Devendrakula Velalar

Devendrakula Velalar is an agricultural community found in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu comprising seven subcastes: Devendra Kulathar, Kudumbar, Kadaiyar, Kaladi, Pallar, Pannadi and Vathiriyar.^[1][2]

History

The Devendrakula Velalar traditionally inhabited the fertile wetland area referred to as Marutham in the literary devices of the Sangam landscape.^[3] Vendan, also known as Devendra and identified with Indra, is the god of the Marutham landscape and also one of the chief deities of the Devendrakula Velalars. Agriculture, being the dominant occupation in Sangam society, had gained a status and expertise.^{[4] [5]} The territorial divisions among the Devendrakula Velalar are Devendra, Chozhiya, Pandiya, Kongan, Kumana Marankothi, Mahanadu, Manadu and Vettai.^[6][7]

Politics

In Tamil Nadu, Devendrakula Velalar make up 11.45% of the state's population.^[8] The Devendrakula Velalar, Mutharaiyar and Brahmin play a major role in Srirangam Assembly constituency, as a majority of voters are from these communities.^[9]

Temple festivals

At the Mariamman Teppakulam float festival in Madurai, Devendrakula Velalars from Anupanadi village are traditionally given the right to start pulling the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple float, according to a tradition dating to the 18th century.^[10]

According to mythology, the presiding deities, Lord Siva and Pachainayagi, of Patteswarar Temple in Perur, Coimbatore, were farmers who took up the task of sowing and cultivating paddies. The Devendrakula Velalar community celebrate Pady Sowing Season in the name of Chithiramezhi Ponnaer Natru Nadu Thiruvzha at Patteswarar Temple.^[11]

At the Koniamman car festival in Coimbatore, Devendrakula Velalars are traditionally given the right to start pulling the chariot, according to a tradition dating to the 11th century.^[12]

References