The Vellalas

Vellala was the next important communal group. The term ‘Vellala’ is derived from the Tamil word ‘Vellanmai’ (‘vellam’ means water and ‘anmai’ means management). Thus they were the cultivators or tillers of the land.^[1] They were the land owning community, consequently many of the land grants were made by them. Being land lords, they enjoyed high social status to those of Brahmins in the society (For example, Sambandar, one of the 63 Nayanmars, was a Vellala) and closely associated with the temples of Madurantakam region. They also bore many titles such as Muvendavellalan. Y.Subbarayalu is of the opinion that the title ‘Muvendavellalan’ came into vogue only during Chola King Parantaka-I. The title may suffix to either King title ‘Parantaka -Muvendavellan’ or Nadu ‘Tennavan Mirainattu Muvendavelan’. Muvendavellalan may mean the ‘vellan’ of the three kings (Chera, Chola and Pandya) whereas Vellan means Vellala caste.^[2]

The Vellala donars are referred to in many lithic records of Chola period. Two inscriptions mentioned that Tennavan Mirainattu Muvendavelan of Devangudi donated gold for burning a lamp.^[3] Another one referred to Sattappadi-Udaiyan Aiyyaran Sendan alias Nikalanka-Muvendavellan who donated 96 sheep for burning a lamp.^[4]

A lithic record referred to Koyilmayilai alias Parantaka-Muvendavelan who gifted a land for feeding 20 Apurvins and Sivayogins in the temple of Madurantakam.^[5] Another r lithic record referred to Vellala and Muvenda Vellala. Two inscriptions eferred that Koyilmayilai alias ParantakaMuvendavelan was s stated to have enquired into temple affairs and sale and another noted that Madhurantaka-Muvendavellalan was administrating the Srikaryam of the temple.^[6] A lithic record identified the donor father as Puliyan a Vellala of Chikkaru.^[7] Yet another lithic record considered Vellalan Vadukan as the donor.^[8] From the above inscriptions, it is noted that Vellalas enjoyed a good status in the society.

Valangai and Idangai Groups

The origin of Valangai and Indangai (Right and Left Hand) may goes back to the Sangam period. During the Chola period, they belonged to the Brahmin and Vellalas communities. They were quarrelling with each other and therefore, the other communities never associated themselves with them in any way.^[9] They were possibly preferred by the King during wars or they supported the merchants in times of needs to win their antagonism.^[10] They were the important groups during Chola period.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Edgar Thurston, op.cit, Vol. VII, p.361.

[2]:

Subbarayalu, Y., South India Under the Cholas, New Delhi, 2012, p.222.

[3]:

A.R.E., 558 of 1920.

[4]:

A.R.E., 552 of 1920.

[5]:

A.R.E., 230 of 1911.

[6]:

A.R.E., 213 of 1907; 214 of 1907.

[7]:

A.R.E., 32 of 1893.

[8]:

A.R.E., 213 of 1907.

[9]:

Pillay, K.K., Cholar Varalaru, Madras, 1977, p.517.

[10]:

Frykenberg and Kolendra, Studies of South India, New Delhi, 1985, p.246.