Velar_(caste)

Velar (caste)

Velar (caste)

Tamil artisan caste from south Indian state Tamil Nadu

This article is about the Tamil caste. For a type of consonant, see velar consonant.

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]

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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]

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

Telugu-speaking Kummaras in southern Tamil Nadu use the title Chettiyar. They are relatively recent migrants in the southern region of Tamil Nadu from old Andhra region.[2]

See also

References

  1. [1]
    Pottery production and trades in Tamil Nadu Region: New insights from Alagankulam and Keeladi excavation sites
  2. [2]
    Inglis, Stephen Robert (22 May 1984). "Creators and Consecrators: A Potter Community of South India". University of British Columbia – via Google Books.
  3. [3]
    "National Commission for Backward Classes". www.ncbc.nic.in.
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