly constituency|Nanguneri bypoll]] in October 2021 where the community had a significant population.<ref>{{cite news|title=Villagers in Nanguneri boycott Bypolls|newspaper=The Times of India|location=Chennai|date=16 October 2019|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/villagers-in-nanguneri-to-boycott-pollover-caste-status/articleshow/71605374.cms|access-date=20 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Devendrakula Velalars boycott Nanguneri by-election en masse|newspaper=The New Indian Express|location=Chennai|date=21 October 2019|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2019/Oct/21/devendrakula-vellalars-boycott-nanguneri-by-election-en-masse-2050798.html|access-date=20 April 2024}}</ref>

The Hansraj Varma commission submitted the report to the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]] with their report justifying the proposal. Then the [[Parliament of India]] passed a bill for the merger of the seven sub castes in 2021 with the [[President of India]] giving it an assent, making it a law in [[India]]. However the opposition parties argued that the decision was made only in favour of attracting the sizeable vote bank of the community in [[Tenkasi district|Tenkasi]], [[Tirunelveli]], [[Thoothukudi]], [[Ramanathapuram]], [[Virudhunagar]], [[Thiruvarur]], [[Tiruchirapalli]], [[Karur]], [[Dindigul]], [[Nagapattinam]], [[Thanjavur]], [[Madurai]] and [[Sivagangai]] districts.<ref>{{cite news|title=DMK again fails to make inroads in Kongu region|newspaper=The New Indian Express|location=Chennai|date=5 May 2021|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/May/05/dmk-again-fails-to-make-inroads-in-kongu-region-2298528.html|access-date=11 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Devendrakula Velalar votes crucial in Tamil Nadu's Tenkasi|newspaper=The New Indian Express|location=Chennai|date=25 March 2019|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2019/Mar/25/devendrakula-vellalar-votes-crucial-in-tamil-nadus-tenkasi-1955354.html|access-date=20 April 2024}}</ref>

In June 2021, the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]] under [[M. K. Stalin]] released a G.O to release community certificates under the new nomenclature listed in no.17 of Tamil Nadu [[Reservation policy in Tamil Nadu|Scheduled Caste list]] with the deletion of entries to [[Pallar]], Kudumbar, Vathiriyar, Kalladi, Kadaiyar and Pannadi.<ref>{{cite news|title=G.O. released on certificates for Devendrakula Velalars|newspaper=News Today|location=Chennai|date=3 June 2021|url=https://newstodaynet.com/2021/06/03/g-o-released-on-certificates-for-devendrakula-vellalars/|access-date=20 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections Loyalties of DevendrakulaVelalars spread out|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai|date=20 March 2021|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/tamil-nadu-assembly/loyalties-of-devendrakula-velalars-spread-out/article61924516.ece|access-date=20 April 2024}}</ref> The change was notified in the Indian Union gazette of castes by the [[Government of India]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://socialjustice.gov.in/common/76750 | title=List of Scheduled Castes | Department of Social Justice and Empowerment - Government of India }}</ref><ref>/https://socialjustice.gov.in/public/ckeditor/upload/93101672829095.pdf</ref>

However the demand of delisting them to [[Other Backward Class]] is not met yet.<ref>{{cite news|title=Devendrakula Vellalars should be removed from SC list as they don't need quota, says John Pandian|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai|date=3 April 2024|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/devendrakula-vellalars-should-be-removed-from-sc-list-as-they-dont-need-quota-says-john-pandian/article68024446.ece|access-date=20 April 2024}}</ref> For the [[2024 Indian general election]], [[Pattali Makkal Katchi]] which was a part of [[National Democratic Alliance]] declared in its manifesto for the polls that the community would be delisted from [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Castes]] to [[Other Backward Class]] in the Union list.<ref>{{cite news|title=PMK Manifesto agitates for deslisting of Devendrakula Velalar to OBC list|newspaper=Deccan Chronicle|location=Chennai|date=28 March 2024|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/pmk-manifesto-agitates-against-bjps-policies-887601|access-date=20 April 2024}}</ref>

== Temple festivals ==
The Devendrakulam community traditionally celebrate and initiate the temple car festivals at various major historic temples, such as the

