Thuluva Vellala or Thozhuva vellala | |
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Classification | The Arcot Mudaliar and Arcot Vellala sects are classified as Forward Class[1] in Tamil Nadu, while the other sects of Thuluva Vellala are classified as Other Backward Class (OBC) at the Central[2][3] and State level[3] as serial no.1 Agamudayar including Thuluva Vellala. where as, Thuluva Vellala, Agamudi Mudaliar and Aghamudi Vellala are classified as Backward Class (D) in Andhra Pradesh under the ‘Mudhaliar’ title.[4] |
Gotra | Shiva and Vishnu which is further insignificantly grouped as Vanadhirayar, Kalingarayar, Siva Maharshi etc., |
Kuladevi (female) | Pachayamman, Angala Parameshwari, Saptha Kannimar and Ammachchar |
Religions | Predominantly Vaishnavism, also Shaivism, and Jainism[citation needed] |
Languages | Tamil |
Region | Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka Cities : Chennai, Bangalore, Vellore. |
Feudal title | Mudaliar, Goundar, Udayar, Chettiar, Nayakar, Pillai |
Related groups | Tamil people |
Thuluva Vellalar , [5][a] also known as Agamudi Mudaliars [7][8] or Arcot Mudaliars,[9] is a caste found in northern Tamil Nadu, southern Andhra Pradesh and southern Karnataka.[10][11][12] They were originally significant landowners.[13]
The term Vellalar may be derived from the word Vellam meaning water (flood), denoting their ability to control and store water for irrigation purposes.[14] Since they migrated from the Tulu region of ancient Tamizhagam, they are called Thuluva Vellalar.[10][11][12]
An early Tamil tradition states that a king known as Ādonda Chakravarthi brought a large number of agriculturists (now known as the Tuluva Vellalas) from the Tulu areas in order to reclaim forest lands for cultivation in Thondaimandalam.[15] Scholar M. Arokiaswami identifies Tondaiman Ilandiraiyan with king Adondai Chakravarthi, the legendary figure who is referred to in the Mackenzie Manuscripts.[16]
Sometimes this migration of Tuluva Vellalas is also assigned to later Chola times when Hoysala Ballalas of Karnataka had occupied portions of Kanchipuram and Trichy.[17]
Their original stronghold in present-day Tamil Nadu was Thiruvannamalai in North Arcot district, the town that served as the capital of the Hoysala king Veera Ballala III in the 14th century.[18][19]
Tuluva Vellalars are progressive and prosperous[10] in the society. They are considerably advanced in the matter of education[20] and the community was eagerly involved in business, Government and Non- governmental institutions.
The community commonly use Mudaliar[21] and Udayar titles. However Naicker,[22] Gounder, Reddy and Pillai titles are also present in some pockets.