Gounder

Gounder is a title used by various communities originating in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.^[1] It may refer to Kongu Vellalars,^[2][3]Vanniyars,^[4][5][6] Vettuvars, Vokkaligas, Uralis and Gollas.^[7][8][9]

Etymology

There are number of derivations for the title. One theory derives the name Gounder from Tamil word Kaamindan, meaning noble protector of the country. It was later modified as Kavundan or Gounder.^[10]

References

1. "Gounder consolidation could pose headache to major parties". The Times Of India.
2. "கொங்கு நாடு யாருக்கு: வரிசை கட்டும் பிரச்னைகள் - கவுண்டர் சமுதாயத்தை ...கடந்த கோபமாக கொங்கு வேளாளக் கவுண்டர்கள் , Kongu Vellala Gounders are angry that Gounder community is being targeted by registering cases against them". Dinamalar (in Tamil). Retrieved December 15, 2011.
3. [http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/newly-elected-ministers-be-sworn-today-234 Newly elected ministers to be sworn in today | Deccan Chronicle]
4. Joan P. Mencher. Agriculture and social structure in Tamil Nadu ; past origins, present transformations, and future prospects.
5. People of India, Tamil Nadu, Part 3.
6. Census of India, 1961: Delhi.
7. "வேட்டுவக்கவுண்டர் இன சாதிகளை ஒரே பிரிவாக அறிவிக்க வலியுறுத்தல், Classify all subcastes as Vettuva Gounders". Dinakaran (in Tamil). Retrieved December 15, 2011.
8. Burkhart, Geoffrey (1974). "Equal in the Eyes of God: a South Indian Devotional Group in its Hierarchical Setting". Contributions to Asian studies 5. Leiden: Brill Academic Publishers. p. 8. ISBN 978-90-04-03967-4. Retrieved 2011-12-14.
9. "காங்கிரஸில் ... வன்னியர் தலைவரான மாணிக்கவேல் நாயக்கர், Vanniyar leader Manikavel Naicker". Dinamani (in Tamil). Retrieved December 15, 2011.
10. Madhvan, Karthik (2 August 2008). "Steeped in history". Frontline (Chennai, India: The Hindu Group). Retrieved 22 January 2011.