Velar (caste)
Velar is a Tamil artisan caste whose members traditionally pursued pottery and trade in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.[1][2] They are officially classified as Kulala or Velar. They belong to the Other Backward Class group.[3]
| Regions with significant populations | |
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| Tamilnadu | |
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Etymology[]
The word Vel refers to earth. Velar means "those of the earth".[2]
History[]
Velars are the descendants of the three sons of their original ancestor Kulalan, who was the son of Brahma. Kulalan prayed to Brahma to be allowed to create and destroy things daily, so Brahma made him a potter.[2]
Culture[]
Velar is associated with the landowner caste of vellalar and with the centres of ancient kingdoms. They wear the sacred thread like brahmins and follow both Saivism and Vaishnavism.
Their rituals and ceremonies are similar to those of the Vellalas or Vellalar. Some have priests of their own caste, while others employ brahmins.[4] They have claimed a higher social status in Tamil Nadu.
Titles[]
They are subdivided into numerous clans based on Koottamam or Kulam.
Some Tamil-speaking Velar in northern Tamil Nadu and Kongu regions use the title Udayar (Manudaiyar).
Telugu-speaking Velar in southern Tamil Nadu use the title Chettiyar. They are relatively recent migrants in the southern region of Tamil Nadu.[2]
See also[]
References[]
- ^ Pottery production and trades in Tamil Nadu Region: New insights from Alagankulam and Keeladi excavation sites
- ^ a b c d Inglis, Stephen Robert (22 May 1984). "Creators and Consecrators: A Potter Community of South India". University of British Columbia – via Google Books.
- ^ "National Commission for Backward Classes". www.ncbc.nic.in.
- ^ "Tamil studies, or essays on the history of the Tamil people, language, religion, and literature". 1914.
- Castes
- Tamil people