Gounder is a title used by various communities in the Indian stateofTamil 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]
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]
During the British Raj era, some Gounders migrated to Malayan rubber plantations as Kanganis to manage the coolies.[8]
In all probability the Tamil Kavandans or Goundans might have branched of from them and both might be descendants of Kurumbas of yore.
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