1

VOKKALIGA GOUDAS OF TAMILNADU – A HISTORICAL STUDY

INTRODUCTION
Community research has emerged as an important branch of knowledge.
While some scholars focused on communities based on class and gender others were
involved in researching the structure and functioning of various groups. As a
consequence unpublished theses and published work emerged with diverse
perspectives and emphases. These perspectives and insides and emphases were
depended on who the researchers were. Therefore it is imperative to address the issue
of ‘insider’ and ‘outsider’ dichotomy. The insiders research is basically a product of
‘lived in experience’ which, not unusually, presents a nuanced perspective. The
deeper understanding of the community manifests itself in the intricate details of
social relationships and processes. This is not to undervalue the objectivity of the
insider, though; some element of subjectivity is immanent in the research. In contrast
outsiders’ work, more often, reflects the objective reality sans elaborate details and
the practice of the community and their inner meaning. The existence of immunerable
caste groups spawned extensive research on various caste groups.
The caste system has proved to be one of the most enduring of Indian
institutions. This institution has withstood the influence of Buddhism. It has withstood
the Muslim invasion of India and the subsequent establishment of the Mughal Empire.
It also survived the colonization of India by the British for two hundred years. Despite
India’s rapid economic development in recent decades, it still insinuates itself into the
social, economic, and political fabric of the country. As M.N. Srinivas, eminent
sociologist remarked: “Caste is so tacitly and so completely accepted by all, including
those who are most vocal in condemning it, that it is everywhere the unit of social
action” and thus remains highly relevant in India.
It is important to note the significant features of the caste system. It is
hereditary in nature and is based on ascribed values rather than achieved qualities. It
forms the basis for social segmentation and sustains a hierarchy based on the concepts
of purity and pollution; imposes restrictions on food, drink and creates and sustains
endogamy maintaining the group cohesiveness intact. It confers privileges on some
and restrictions on others; creates distinctions on the basis of dress and customs. The
regulations of the caste system rationalize the various caste norms and the attendant
punishments for violations.
 2
However the caste system did not remain static. There indeed was
fractionalization of the system. The four Varnas have been divided into specialized
sub-castes called jathis. Each jathi is composed of a group deriving its livelihood
primarily from a specific occupation. People are born into a certain caste and become
members. They then acquire the appropriate occupation according to their jati.
Maintaining this hereditary occupational specialization and hierarchical ranking
occupations is said to be done through an elaborate ritual system regulating the nature
of social interactions between the jatis. Vedic texts from the Hindu religion
legitimized the rationale for the hierarchical classification and the rituals governing
social behavior. There were, and still are, rules that are laid down concerning
appropriate occupational pursuit, appropriate behavior within and between castes, as
well as rules related to marriage. Alongside the process of fragmentation there was an
ongoing process of polarization. The communities pulled together by holding on to
the assigned roles providing little space for deviations and departures.
Significance of the Study: The reputed Gestalt theory postulates that the
mind forms a global whole with self-organizing tendencies. This principle maintains
that when the human mind forms a percept or gestalt, the whole has a reality of its
own, independent of the parts. In the words of Gestalt psychologist Kurt Koffka, “The
whole is other than the sum of the parts.” The whole has an independent existence.
However, it has to be noted that without the parts there can be no ‘whole’.
Analogically, it is the innumerable groups that constitute the nation. India has
the distinction of being a nation of nations with numerous linguistic, religious and
caste groups with internal differentiation. To understand the ‘whole’ of India it is
imperative to understand various groups it comprises of: their origin, evolution,
spatial settlements, principal economic activities and the socio-cultural practices.
Indian and foreign scholars have earnestly taken to conduct research on
various groups, particularly the caste groups which remain as testimony to the
longevity of the caste system. While some of the scholars and researchers focused on
the caste system per se others chose to analyze various caste groups, evident in the
review of literature. It is in this context that the study of Vokkaliga Goudas assumes
significance. This community, a dominant one in Karnataka, has made significant
contribution elsewhere too. This thesis probes and highlights their geographical
spread, cultural practices and the contribution in different spheres in Tamil Nadu. No
 3
comprehensive research endeavour has been to study this minority group in Tamil
Nadu. This thesis fills the void.
Review of Literature
Sekhon, Joti. Modern India. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2000, in this book, Sekhon
describes India in its modern state and how the history of the country has shaped it
into what it is today. She provides insight on the history of the country, its religions,
its social stratification system, its economic status and role in the global economy,
gender relations, its political institutes, and social changes that have taken place in
India. The book will aid me in retrieving information on India’s history, its complex
caste system, and how religion, economic, and politics play a role in shaping the
stratification system of India.