* [[Perur Pateeswarar Temple]], [[Coimbatore]]<ref>{{cite news|date=19 March 2019|title=Temple Car Festival at Perur Pateeswarar Temple in Coimbatore|newspaper=Maalai Malar|url=https://www.maalaimalar.com/devotional/worship/2019/03/19094531/1232974/perur-pateeswarar-kovil-therottam.vpf|access-date=2021-03-31}}</ref>
* [[Koniamman Temple, Coimbatore|Koniamman Temple]], Coimbatore<ref>{{cite news|date=2023-02-14|title=Temple Car Festival at Koniamman Temple in Coimbatore|newspaper=Lokal App|url=https://tamil.getlokalapp.com/tamilnadu-news/coimbatore/coimbatore/poochattu-festival-today-at-koniamman-temple-9244166|access-date=2023-02-14}}</ref>
* [[Srivilliputhur Andal temple]], [[Tirunelveli]]<ref>{{cite news|date=28 June 2018|title=Andal car festival-2022|newspaper=Vikatan News|url=https://www.vikatan.com/news/temples/129068-an-inspector-who-helped-in-nellaiyappar-car-festival-was-celebrated-by-devotees |access-date=2022-02-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=29 October 2020|title=Andal car festival-2022|newspaper=Kotravai News|url=http://www.kotravainews.com/news/srivilliputhur-andal-temple-pallar-devendrakula-velalar/ |access-date=2022-02-16}}</ref>
* [[Nellaiappar Temple]], Tirunelveli
* [[Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam]], [[Madurai]]<ref>{{cite news|date=9 February 2020|title=Grandeur marks float fest in Madurai|newspaper=Times Of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/grandeur-marks-float-fest-in-madurai/articleshow/74036052.cms |access-date=2021-03-29}}</ref>
* [[Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Temple]], [[Thenthiruperai]]<ref>{{cite news|date=26 March 2022|title=Thenthiruperai car festival-2022|newspaper=Maalaimalar|url=https://www.maalaimalar.com/news/district/2022/03/26151719/3616106/Thoothukudi-News--Thenthirupparai-Makara-Nedungukulaikkadar.vpf |access-date=2022-05-14}}</ref>

and the decorated flower palanquin at [[Kamakshi Amman Temple]], [[Kanchipuram]].<ref>{{cite news|date=2022-03-01|title=BrahmotsavamFestival|newspaper=Dinakaran|url=https://www.dinakaran.com/News_Detail.asp?Nid=746387|access-date=2022-12-11}}</ref>

=== Seedling planting festival ===
Apart from the temple car initiation at the [[Perur Pateeswarar Temple]], the Seedling Planting festival ({{Langx|ta|நாற்று நடவு திருவிழா}}) has been celebrated by the community along the banks of [[Noyyal River]]. The festival is conducted in the month of [[Jyeshtha (month)|Aani]]. The ritual forms a part of [[Indra festival]]. The festival has its reference from the "Perur Puranam" by Kachiappa Munivar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://shaivam.org/scripture/Tamil/1766/perur-puranam-part-3-kachiyappa-munivar/#gsc.tab=0|language=ta|title=பேரூர்ப்புராணம் - பகுதி-3 - கச்சியப்ப முனிவர்|access-date=22 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title =Ani Utsava sapling planting festival 2023| newspaper =Daily Thanthi| location =Coimbatore| date =25 June 2023| url =https://www.dailythanthi.com/News/State/ani-utsava-sapling-planting-ceremony-at-pattiswarar-temple-in-perur-993530| access-date =20 April 2024}}</ref>

