Tuesday 13 July 2010

முதலியார் வாலாறு

 Mudaliar caste or Vellalar history & information
Mudaliar also Mudaliyār, Mudali and Moodley in Tamil language literally means a person of first rank in a feudal society[1] in south India. According to Vijaya Ramaswamy in [2] mudali in the 13th century referred to a title and not specific castes. Due to the process called "sankritization"(every caste takes up the habits and customs of its immediate superior to reach the superior status..) many of Kallars , Maravars and agamudaya thevars became Vellalars . This process started in the Pallav period. [3]. However, in recent times the Mudaliar surname is widely used by people belonging to various castes originally from Tamil Nadu, India and in the Tamil diaspora across the world. Most Mudaliars are Tamil people with Tamil as their mother tongue.

In ancient times, cultivation in South India was spread by force, people would move into virgin land which was used by tribal people for slash and burn agriculture or for hunting and convert it into prime agricultural land. These raids were organized and carried out by chieftains, feudal lords and agricultural landlords called Vellalars. Vellalars are agricultural landlords and inhabitants of the "marutha nilam" (one of the five lands advocated by the Sangam literature). Mudaliar, like Pillai is a title conferred upon prominent Vellalar chieftains and feudal lords by the King depending upon the Tamil Kingdom. More specifically, the Vellalars of Thondaimandalam or the Pallava Kingdom were given the title Mudaliar, while the Vellalars of Pandya and Chola Kingdoms were given

Origin of Vellalars and other castes

During cultural diversification, the Vellalars of TamilNadu can be classified into layers. The first layer consists of Saiva Vellalars (Saiva Vellala Mudaliars and Pillais). They are strict vegetarians, literate and sophisticated like Brahmins but do not perform priestly duties. They were major landlords, feudal lords and powerful like Rajput and Thakurs of Northern India. Saiva Vellalars of the Thondaimandalam became the Thondaimandala Mudaliars. This area includes the present day areas of Chennai, Chingleput, Kanchipuram, Vellore, Cadalore, Arcot, Vadalore, Thrivannamalai, etc. The second layer consists of a number of unique castes, which do not intermarry at all like Pandia Vellalar, (Madurai) Chozhia Vellalar, those who inhabited the areas of Chola (Trichy, Thanjavur, and Pudukottai) and Pandiya mandalams (Madurai, Thuthukudi, Kanyakumari, and Nagerkovil) became the Shoziya Vellar (or "Chola Velar") and Pandiya Vellar respectively.

These communities use Mudaliar, udyar, Pillai titles. The Kaikolar also known as Sengunthar, who are predominantly weavers, cloth merchants and were soldiers under chola empire also use Mudali title. Agamudaiyar, a caste belonging to the Mukkulathor community who generally use Thevar as their surname also use the Mudaliar surname. "Kallarum, Maravarum, Agamudaiyarum mella mella vanthu vellalar anaarkal"- so goes the saying in Tamil.

Various Religions that used Mudaliar title in historical times

People from all castes were awarded this title by the kings. Many Brahmins, Warriors, Poets and Sages were awarded this title in various countries. Even Jews in kerala were awarded this title in 1215 AD by the Maharajah of Cochin, according to the book by Si. Pi. Acyutamēnōn . In the 17th century a leading Muslim trader Marakkayar was given a brief description of various castes using

Tondaimandala Kondaikatti Vellalar

Tradition suggests that this group were the first Vellalar groups that were settled in Tondaimandalam by Adondai Chakravarti after overthrowing the Kurumbar sovereignty. Adondai Chakravarti is described in various ways: a) as a lieutenant in the Chola empire, b) as the son of ancient Chola King Kokkili and a Naga princess, c) as the illegitimate son of Rajendra Kulotunga Chola I and a palace attendant, d) son of Karikala Chola. This claim appears blurred due to the ambiguous identity of Adondai Chakravarti and the time of such settlement. There are conflicting sources, some that say, the settlement was in 7th or 8th century AD and others that say that it was much later in 11th or 12th century AD. Nevertheless, this settlement is much later than Karikala Chola's settlement of Tondaimandalam. This Vellalar group seems to have been the most successful group during British times. There were many Mirasidars and Zamindars belonging to this group. They are mainly concentrated in Madras and Chingleput district only. Their mother tongue is Tamil.

Tondaimandala Saiva Vellalar

The Tondaimandala Saiva Vellala Mudaliars are forward-caste and are vegetarians. They are the original homogeneous group of Mudaliyars who were settled in Tondaimandalam or Tondai Nadu in South India by Chola King, Karikala Chola. Karikala Chola annexed Thondai naadu and gave it to his son Athondai after whom the region is named after. They are feudal lords, major landowners in Thondaimandalam area which includes the present day areas of Chennai, Chengalpet, Kanchipuram, Vellore etc. A significant population of Thondaimandala Saiva Vellala Mudaliars have also migrated to other areas such as Madurai, Tirunelveli etc. Dalawai Ariyanatha Mudaliar who is regarded as the founder of the Poligar system also settled some of them in areas outside of Thondaimandalam. They are endogamous and inter-marriage with other Mudaliars is quite rare. Their mother tongue is Tamil . Some of the Tamils in Ceylon also trace their lineage to this group some of whom had become saints called Nayanars. The book: The Tamils in Early Ceylon By C. Sivaratnam traces some of the Mudaliyars in Ceylon to Thaninayaka Mudaliyar (among other), a rich Saiva Vellala who emigrated to Ceylon from Tondaimandalam.

Agamudayar/Arcot/Thuluva Vellala

The Agam udayar actually belong to the Mukkulathor community, which also includes the Kallars and Maravars. These three communities together known as Mukkulathor generally use "Thevar" as their surname. But later the Agam udaiyars (the most upward community among the three) slowly migrated towards the northern part of Tamil Nadu, settled there, changed their caste name to Thuluva Vellala. So in reality Thuluva vellalar is just the renaming of Agam udayar and hence are classified as one by the Tamil Nadu government, India. So intermingling of on a large scale between two distinct communities is very unlikely and has no historical evidence. The Agam udaiyars changed their name to Thuluva Vellala. As early as 13th century, Agam udayars were using Mudaliar title. This inscription illustrates the accounts of the temple of Rajaraja-Isvaram-Udaiyar at Rajraja-Kulattur in Tiruvindalur-nadu, a subdivision of Rajraja-valanadu were audited by Kayiladamudaiyan alias Solakon-Pallavaraiyar, an agambadi-mudali of Solakon, between the 23rd and 25th [days of Adi]

Kerala Muthali/Mudali

Kerala Muthali (Mudali) belongs to various Mudaliar communities. They are predominantly found in the areas of Trivandrum and Palghat Districts of Kerala and Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu. They migrated to these places starting late 17th Century onwards for various purposes including Agriculture, Coconut Oil extraction, Coir Trade and as Specialized Fighters and Reliable Spies. They were given special preference by Royal Family of Travancore due to their cultural similarity and loyalty. This status resulted in furhter deepening their area of influence with in Travancore. During the British era many families came in to the influence of Christianity and became strong supporters and eventually embraced that religion. Unlike the Tamil Brahmins settled in various places of Kerala, Muthalis/Mudalis engage with marital relationships with Nairs, Chakravar, Sakravar (Kavathi) and those who are converted to Christianity but retaining Mudaliar identity. Kerala Muthalis still keep their separate identity even though they are a micro-minority caste in Kerala. Due to their linguistic and educational backwardness Kerala, Tamilnadu and Pondicherry states have categorized them as BCs. Gradually after independence and state reorganization, Kerala Muthalis have completely integrated with the Kerala Culture, but still consider Lord Muruga/Subramanya as their primary god of worship while most of the Kerala Hindus are devotees of Lord Vishnu.

