Gounder is a title used by various communities in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.[1] It may refer to various communities such as Vettuva Gounder,[2][3]Kongu Vellalar, Thuluva Vellalar,[3] Urali Gounders,[4] Kurumba, Vanniyars, Vokkaligas.[5][2]
Etymology
There are a number of derivations for the title. One theory derives it from the Tamil word Kaamindan, meaning "noble protector of the country", later modified as Kavundan or Gounder.[6]
According to S. N. Sadasivan, some of these Vellalars branched off from the Vokkaligas and both might have a common origin from the Kurumba.[7]
History
During the British Raj era, some Gounders migrated to Malayan rubber plantations as Kanganis to manage the coolies.[8]