=== Indra Vizha ===
Indra Vizha ({{Langx|ta|இந்திர விழா}}), was a historical [[Hinduism|Hindu]] festival that was celebrated in [[Tamilakam]] during the [[Sangam Age|Sangam period]] (2nd century BCE – 3rd century CE). It was celebrated in honour of Vendhan ([[Indra]]), the deity associated with the [[Sangam landscape|Marutham landscape]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=RAMANUJAN |first=S. R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rntPBAAAQBAJ&dq=vendhan+indra&pg=PA22 |title=THE LORD OF VENGADAM |date=2014-08-13 |publisher=PartridgeIndia |isbn=978-1-4828-3462-8 |pages=22 |language=en}}</ref> In the contemporary period, the festivities associated with the agricultural Indra Vila are primarily associated with the occasion of [[Bhogi|Bhogi Pongal]], the day dedicated to Indra, and preserving all the elements of the seasonal festival.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Studies |first=Faculty of Oriental |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YSM9AAAAIAAJ&dq=Indra+Bhogi+pongal&pg=PA133 |title=Neolithic Cattle-Keepers of South India |publisher=CUP Archive |pages=133 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Garrett |first=John |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iRubEAAAQBAJ&dq=Indra+Bhogi+pongal&pg=PA458 |title=A Classical Dictionary of India |date=2022-11-09 |publisher=BoD – Books on Demand |isbn=978-3-368-13131-9 |pages=458 |language=en}}</ref> Locally, the Indra Vila is conducted at the Kamatchi Amman temple at the Kallimadai locality near [[Singanallur, Coimbatore|Singanallur]] in [[Coimbatore]] every year.<ref>{{cite news |date=2015-01-16 |title=Kallimadai Indra Festival |newspaper=Dinamalar |url=https://www.dinamalar.com/news/tamil-nadu-district-news-coimbatore/news/1434219 |access-date=2022-04-22}}</ref> The Venkudai (White umbrella) festival, depicting the white umbrella and the [[Airavata]] of [[Indra]], is conducted every year at [[Rajapalayam]], in commemoration of the ancient Indra Vila.<ref>{{cite news |date=15 April 2022 |title=White Umbrella festival |newspaper=Dinamani |url=https://www.dinamani.com/all-editions/edition-madurai/virudhunagar/2022/apr/15/%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9C%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B3%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%A8%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%B2-%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%B3%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B3%E0%AE%BE%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%82%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D-335-%E0%AE%86%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%86%E0%AE%A3%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%88-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B4%E0%AE%BE-3827321.html |access-date=2022-04-23}}</ref>

== Demographics ==
As per the [[2011 Census of India]], the community constitutes 4% of the population of [[Tamilnadu]].<ref>{{Cite web | title=India - Census of India 2011 - Tamil Nadu - Series 34 - Part XII A - District Census Handbook, Madurai | url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/1130 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417173716/http://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/1130 | access-date=2026-05-30 | archive-date=2023-04-17}}</ref>

== Notable people ==
* [[Veeran Sundaralingam|Veeran Sundaralinga Kudumbanar]], 18th century general and Freedom Fighter
* [[Immanuvel Devendrar|Immanuvel Sekaran]], a freedom fighter, [[civil rights activist]], former soldier and a party worker for the [[Indian National Congress]]
* [[Periya Kaladi]], 17th century general and Freedom Fighter
* [[M. Arunachalam (politician)|M. Arunachalam]], Former Union Minister of India
* [[Thiagarajan]], Actor
* [[Vikram (actor)|Vikram]], Actor
* [[Manathi Ganesan]], Arjuna award winning sportsman
* [[K. Krishnasamy]]{{cn|date=February 2025}}, Politician, Former [[Member of the Legislative Assembly|M.L.A]] and founder of [[Puthiya Tamilagam]]
* [[Pasupathy Pandian]], Politician and leader of Tamil Nadu Devendra Kula Velalar Kootamaippu
* [[B. John Pandian|John Pandian]], Politician and founder of [[Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam]]
* [[Mari Selvaraj]], critically acclaimed and commercially successful director
* [[Dhruv Vikram]], actor

== See also ==
* [[:ta:பள்ளு|Pallu]]
* [[:ta:முக்கூடற் பள்ளு|Mukkoodar Pallu]]
* [[Pallar|Pallar (Subcaste)]]
* [[Devendrar Jayanti]]
* [[1957 Ramnad riots]]
* [[1995 Kodiyankulam violence]]
* [[Paramakudi Riots]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Social groups of Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Indian castes]]

Devendrakulam - Revision history

Victoruot at 18:15, 30 May 2026