Sri Lankan Mudaliyars

History of Jaffna has at least two or three clans from Thondaimandalam with Mudali surname. Irumarapum Thooya Thaninayaga Mudali from Seyyoor and Mannadukonda Mudali whose clan has been quoted even during famour poet Kambar's time. Please read Vaipava Malai and migration of people from Thondai Nadu to Jaffna and then write about Sri Lankan Mudaliars. It is not a British Phenomenon. Here is the direct quotation from a part of Kailaya Malai a historical book of Jaffna on the migration into Jaffna from Thondai Nadu. The other clans may come under this section or under Sri Lankan Vellalar section. The next was the Vellala of the family of him who shed over kamban a shower of gold for the work of Erezhupatu, whose country was Tondainade, who had a widespread name, who used to wear a lotus garland and whose name was Maanadukanda Mudali. He was made to reside at Irupalai.

The next was the Vellala of Seyur, who was as wealthy as Indra, and who never deviated from the path of visture. whose garland was of water lilies. Whose fame was great and whose paternal and maternal lines were matchless and pure and whose name was Taninayaga. He was made a chief of Neduntiva. See Sri Lankan Mudaliyars for the class of Mudaliyars created by the British administrators during 19th century Sri Lanka.

Sengunthar/Kaikolar

See main article at Sengunthar The Kaikolars also called as Sengunthar, are a large Tamil people in the states of Southern India[19]. Historically, there were seventy-two subdivisions (nadu or desams). Their name comes from the Tamil words "kai" (hand) and "kol" (shuttle used in looming or spear). They consider the different parts of the loom to represent various gods and sages. They are also known as Sengunthar, which means a red dagger in Tamil. During Chola rule Kaikolars served as soldiers and were called "Terinja kaikolar padai". (Terinja means "known" in Tamil and Padai means "regiment"), so "terinja-kaikolar padai" were the personal bodyguards. Kaikkolars were militarised during the Chola empire and formed a major part of the Chola army from 8th century to 13th century. There were no Kaikolar army before or after the Chola empire. Kaikkolar formed merchant groups and maintained a military unit to protect the merchants. They formed many regiments in the Chola army. Kaikolars were prominent members of Tamil society even during the 10th century AD during Chola rule. Smarakesarit-terinja-Kaikkolar and Vikramasingat-terinja-Kaikkolar derived their names from possible titles of Parantaka Udaiyar-Gandaradittatterinja-Kaikkolar must have been the name of a regiment called after king Gandaraditya, the father of Uttama-Chola. Singalantaka-terinda-Kaikkolar (a regiment named after Singalantaka i.e. Parntaka I) Danatonga-terinja-Kaikkola (regiment or group). The early writing of the record and the surname Danatunga of Paranataka I suggests its assignment to his reign. Muttavalperra seems to indicate some special honour or rank conferred on the regiment by the king.

Nanjil Mudali

Nanjil Mudali is another group of people who have Mudali surname. They belong to Nanjil nadu in Kanyakumari district.

Mudaliars of Bangalore

Mudaliars constitute a significant percentage of the population in South Bangalore (surrounding Ulsoor Lake, MG Road, High grounds). Many well-known buildings on MG Road & surrounding areas of Infantry Road and Kamaraj Road are still owned by Mudaliars (e.g - Gangaram's, Vimal Chambers). The famous "Attara Kachheri" or the red court house that stands opposite of Vidhana Sauda was built by Rai Bahadur Arcot Narayansamy Mudaliar. Palatial homes surrounding Windsor Manor (5 star hotel) are even today owned & inhabited by affluent Mudaliar families. The Bangalore Exhibition is usually conducted on the RBANMS grounds in Ulsoor which is owned by Rai Bahadur Arcot Narrainswamy Mudaliar trust. The trust has several schools and colleges affiliated to it.

Gatti mudalis of Taramangalam

REDIRECT Gatti Mudalis
Notable Mudaliars

Saints

Vaayilar Nayanar: One of the 63 Saivite Nayanars

Kings & Lords

Thalavai Ariyanadha Mudaliyar - Prime Minister of Viswanatha Nayak
Kanthappa mudaliar - land lord, ruled an island under ariya kings government
Pachaiyappa Mudaliar - 18th century dubash of Madras. His name is associated with Pachaiyappa's College.

Mudaliar

Mudaliar also Mudaliyar, Mudali and Moodley is a title used by Tamil castes. It is derived from the honorary title Mudali meaning a person of first rank in in the Tamil language which was bestowed upon top-ranking bureaucratic officials and army officers in medieval South India[1]. The surname is generally prevalent among Indian Tamils and the Tamil diaspora though it is also used in other parts of South India.


Etymolgy


The word Mudaliar means first citizens or first ones and is used to denote a Vellalar subcaste. The caste currently falls under a Backward Caste classification. The word Mudali was also used to refer to a position held in a Nakarattar firm as it applies to other non-Vellalar castes. It has been recorded that in the Nayak period, titles such as "Pillai" or "Mudali" might have also been used by Brahmins.


History


Karikalarikala divided Thondaimandalam into 24 Kottams and parcelled it out to the Vellala Chiefs, awarding them the title Mudali or Mudaliyar literally meaning The first citizens or first ones after his son Athondai had won the battle against Kurumbars.
Some of the Mudali clans of Thondaimandalam migrated to Sri Lanka during the period of medieval poet Kambar. For example, some of the Tamils in Ceylon trace their lineage to this group some of whom had become saints called Nayanars. The book: The Tamils in Early Ceylon By C. Sivaratnam traces some of the Mudaliyars in Ceylon to Thaninayaka Mudaliyar (among other), a rich Saiva Velalar who emigrated to Ceylon from Tondaimandalam
Maanadukanda Mudali, a Vellala king of Thondai Nadu had shed over kamban a shower of gold for his work of Erezhupatu, a literary work praising agriculture. Taninayaga, a Vellala of Seyur was made the chief of Neduntiva.
There have been other accounts like for example in the 17th century a leading Muslim trader Marakkayar was given the title Mudali Pillai by the Nayak king of Madurai.
Rajah of Cochin was also awarded Mudali title according to the book "Jews in India" by Thomas A. Timberg.
Castes such as Agamudayars also had used Mudali title from historical times as they had served in the regiments.
The usage of the title is prevalent, though to a lesser extent, among Desigar, Chozhia Vellalar and Karaiyar.

Castes with Mudaliar title


Mudaliar was used to represent a Vellala subcaste and was also used as a surname of the people belonging to various castes or as a caste title.
The following castes using the Mudaliar title are classified as Forward castes by the Government of Tamil Nadu

Thondaimandala Saiva Vellalar


The Thondaimandala Mudaliar or Thondaimandala Saiva Vellalar are a high ranking caste in the state of Tamil Nadu, India[18]. They are the original homogeneous group of Mudaliars who were settled in Thondaimandalam or Thondai Nadu in South India by Chola King, Karikala Chola[7][19][20][21]. When Karikala Chola annexed Thondai nadu and gave it to his son Athondai, he divided Thondaimandalam into 24 Kottams and parcelled it out to the Vellala Chiefs, awarding them the title Mudali or Mudaliyar literally meaning The first citizens or first ones. They are feudal lords and major landowners in the Thondaimandalam area which includes the present day areas of Chennai, Chengalpet, Kanchipuram, and Vellore[7]. A significant population of Thondaimandala Saiva Vellala Mudaliars have also migrated to other areas such as Madurai and Tirunelveli. Dalavoy Ariyanatha Mudaliar, the Velala General of Viswanatha Nayak also settled some of them in areas outside of Thondaimandalam. They are endogamous and inter-marriage with other Mudaliars is quite rare. Their mother tongue is Tamil . They have a long history of ardent Saiva devotees called Nayanmars. Sekkizhar, the author of the Tamil epic Periyapuranam hailed from this community.

