Gounder is a title used by various communities originating in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.[1] It may refer to communities such as the Gollas, Kongu Vellalar, Vokkaliga,[2] Vanniyars, Vettuvars and Uralis.[3][4]
Etymology
There are number of derivations for the title. One theory derives it from the Tamil word Kaamindan, meaning "noble protector of the country", later modified as Kavundan or Gounder.[5]
History
During the British Raj era, some Gounders migrated to Malayan rubber plantations to work in the kangani system.[6]
References
- ↑ Gounder consolidation could pose headache to major parties. The Times of India(21 May 2009).
- ↑ People of India{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. Anthropological Survey of India(2001). ISBN 9788185938882:”The community has titles viz. Gowda , Gowdar , Gounder and Kounder.”
- ↑ காங்கிரஸில் ... வன்னியர் தலைவரான மாணிக்கவேல் நாயக்கர், Vanniyar leader Manikavel Naicker. Dinamani. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
- ↑ Equal in the Eyes of God: A South Indian Devotional Group in its Hierarchical Setting. Contributions to Asian Studies({Template:Year).
- ↑ Steeped in history. Frontline(2 August 2008). Retrieved 22 January 2011.
- ↑ Nandanar's Children: The Paraiyans' Tryst with Destiny, Tamil Nadu 1850 - 1956{{#if:Basu|, Basu}. SAGE(2011). ISBN 978-81-321-0679-1