Thondaimandala Kondaikatti Vellalar


Tradition suggests that this group were the first Vellalar groups that were settled in Thondaimandalam by Adondai Chakravarti after overthrowing the Kurumbar sovereignty. Adondai Chakravarti is described in various ways: a) as a lieutenant in the Chola empire, b) as the son of ancient Chola King Kokkili and a Naga princess, c) as the illegitimate son of Rajendra Kulotunga Chola I and a palace attendant, d) son of Karikala Chola. This claim appears blurred due to the ambiguous identity of Athondai Chakravarti and the time of such settlement. There are conflicting sources, some that say, the settlement was in 7th or 8th century AD and others that say that it was much later in 11th or 12th century AD. Nevertheless, this settlement is much later than Karikala Chola's settlement of Tondaimandalam. There were many Mirasidars and Zamindars belonging to this group. They are mainly concentrated in Chennai, Kanchipuram and Vellore districts.

The following castes using the Mudaliar title are classified as Backward castes by the Government of Tamil Nadu,

Agamudaiya Mudaliar


See the main article at Agamudaya Mudaliar
Agamudaya Mudaliar were using the Mudaliar title as early as the 13th century. One Kayiladamudaiyan alias Solakon-Pallavaraiyar from Kulattur in Tiruvindalur nadu is said to have held the office of Mudali in the 13th century. Their presence is significant in the Northern districts of Tamil Nadu.

Arcot, Thuluva Vellalar


See the main article at Thuluva Vellalar
Thuluva Vellalar or Tuluva or Tulumar is a sub-caste of Vellalars and were immigrants from the Tulunad, a part of the modern district of South Canara. A King named Athondai Chakravarthy had brought down the people of Thuluva Vellalar to the present day Thondaimandalam of Tamil Nadu. Athondai Chakravarthy had established his rule over Northern Tamil Nadu after winning the battle over the Kurumbar. This is the reason that part of North Tamil Nadu was named as Thondaimandalam, named after this victorious king. It has also been noted that Athondai Chakravarthy had brought Vellalars from Srisailam to settle down at Thondaimandalam.

Kerala Muthali/Mudali


Kerala Muthali (Mudali) belongs to various Mudaliar communities. They are predominantly found in the Trivandrum and Palghat Districts of Kerala and Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu. They migrated to these places in the late 17th Century onwards for various purposes including Agriculture, coconut oil extraction, coir Trade and as specialized fighters and reliable spies. They were given special preference by the royal family of Travancore due to their cultural similarity and loyalty. This status resulted in further deepening their area of influence within Travancore. During the British era, many families embraced Christianity. Unlike the Tamil Brahmins settled in various places of Kerala, Muthalis/Mudalis marry Nairs, Chakravar, Sakravar and those who are converted to Christianity but retain Mudaliar identity. Kerala Muthalis still keep their separate identity even though they are a micro-minority caste in Kerala. Due to their linguistic and educational backwardness Kerala, Tamilnadu and Pondicherry states have categorized them as BCs. Gradually after independence and state reorganization, Kerala Muthalis have completely integrated with the Kerala Culture, but still consider Lord Muruga/Subramanya as their primary god of worship while most of the Kerala Hindus are devotees of Lord Vishnu.
Alienation from Travancore Royal family begun with Swathi Thirunal's acceptance of Thanjavoor Sugandhavalli alias Sugandha Parvathi Bhai as his wife. His first wife Thiruvattar Amma Veettil Paanapillai Ayikutti Narayani Pillai was belonging to a powerful Nair family from Central Travancore. After Swathi Thirunal's mysterious death at an early age of 33, the Kerala Muthali community faced various threats. Then British resident, General Cullen's timely involvement helped to avert a great backlash on the community. The South Travancore Keralamuthali Samajam is the umbrella organisation currently working for the cause of the community.

Nanjil Mudali


Nanjil Mudali is another group of people who have the Mudali surname. They belong to Nanjil Nadu in Kanyakumari district.

Senguntha Mudaliyar


See the main article at Sengunthar
Kaikolar or Sengunthar are a large Tamil people in the states of Southern India. Historically, there were seventy-two subdivisions (nadu or desams). Their name comes from the Tamil words "kai" (hand) and "kol" (shuttle used in looming or spear). They consider the different parts of the loom to represent various gods and sages. They are also known as Sengunthar, which means a red dagger in Tamil.
During Chola rule Kaikolars served as soldiers and were called "Terinja kaikolar padai". (Terinja means "known" in Tamil and Padai means "regiment"), so "terinja-kaikolar padai" were the personal bodyguards. Kaikkolars were militarised during the Chola empire and formed many regiments in the Chola army from 8th century to 13th century. Kaikolars were prominent members of Tamil society even during the 10th century AD during Chola rule.[32] Smarakesarit-terinja-Kaikkolar and Vikramasingat-terinja-Kaikkolar derived their names from possible titles of Parantaka Udaiyar-Gandaradittatterinja-Kaikkolar[8] must have been the name of a regiment called after king Gandaraditya, the father of Uttama-Chola. Singalantaka-terinda-Kaikkolar (a regiment named after Singalantaka i.e. Parntaka I) Danatonga-terinja-Kaikkola (regiment or group). The early writing of the record and the surname Danatunga of Paranataka I suggests its assignment to his reign. Muttavalperra seems to indicate some special honour or rank conferred on the regiment by the king.

Sri Lankan Mudaliyars


The book: The Tamils in Early Ceylon By C. Sivaratnam traces some of the Mudaliyars in Ceylon to Thaninayaka Mudaliyar (among other), a rich Saiva Vellala who emigrated to Ceylon from Tondaimandalam Jaffna has two or three clans from Thondaimandalam with the Mudali surname. Irumarapum Thooya Thaninayaga Mudali from Seyyoor and Mannadukonda Mudali whose clan has been quoted even during famour poet Kambar's time. Here is the direct quotation from Kailaya Malai, a historical book of Jaffna on the migration into Jaffna from Thondai Nadu. The other clans may come under this section or under Sri Lankan Vellalar section.
The next was the Vellala of the family of him who shed over kamban a shower of gold for the work of Erezhupatu, whose country was Tondainade, who had a widespread name, who used to wear a lotus garland and whose name was Maanadukanda Mudali. He was made to reside at Irupalai. The next was the Vellala of Seyur, who was as wealthy as Indra, and who never deviated from the path of visture. whose garland was of water lilies. Whose fame was great and whose paternal and maternal lines were matchless and pure and whose name was Taninayaga. He was made a chief of Neduntiva.

See Sri Lankan Mudaliyars for the class of Mudaliyars created by the British administrators during 19th century Sri Lanka.

Thondaimandala Mudaliars’ Community


Thondaimandala Mudaliars are the natives of Tamilnadu, from time immemorial. This community with rich heritage, traditions and civilization and known for their honesty, intelligence, valour, loyalty and administrative ability were occupying high positions like ministers, army chiefs, regional rulers etc. in various southern kingdoms.
“ Thondaimandala mudaliars” are part of “saiva-velalers” community spread over the entire length and breadth of Tamilnadu. “Saiva-velalars”, were called, as such, since they were pure-vegetarians and mostly engaged in farming activities. “Pattinapalai”, one of the oldest Tamil classic sangam literature states that this “saiva-velalar community known for their piousness, honesty and philanthropy excelled in farming and trading”.
Saiva-velalars were called by different names in different places. In Thondaimandalam, they were called “Mudaliars”. In some places they were called “Saiva-Pillaimars” and “Karkarthars”. In some places, they were also called “Chettiars” as they were engaged in business, particularly in jewellery trade. But one common fact is that they are all pure-vegetarians and share common beliefs, customs and traditions. This view is supported by the fact that there are a number of religious mutts in Tamilnadu like “Kanchipuram thondaimandala adhinam” “Dharma-puram adhinam”, “Thiruvaadudurai adhinam”, “Thirugnanasambandar swamigal adhinam” etc. whose “Matathipathis”are drawn from these communities.


It is also a fact that , even to-day, in most places, they have common burial ground exclusively for these saiva-velalars community and owned and managed by respective “Mudaliar-Pillaimar Sangams”. Also for any functions in their families like marriage etc. all members from these communities are invariably invited.
The legendary great king “Karikal-cholan” of “Chola- dynasty” had two sons. He divided his kingdom into two and gave the northern part including “Kanchipuram”region to second son named “Aathondai Chakravarthi”. This region has come to be called as “Thondai-mandalam”, named after the founder-emperor. Aathondai chakravarthy has divided his kingdom into 24 divisions (kottams) and appointed members from ‘Saiva-velalars” community as “rulers” of these regions or “kottams”, under his empire.
Chola king Karikal Cholan has awarded the title of “Mudaliars” (meaning muthanmai (first) citizens) to these community members. Since then we are called as “Thondaimandala Mudaliars”.


These community members had the privilege of handing over the crown at the time of coronation ceremony (mudi-sootu vizha) of the kings, religious heads etc. This fact can be seen from old tamil classical literature “Thirukkaivazhakkam” which states “mangaiyoru bhagarkum, madhavarkum, mannavarkum thunga mudiyai sootumkai (the hands that handover the crown to kings/religious heads at the time of coronation ceremony)”.
In the great tamil classical literature “Kamba-ramayana”, Kavi-chakravarthy Kambar has stated that “the great sage Vashista took the crown from ancestors of Vallal Sadaiappa Mudaliar and crowned the king Rama” (“Vennaiyur Sadayan thangal marabulore kodukka-vangi Vasittaney punainthan mauli”).
Our community had very unique names of addressing their relations. Lady members were respectfully addressed as “anni” by all other community members. Sisters-in-law (elder brother’s wife) were addressed as “anniyar” and sisters-in-law (one’s husband’s sisters) were addressed as “aththathai or aththachi”. Brother-in-law (sister’s husband) is addressed as “aththan”. It is of interest to note that lady members of Mysore royal family are addressed as “anni”.


It is believed that one “Ekambavanan” of our community from “Aamoor” once ruled great “Magatha empire”. From “Kanchipuranam”, it is learnt that once a member of “velalar” community was elected to be the king in “Thirukanchinadu”. It will be of interest to note that even to-day, in our marriage ceremony, father-in-law ties “pattam” (meaning crown) on the fore-head of the bride.
“Sekkizhar” the legendary author of yet another great classic Tamil literature “Peria-puranam” who was also a reputed prime-minister of chola kingdom hailed from our community from Kuntrathur.
In 15th century “Ariyanatha Mudaliar” from our community from a tiny village named “Maipaedu” near Kanchipuram was a minister in the great Vijayanagar empire. In the year 1564 AD, after the “Thalikottai war”, Dalawai Ariyanatha mudaliar was deputed to “Pandiya-nadu” to assist “King Viswanatha Nayakkar”. Dalawai Ariyanatha Mudaliar ably assisted the king from 1559 to 1600 AD. It was he who divided the kingdom into 72 subdivisions called “ Palaiyams” and evolved a stable and good administration. He has appointed few of our community members to rule these palayams. “Aayiramkal (thousand pillared) Mantapam” in the famous “Meenakshi Temple” was constructed by him in 1569. At the entrance of the Mandapam , the statue of Dalawai Ariyanatha Mudaliar on horse-back can be seen.


Maavai kumaraswamy Mudaliar administered the 3 districts of Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Trichy from 1688 (kollam calendar(kc) 863) to 1700 (kc875) . His son-in-law “Aarai Aagappa mudaliar” administered these areas from 1701 (kc876) to 1726 (kc 911). Since Aarai Alagappa Mudaliar had no children, he handed over the authority to his sister’s son-in-law “Dalawai Kumaraswamy Mudaliar” whose direct descendants are even to day enjoy the title of “Dalawai”.


British govt. in appreciation of “Dalawai Kumaraswamy Mudaliar” (son of Dalawai Thirumaliappan Mudaliar and granson of above Dalawai Kumaraswamy Mudaliar) able Administrative skill, awarded him “Medai-Dalawai”title whose descendants also enjoy this “Medai-Dalawai” title even to-day.
We, as a member of Thondai-mandala Mudaliars community can rightfully feel proud that the following great personalities were from our own community and they should be taken as role-models by the present and future generation members to achieve greatness in whatever they do and bring honours to our community :-
In the year 1916, it was felt by our community members that we should have “Kodi-vazhi Jabitha” (community tree) of our community. Under the guidance of Mr. K.S.Ammaiappa Mudaliar of “Kidarakkulam” village, our members collected the family tree details of each gothra and the first edition of the “Kodi-vazhi Jabitha” was published in March, 1919.


Though Thondaimandala Mudaliars were living in various parts of Tamilnadu particularly in Madurai, Tirunelveli, Ramnad, Tanjore, Kanchipuram, Chenglepattu,Trichy, Salem, Coimbatore districts etc., and marriages between them regularly taking place as can be seen from the kodi-vazhi list where it is mentioned in a number of marriage alliances that “spouse from “sola-desam”, positively, due to lack of communication and transportation facilities, this kodivazhi-jabitha has included the community members mainly from Tirunelveli, Ramnad, Madurai district. This kodi-vazhi jabitha was up-dated and 2nd edition published in the year 1933 by the dedicated efforts of Alwarkurichi Melappannai Mr. M.P.S. Duraisamy Mudaliar, Vellakal District Munsif Mr. V.T. Palaniappan Mudaliar and Edakal village-munsif Mr.A.Subramaniam Mudaliar.
All efforts made by some of our community members after 1933 from time to time did not succeed for some reasons or other and therefore all the members born in our community after 1933 are not included in our kodi-vazhi jabitha.


Many of our community members sincerely felt that we must continue the great work, our elders had started and update this kodivazhi jabitha as on date and pass on the benefit of having our family tree and community tree continuously and without any break to our future generations.
It was also sincerely felt by our members that when our predecessors could achieve this great work of initiating and publishing community kodivazhi jabitha covering more than 500 years when printing, communication and transportation facilities required so vital, in publishing such book were not-available, we have no reason in not continuing this work when we are living in the world which has now effectively become a “global-village” due to breakthrough made particularly in electronic field enabling availability of everything at finger-tips, just a mouse-click away !


Most of our community members also felt the need of having one such “kodi-vazhi jabitha” covering the entire community living not only in whole of Tamilnadu but also living all over the world. Such kodivazhi jabitha will be found more useful by present as well as future generations particularly for marriage alliances. This will also benefit our youngsters for getting guidance in further education and employment from our well-placed community members.
The kodi-vazhi jabitha based on available data as on date, is made available to all our community members through this web-site, which you would love to browse and feel proud to be a member of our community.
We have published a master-list of all gothras with details of gothra’s moola-purushas and their kula-deivams (family diety). In this gothra-master, we have also included a number of gothra-names with their native places though we have no community members details for these gothras.
We have also published master list of our members right from their moola-prushas in the Kodivali-master which contains the following details , gothra-wise :-
1) Gid - each gothra has been given a unique identification code in two letters.

( for e.g “Araiyur Nerilaiar gothram is codified as “AA”). For members who do not know their Gothra Name, “Shiva gothra or Vishnu gothra” can be adopted by the members, based on their kula- deivams.
 
 

66 comments:

Unknown said...

well done, i am also interested to find my root, after read ur website,i hope i will soon find my ancestry history.

we left out from all of u..bcos we migrated from thondaimandalam to srilanka..cos,i am from irumarabum thooya thaninayaga nudali family from srilanka,i like to joint with u all and get to know more abt u all thondai mandala mudaliars.

from the information i have our ancester from seyoor ( now cheyuur) valavapuri.

can i get ur contact detail plz, interested to know more abt thondaimandala mudaliar family. sureshini@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

hi..very nice to see all sub-caste in mudhaliar and their orgin

Anonymous said...

Great Work.. Thank You

Anonymous said...

Superb... Thank you

RAM KUMAR said...

My suggestion is all the vellalar communities should come together and form a single sangam. Everyone should support sub-sect marriages and while doing so only vellala is to be confirmed. VELLALA SANGAM CAN HELP IN THIS. SANGAM SHOULD KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ITS COMMUNITY MEMBERS. ENROL THEM IN THE SANGAM. SANGAM REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD DO THIS IF THEY ARE REALLY SERIOUS ABOUT THIS. SANGAM SHOULD COMMUNICATE PERSONALLY TO ALL ITS MEMBERS HOW THEY SHOULD REGISTER IN THEIR AREA ie, as sengunthar, or agamudaya, or tuluva vellala etc.

ABOVE ALL, ONLY ONE VELLALAR SANGAM SHOULD THERE.

Vasanth said...

Great knowledge, Nice to see my caste history.

kumar said...

கட்டி முதலி என்போர் கொங்கு வேளாளரின் ஒரு பிரிவு... ஆராயாமல் காப்பி பேஸ்ட் வேண்டாம்...

Kuberan C R said...

thanks alot to share my community (Kerala Mudali) info,

Kuberan C R said...

thanks alot to share my community (Kerala Mudali) info,

Anonymous said...

romba mukkiyam

ganesh said...

hi i am ganesh from thalaignayiru, my father is narayanasamy mudaliyar, thondaimandala saiva mudaliar,i ever seen my fathers relatives, he is died, any one help me for seeing my relatives, my mail id is ganeshtester2k5@gmail.com,thank you

mudaliar said...

Hello,


My anecestors lived in Ponvilainda Kalathur, chengulpet, near Chennai, Tamilnadu,India,,would love to get connected with roots.
K.Nirmalkumar

mudaliar said...

Hello,

Iam from Ponvilainda Kalaththur, near Chenai, Tamil Nadu, India.My Grand parents lived there,Love to get conected with roots


K.Nirmal Kumar

mudaliar said...

Hello,

Iam from Ponvilainda Kalaththur, near Chenai, Tamil Nadu, India.My Grand parents lived there,Love to get conected with roots


K.Nirmal Kumar

mudaliar said...

Hello,

Iam from Ponvilainda Kalaththur, near Chenai, Tamil Nadu, India.My Grand parents lived there,Love to get conected with roots


K.Nirmal Kumar

Ravichandran said...

நிர்மல்,
பொன்விளைந்த களத்தூருக்கு அருகில் உள்ள கருங்குழி கிராமம் ஒரு காலத்தில் , செங்கல்பட்டு மாவட்டத்திற்கே தலைநகராக இருந்துள்ளது.
உங்கள் உறவினர்கள் அங்கும் இருக்கலாம்.தேடிப் பாருங்கள்.

mudaliar said...

Dear RAVI


Thanks for the information, Where can we find the history of KARUNGUSHI GRAMAM.Iunderstand from my elder brother,now 88 yeras old, that there were four families lived side by side at P.V.KALAThThur.ALl have migrated to various cities and countries.

If any information available at P.V. would love to hear.

mudaliar said...

Thanks RAVI

Can I have more details of the GRAMAM.

Iunderstand from my brother 88 years old, that there were four families lived side by side. Many migrated to various cities and counties.Any usefull information will be appreciated. Any way, good compilaiation of history of vellalars

Unknown said...

thanks to say this

Elangovan said...

Any body from Mullipalayam Village, near Sholingur, now Vellore District can contact me on my mail id. elango1961@gmail.com Elangovan

Unknown said...

ITS A GREAT HONOUR TO BE A MUDALIAR, FIR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE I HAVE READ & COME ACROSS THE HISTORY OF MY CASTE & IM HAPPY TO BE A PART OF MUDALIAR COMMUNITY WHO WERE DEDICATE D TO DEVOTION ETC., THANKS FOR THE DETAILS GIVEN.

Unknown said...

i am also thondaimandala saiva mudaliyar plz jon my fb id my id is harihara.vigneshkumar.01

Ravichandran said...

Dear hariharan, visit https://www.facebook.com/muthaliyaars

Anonymous said...

visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/%E0%AE%85%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%B2%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B3%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B3%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%86%E0%AE%B3%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B3%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B3%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%B1%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B1%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%A3%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%82%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%81/515072855246476?ref=hl

Anonymous said...

visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/%E0%AE%85%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%B2%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B3%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B3%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%86%E0%AE%B3%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B3%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B3%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%B1%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B1%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%A3%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%82%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%81/515072855246476?ref=hl

centrayan said...

Hello,

my caste is arcot mudaliar/agamudayar/tuluva vellala

Are tuluva vellalas the same as agamudayars?

didnt agamudayars come from devars ?
didnt tuluva vellalas come from tulunad?

mudaliar said...

This question need an exhaustive research for Vellalar,Thuluva vellalar, Mukkulathor which includes Agamudaiyar.
There is a possibility of two types of Thuluva vellala. one migrated from Tulunadu.
Another one , due Britishers incentive for prefered treatment as Backward class , many Vellalars listed themselves as Thuluva vellala.
Also if your mother tongue is tamil , then it could be any , since many wanted to become vellala , There is a proverb in Tamil, that^mella mella kallar became Agamudayar who then became Vellala.If your title is Mudaliar , or Dever, pillai, Gounder etc then we may have to go deeper according to the title, mother tongue and Native village.

centrayan said...

Read yesterday that Tuluva vellala wasnt considered a group in the 1921 census. And hence a lot of them had enlisted as agamudayars. This esp in arcot/vellore region where the hoysala(tulu) king veera b(V)allala had influence (tiruvanmayur temple inscriptions give evidence).

Only in 1970 , the commission enlisted tuluva vellalars as a group,but it was sorta clubbed with agamudayars. So in reality, tuluva vellalars were not descendants of devars

anyone thinks thats a reasonable explanation

mudaliar said...

I just do not understand? How come when I was 8 years old , (now 69), when got admission in Chennai corporation school, the Headmaster recommended to change VELLALA to Thuluva Vellala for claiming B.C STATUS. and I was recipient for 50% reduction in school fees (92 MER)at Hindu High school, later during graduation got reimbursement through Harijan welfare scheme? as well as 92 MER.
Where is the communication gap?.

Anonymous said...

இனி யாரும் வரலாறு தெரியாமல் எந்த ஒரு ஊருக்கும் போகாமல் அங்கு வாழும் மக்களின் உறவு முறைகளை பற்றி தெரிந்துகொள்ளாமல் மேதவிதனமாக அகமுடையார் இனத்தை பற்றி பேசவேண்டாம்.அகமுடையார் இனம் வாழும் பல ஊர்களுக்கு சென்று பாருங்கள் அவர்கள் எவ்வாறு அதிகாரம் படைத்தவர்களாக வாழ்ந்து வருகிறார்கள் என்பது புரியும்.மன்னர் ஆட்சி காலத்தில் மன்னர்களுக்கு படை தளபதிகளாகவும் போர் வீரர்களாகவும் அரசாங்க அதிகாரிகளாகவும் இருந்து அவர்கள் குவித்த வெற்றிக்கு அடையாளமாக பல பட்டங்களை பெயர்களாக பெற்று அனைத்து இடங்களிலும் சேர்வை,பிள்ளை,தேவர்,முதலியார்,அதிகாரி,நாயக்கர்,உடையார் என்ற பெயரில் வாழ்ந்து வருகிறோம்.எங்களுக்கு எத்தனை பட்டங்கள் இருந்தாலும் அகமுடையார் துளுவ வேளாளர் என்பதையே சாதி சான்றிதழில் குறிப்பிடுகிறோம்.நாங்கள் யாரும் அடிமை சாதியாக எப்போதும் வாழ்ந்ததில்லை. எங்கள் குல தொழில் வேளாண்மை,அரசாங்க அதிகாரி,படை வீரர்.நாங்கள் எந்த சாதிக்கும் எப்போதும் உரிமை கொண்டாட விரும்ப மாட்டோம்.பெண் கொடுப்பதும் பெண் எடுப்பதும் மேற்கண்ட பட்டங்களை கொண்ட அகமுடையார்-துளுவ வேளாளர் இனத்தில் மட்டுமே! ஒரு சில புல்லுருவிகள் தற்போது அரசு இட ஒதுக்கீட்டில் பயன்பெற வேண்டும் என்பதற்காக தங்களை அகமுடையார்-துளுவ வேளாளர் என்று சாதி சான்றிதல் பெற்று சலுகைகளை அனுபவிக்கிறார்கள்.இந்த புல்லுருவிகள்தான் தற்போது அகமுடையார் என்பது முக்குலத்தோரின் ஒரு பிரிவு இது வட மாவட்ட அகமுடைய முதலியார் இனத்திற்கும் இவர்களுக்கும் எந்த உறவும் இல்லை என்று கதைகளை கிளப்பி விடுகிறது.அதிமேதாவிகளே இது வரையிலும் கள்ளர் மறவர் அகமுடையார் இம்மூன்றும் தனி தனியாகவே உறவு முறை வைத்துள்ளார்கள்.மூன்று இனத்திற்குமே தனி தனி சாதி சங்கம் உள்ளது.இன்று வரை அரசு பதிவேட்டில் அகமுடையார் இனம் தனியாகவேதான் உள்ளது.எங்கள் அகமுடையார்-துளுவ வேளாளர் பெயரில் ஒளிந்து சலுகைகளை அனுபவிக்கும் புல்லுருவிகளே நாங்கள் எப்போது உங்கள் வீட்டிற்கு நண்பர்களாகதான் வருவோமே தவிர உறவு முறை கொண்டாடி வர மாட்டோம்.நாங்கள் எப்போதும் அகமுடையார்-துளுவ வேளாளர்.அகமுடையார்(துளுவ வேளாளர்) இனம் எப்போதும் தன்னிகரில்லாத தனி சிறப்பு பெற்ற இனம்.

centrayan said...

well if agamudayars are the thevars came from the south, why exactly are they calling themselves 'Tuluva'vellalar?

Why exactly mention 'Tuluva', what is the connection to 'Tulunad'??
What about veera vellala(veera bellala3 - from Tulunad) wo joined with athondai chakravarthy?

Why exaclty use the Term "Tuluva'vellalar....If my above explanation is wrong,if they are infact Thevars from south,explain
'Tuluva' vellala title. Why is veera vellala's name inscribed in Tiruvannamalai temple?

WHat is the reason behind 'Tuluva'?

I dont care if Im a superior caste or inferior cast, I just wanna know who my community, people with common ancestry are

mudaliar said...

It is again unfortunate that some anonymous is dividing people based on cast.
I brought the truth and from my memory. I need to clarify that I am researching my roots for several years.
And I am not an historian and I have never involved in politics.
With this above confession let me give my analysis,
1. My root is well over 1000 years. P.V .Kalathoor stands tall,
2. My title is mudaliar , from my parents, grand parents . We were vellalas or thuluva vellala, i will find out when I meet my elder brother , whose birth place
Is Vikravandi, close to Panayapuram famous for historic temples recently , Tamil nadu won from demolishing the ancient temple due to highway development.
3. With this back ground now, what is meant by B.C.
4. Here we have all the problems created by Europeans who wanted to divide and rule and for sensex followed viciously varna system of four divisions of
manu law. And the then vellalars were supposed to be grouped under Sudras
later Gandhi gave name Harizan and now in the North as Dalits
5. So if records are correct Vellala fought that they shall not be classified under Sudras and Vellalas are not inferior race or cast, what arguments they gave to the court Ido not know and I am not interested. My research on is not over.vellalas and Mudaliars are not complete. Now we have lot of information in web.

6. ,The B.C status was due to agriculture activity and education was neglected for several years under Muslim and European rules.
7. So the then government decided to give incentive for education 50% fees waiver if I remember the rule was called 92 MER.
8. If you consider three generation before me, I am the first graduate and my brothers did Diploma in civil , Mechanical etc.
9.I hope this clarifies my stand, and the term That Mukkulathor and some got converted to Vellala or thuluva vellala, Read past records of British period. to current in Tamil nadu and when they were classified and now in different states what is there status?
10 . My geni tree is now all over the world and my grand nieces are all highly qualified some completed Phd.
11. I repeat that every one should search his own roots based on his mother tongue, and ancestors village etc.
12 Please do not divide people based on casts but divide based on economic deprivation and education, This is my personal opinion.
13 India is at the Tipping point, and let us be proud to be Indian . I am proud to be Indian first , Tamilian next . That is all. To which state I belong to , I
own a small plot of land in Tamil Nadu since 25 years.

14 I lived , educated at Tamil nadu, worked in west Bengal and enjoying my retirement withy my grand children in Karnataka.
15 My children and grand niece never received any scholarship and they are now well established and try to be good human beings and love all



centrayan said...

Mr.Mudaliar,

Everyone must learn from you on how to talk incessantly without even coming close to addressing the question asked.
No one gives 2 cents about what you or your kids studied.

Now if anyone please has something concrete to say about why the word 'Tuluva' is used, did arcot/vellore mudaliars actually come from Tulunad some 800 years ago ..please do so.

Anonymous said...

My family(mom and dad) belongs in Theni district and we use the title thuluva vellalar only. But this serves true for everyone except my dads dad who is a saiva veerakodi vellalar from around the tirunelveli region having slowly migrated to madurai, theni region from there. And I would happily go by this title except that it was not listed out by the govt., and so even my dad had to take his mom's side title(thuluva of course).

My moms ancestors migrated here from trichy/srirangam having their family diety there on the cauvery shores.

Now where do the agamudayars come in? My family especially the thuluva group are very particular and staunch about their pillai/vellalar status and have never compromised for anything other than that. And they are still and always have been land owning agriculturists.

What I was presently looking for is about the term thuluva. Has this anything to do with the tulus of the canara region?? May be this stock came down here from that region during some vijayanagara kings(read somewer tht one group of those kings wer of thuluva dynasty) reign?? Any research on this only brings more and more confusion, and who knows what happened all those many years back.

Any inputs anyone.

Anonymous said...

My family(mom and dad) belongs in Theni district and we use the title thuluva vellalar only. But this serves true for everyone except my dads dad who is a saiva veerakodi vellalar from around the tirunelveli region having slowly migrated to madurai, theni region from there. And I would happily go by this title except that it was not listed out by the govt., and so even my dad had to take his mom's side title(thuluva of course).

My moms ancestors migrated here from trichy/srirangam having their family diety there on the cauvery shores.

Now where do the agamudayars come in? My family especially the thuluva group are very particular and staunch about their pillai/vellalar status and have never compromised for anything other than that. And they are still and always have been land owning agriculturists.

What I was presently looking for is about the term thuluva. Has this anything to do with the tulus of the canara region?? May be this stock came down here from that region during some vijayanagara kings(read somewer tht one group of those kings wer of thuluva dynasty) reign?? Any research on this only brings more and more confusion, and who knows what happened all those many years back.

Any inputs anyone.

Anonymous said...

please write our community name mudaliar,,,instead of other spellings its confused to new person and its diverting into other way first change with correct spelling....

Sharmalan Thevar said...

I did write a short article on the Vellalars. Do read it.

http://sharmalanthevar.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-vellalar-community.html

mudaliar said...

Dear Mr Sharmalan Thevar
Just read your post and it makes good sense and one need to appreciate your compilation. Hope centrayan, as usual does not jump to any premature conclusion.

Unknown said...

Nice to see my caste history.

Anonymous said...

@Centryan,

There aren't castes called by the names Muthaliyar or Thevar. These are titles of many castes

Kallar, Maravar and southern district Agamudayars are collectively known as Mukkulathor.

Tuluva Vellalar is a sub-caste of Agamudayar. To be precise, Tuluva Vellalars are formed as a hybrid community of Agamudayars and Vellalars of Tulu Nadu. So they are Agamudayars by origin and are not related to pure Tamil Vellalars. So they intermarry with pure Agamudayars.

There are many Vellalar sub-castes like Sozhiya Vellalar, Pandiya Vellalar, Kongu Vellalar, Thondaimandala Saiva Vellalar,..etc.
These castes are not related to Tuluva Vellalar.

Unknown said...

Www.mudaliarassociation.org

Unknown said...

mudaliyar is the name of knowledge and power. but due to our unity poor we not able to get obc

we ask ourself who is first and best

only one answer in the universe is
mudaliyar
c.ravichandran,
thenchennaimudaliyarsangam@gmail.com

Unknown said...

On the discussion on Tuluva Vellalar i have the following fact to present,

Tulluva Vellalar is a corruption of the real word "Thouzhva Vellalar the tamil word thouzh gives out the meaning “Service, priestly service or the military service actually the Thouzva vellalar are scions of Agamudaiyar or the servaikaran in this context both the names gives out the same meaning “service that is the reason the govt of Tamilandu classify ’s in their backward class list as “Agamudyar including Thouzhva or Tuluva Vellalar, and “Tuluvan (Thouzhuvan) is a division of Agamudayar

So it is a wrong saying that the Tuluva Vellalar are immigrants from tulunadu or a hybrid of the Agamudayar bla bla....

I' am only asking the Agamudyar with mudaliar title to be really careful with people spinning Imaginary or purposeful mischievous story that there exist two “Agamudyar caste etc etc… they are doing this for their own benefit for availing the govt benefits, here is one Mr Mudaliar giving out his confession on how he had changed his caste name, for the Agamudyars who does not know on their caste history I ‘am providing the details of their titles in tamilnadu and in the neighbouring states,

Mudaliar
Pillai
Devar
Servai
Naicker
Chettiar
Nattar (not nadar)
Pallavarayar
Udaiyar
Reddy & Roa in Andhra Karnataka

mudaliar said...

Dear Cheran Irumborai

Kindly note, I have not made any confession, The statement made from memory of a 5 year old recapitulating at the age of 70.
I also indicated I will verify with my elder brother who is 90 years old. who along with my younger sister 67 years old also recorded as Thuluva Vellala. My wife too has same in her SSLC book
My point is vellallar recorded as thuluva vellala need not be for scholorship. History recorded that some vellala migrated from Thulu Nadu. And Thouzua group may be natives and not from migration.
I am not a historian so any error in interpretation can be ignored

centrayan said...

Thank You Cheran for that clarification.

It is important to know your closest
of your kin - whose genes you share,
just in case one were to become quite rich and what to start community based organisations/ clubs

Unknown said...

//My point is vellallar recorded as thuluva vellala need not be for scholorship. History recorded that some vellala migrated from Thulu Nadu. And Thouzua group may be natives and not from migration//

Dear Mr Mudaliar,- I’ am Very sorry! But i have to ask you this what could be the special reason for any Vellalar to record himself as a “thuluva vellalar”, The TMSV (thondai mandala saiva vellalar) TMKSV(Thondai mandala kondai katti Saiva vellalar) Saiva mudali and the Sengunthar’s are the caste groups that uses the “Mudalaiar Title along with the Agamudyar’s in this case the later 2 are classified under BC list, the rest of the clans are FC’s and these are the groups that without shedding their Vellalar identity and in the meantime to enjoy the govt benefits are recording themselves as “Tuluva Vellalar otherwise there could not be any logical reason for anyone to convert to a particular clan,

There is no valid evidence either literary or inscriptional available in history to substantiate that “Tuluva vellalars are immigrants from tulunad these are mere assumptions only, there is no news or any valid source available to prove that Veera ballala (vellala) had brought his men to settle in the choza country of thamizhgam and this group of men are Tuluva Vellala’s,

If someone seek Genetic affinity of the Southern and North TN Agamudayars then this was not done so far, if such study is initiated Agamudayars (Including Thuluva) will reveal greater genetic affinity,

There is always a confusion even among some of the Thondaimandala Agamudayar that the Agamudyar with Mudaliar Title and the Agamudyar with Servai and devar (of course they don’t have an issue with the titles pillai,udayar) are different this can be cleared with a simple example in Vellore Vellapadi there is a street bearing the name “Servai Manicka Mudlaiar Street and in the same locality there is a neighbourhood bears the name of “Servai Munnusamy Mudalair Nagar in this case the parental title “servai is prefixed so it is imperative here that the Servaikaran and the Agamudaya Mudali are same,

There is an inscription found in chinnamannur which reads as “Pillai Kulasekara Mahavali Agambadiya Mudali Singa thevan, this banna (Vannar) chief held all the titles of Agamudayar there are many more such inscriptions available to show the various titles assumed by the Agamudayars,

To summarize there is no 2 Agamudyar caste in Tamilnadu and Tuluva (Thouzvha) Vellalar are also Agamudayar’s and are not Expatriates

mudaliar said...

Dear Cheran Irumborai

1. First we need to know why Thuluva vellala were classified as B.C.

2. From when Thuluva vellalas were given 92 MER Scholarship and Harijan welfare scholarship and from when they were declassified and no scholarship is provided even to genuine poor or eligible students.
Recently I met a family claiming to be pure saiva and thuluva vellala having two girls whose father passed away and studying 10 and 12 standard and being taken care of by their father^s elder brother son along with his family. That time I came to know that Thuluva Vellala ie removed
from B.C classification.
3. I do not understand why Vellalas are different from currently known or being discovered new communities
4. I also do not know from when the frequent quote^mella mella vellalr anare^ is being specifically. identified for some communities.

5. Till a few one or two years back Thuluva vellala came first in google when searched for B.,C.
6. What is the logic ? who will give a convincing explanation.
7. I appreciate now financial status proof of Father and Mother are required along with B.C certificate.
8. Whether there existed two or one group , it is a fact Agamudayar were not heard much as long as When I lived at Tamil nadu but see more of Agamudaiyars in Karnataka. This is my perception and will change if anyone gives statistics.

9. Lastly Mudaliar title were held by various groups all over Asia not to omit famous Christian personalities.If I my memory is right, a jew was also given title ^Mudaliar^ by a kerala king.

10 So delink from communities and titles.

11. Now I simply could not differentiate between Udaiyars, Gounder, Pillai. etc except there population is distinct in certain cites, villages etc.

Unknown said...

1. First we need to know why Thuluva vellala were classified as B.C.

This is perhaps due to the socio economic status and the land owning pattern held by them during the first caste census and of course the statement made by them to the census officials

2. From when Thuluva vellalas were given 92 MER Scholarship and Harijan welfare scholarship and from when they were declassified and no scholarship is provided even to genuine poor or eligible students.

MER Is list generally retained by the Educational department for the purpose of Fees concession , however there is no correlation in your question “Harijan or the Adi dravidar welfare is totally different from the backward class welfare board ,

3. Recently I met a family claiming to be pure saiva and thuluva vellala having two girls whose father passed away and studying 10 and 12 standard and being taken care of by their father^s elder brother son along with his family. That time I came to know that Thuluva Vellala ie removed
from B.C classification.

Totally wrong information Tuluva Vellalar is not been removed from BC List of Tamilnadu, hope this family is not from Bangalore or elsewhere…


3. I do not understand why Vellalas are different from currently known or being discovered new communities

There are about 150 odd groups of Vellala clans found in TN all used to be endogamous until early 20th century, only now some of them intermarry with other vellala group, “Vellala groups are not different and are not discovered newly they are one of the thol kudi (oldest inhabitants) of thamizhagam

mudaliar said...

Dear Cheran
Thank you for the clarification.
I again place the contradictory statements.
A. As B.C ,Thuluva vellala, during Graduation, fees was reimbursed under Harijan welfare scheme which included B.C too for fees reimbursement. Under MER, fees was reduced to 50%.
c. While google search , Thuluva vellala only came as first under B.C TILL A FEW YEARS AGO.
D. Now state wise classification are taking place!!
E. Agamudaiyar, Mukkulathor etc are being described along with Thuluva vellalas as sub caste
f. From when and who decided as sub cast under Agamudayar?
g. Please note the interest is for historical and roots quest.
h. Today these divisions are loosing out except in certain region where a group majority is seen.

i. Recent train travel with Theni group of people are having perception that other than Vellala ,most of them are doing support services, guardians to the Vellala.
g. As for as my knowledge goes, B.C groups that neglected Education were given incentives to educate their children.
h. Today,if you take my case, I was the first Graduate and my brothers were Diploma holders. But all, children and Grand children are post graduates or Doctorates.And do not know their roots and marriage is taking place with each and every one , be it love or arranged marriage.
I see the Education and economic prosperity do have a stimulating effect, and these type of discussions will be redundant.!!
J The information that I provided is from Kumbakonam pure sava thuluva vellala who are still marrying within their clan only.
k. Next month I will meet them and clear their misconception, if Tamilnadu still retain Thuluva vellalas as B.C with incentives for Education, job allocation etc.
Thanks

Unknown said...


Dear Mudaliar,

See my response on the key points you figured out,

E. Agamudaiyar, Mukkulathor etc are being described along with Thuluva vellalas as sub caste

Thuluva Vellala is scions of Agamudyar and form an importantant division called “Tuluvan (Thouzvan), there is no caste by name “Mukkulathor really exist, it is a coalition formed in south for political reason the other caste like “Kallar & Maravar do not claim Tuluvar as their offshoots , I have tried to explain this in one of my reply and I guess it is still awaiting moderation

f. From when and who decided as sub cast under Agamudayar?

No one decide on the sub caste this is something like a language and a idiolect, when a same caste start practising diff customs based on the geography they live branches out as a sub division to understand this one should understand the sayings “Kallar Maravar Ganthor Agamudyar mella Vellalar anare… I tried to explain this as well and this is also awaiting moderation

g. Please note the interest is for historical and roots quest.

I appreciate your quest for history and roots however you should have an open mind when you research this and should keep aside the present scenario, no room for perception and a willingness to accept fact,

h. Today these divisions are loosing out except in certain region where a group majority is seen.

Quite Obvious Majority wins, moreover lack of unity or an unwillingness to get united too attribute to this,


Unknown said...

Hello. Saiva mudaliar and saiva vellalar mudaliar are same?? I m not understand please explain...

Unknown said...

Senkunthar history fulla tamila translation panni solla mudiyuma plz......

Unknown said...

Pls translation Tamil.....

Kuberan C R said...


கன்னியாகுமரி மாவட்டத்தில் கேரள முதலி மக்களின் தோற்றம் (வரலாற்றில் பதியபடாத ஓர் அரிய தகவல்)
http://crkuberan.blogspot.in/2015/08/blog-post_4.html

Prabhakaran said...

Kaikolar varalara Tamilla unkaluku therinja sollunka

Unknown said...

Dear cheran,

Agamudair is mudaliar or dhevar I'm my t.c. put only agamudair my parents said agamudair is mudaliar only. But I study this history i have dout. Then I want to apply my daughter community certificate also. I told I'm agamudai mudaliar but the still said in system mention only agamudair only. I dout for this please reply me

Anonymous said...

I am mudaliyar living in chennai and i know two generation of my heriditary living in chennai. Am now searching my deity - kula deivam. Can ANYONE PLEASE GUIDE ME to find my kuladeivam

girishmp1234 said...

I AM MUDALIAR LIVING IN KARNATAKA AND I WANT TO KNOW WHO IS MY KULA DEIVAM

B RAVI MURUGAN said...

Most of the Mudaliyar's kula deivam is Muneeswarar.. I am also Mudaliar, my kula deivam is Paal Muneeswarar..

sschan said...

Tuluva means an old language still in existence in south Canara of Karnataka where Ballala raja was ruling. He sent a lot of tulu speaking people to help Thondaimandala emperor. Later these people were highly respected and happened to settle in Chitoor,Arcot, and spread across TN and also Kerala and Srilanka. Tulu is almost like Tamil but couldn't develop further as the script was very late to evolve. Most of these tuluvas later accepted Tamil literature and became great poets and also Nayanmars.

Unknown said...

Well set but I searching for one village in Karnataka for the tholuvam (lots of thuluva vellalar community peoples living at tholuvam village but I don't know about accurate name please give detail's about us )

Unknown said...

I am a thuluva vellalar from senji (Gingee) I currently live in Canada .. I want to find my kula theivam can someone help me .. thanks in advance

Unknown said...

Ya. Some mudaliyars are there

Unknown said...

Innoru vishayayam ,thevars ,mudaliyar have relation with bunts of karnataka as well,these bunts can be related to thuluva vellala....

Kodavas in karnataka basically claim lineage from pandyas

Anonymous said...



"I am a thuluva vellalar from senji (Gingee) I currently live in Canada .. I want to find my kula theivam can someone help me .. thanks in advance" ----->>>>

Kula deivam is not for a whole community. It is similar to totem pole. One savior (powerful, rich or smart or courageous) from your ancestors saved their family due to mostly valor in those days. (could be any reason of troubles). It is one of your ancestors only. Do not get confused as "gothrams" in brahmin. It is a fraudulent term . They do not born in one chain for 1000s of years from an imaginary saints.

You can start one of your parent or grand parent as kula deivam..

Anonymous said...

Nice article, can you provide me the link to master list of gothras