Dumont, L. Homo hierarchicus: the caste system and its implications.
Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press, 1970, Dumont does a brilliant job in
going into the depths of the caste system and specifically the Indian caste system. He
discusses the definition of the word “caste” and continues to explain the necessity and
undeniable need to have the caste system in relation to Hinduism in India. He also
explains the caste system and the role it plays in the division of labor in the Indian
society.
Ostor, A, L. Fruzzetti, and S. Barnett (1982), Concepts of a person: kinship,
caste, and marriage in India. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1982, this
book highlights the diversity of different parts of India in terms of kinship ties and
marriage and the relationship of these cultural constructs with the caste system. The
authors focus on Bengal, Tamilnadu, North India, Kashmir, and West India, as well as
providing information on the great plights the “Untouchable” Chudras face. This book
does a very good job keying in to the individual’s perspective in India and why the
caste system is accepted on an individual level.
Velassery, Sebastian. Casteism and Human Rights: toward an Ontology of the
Social Order. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Academic, 2005, Velassery provides a
detailed explanation of what the caste system ideology is all about and connects it
with the concepts of religion and human rights. He then focuses on the Indian
perspective of the caste system and looks at “the issue of Human Rights as a
contemporary mode of the ancient metaphysical wisdom built of reflection upon what
it means to be Dharma and the ways of existing according to Dharma.” He expresses
 4
the importance of this Dharma to Indians and how it contributes to wide acceptance of
the caste system in India.
Smith, Brian K. Classifying the Universe: the Ancient Indian Varna System
and the Origins of Caste, New York: Oxford UP, 1994, in this book, Smith dives into
the various aspects of division found in the caste system like food, gods, time,
animals, and even seasons. The book goes into detail by describing how everything in
the universe is classified from an Indian’s point of view in relation to the Hindu
religion. It also describes the origins of the caste system that have derived from
cosmogonic myths, which carry considerable weight. Smith explains that the “varnas
or classes that comprise Indian society, as well as realms in the natural, supernatural,
and ritual worlds, were supposedly created in the beginning, often by the procreative
act of the creator god.”
Bouglé, Célestin. Essays on the Caste System. London: Cambridge UP, 1971,
this collection of essays provides a detailed explanation of the Indian caste system as
well as some interviews and feedback from Indians who support and oppose the caste
system. Bougle discusses the caste hierarchy and priesthood, and includes the effects
of the caste system on race, law, economic consumption and production, and
literature.
Beteille, Andre, Caste, Class, and Power: Changing Patterns of Stratification
in a Tanjore Village, Berkeley: University of California, 1965, in this book, Beteille
does an excellent job giving the reader a detailed view on the physical structure of the
village in India and an easy to understand explanation on the caste structure. He also
highlights the economic organization of the caste system and social class, as well as
an overview on the distributions of power within the caste system.
Ghurye G. S., Caste and Race in India, Bombay: Popular Prakashan, 1969,
this book gives a very thorough description about the characteristics of the caste
system and the nature of caste-groups, as well as a historical walkthrough of how the
caste system came about. Ghurye goes into the relationship between race and caste,
the origins of the system and even focuses on caste, sub-caste, and kin.
Hutton, J.H. Caste in India: Its Nature, Function and Origins. Bombay: Indian
Branch, Oxford UP, 1963, Hutton gives us a detailed description of how caste plays a
role in different parts of India. He covers its structure, its sanctions, and its functions
in the daily lives of Indians, including endogamous units of society, the avoidance of
 5
pollution through water, and the use of temples. He also talks about the traditional
origins of the caste system.
Surajith Sinha, Caste in India: it’s essential pattern of socio-cultural
integration in caste and pace: comparative Approach, edited by Anthony de Reuck
and Julie Knight. I&A Churchill Ltd. London, 1968, defined caste system as a
hierarchy of endogamous groups, organized in a characteristically hereditary division
of labour, wherein the functions of caste specialization and hierarchy were originally
linked.
M.N. Srinivas, Castes in Modern India and Other Essays, Asia Publishing
House, Bombay, 1977, defined caste as a hereditary, endogamous, usually localized
group, having a traditional association with an occupation and a particular position in
the local hierarchy of castes. He also points out that a caste itself seems to be usually
segmented into several endogamous sub-castes. Moreover, fairly close correlation
existed between caste system and distribution of land- holding and power.
According to E.R. Leach (1960) a certain minimal set of primary
characteristics embodied the real essence of the caste system, namely, endogamy,
restriction on commensality, hierarchical grading, restrictions on contact in matters of
food, sex and ritual practice, attributes of traditional occupations and birth ascribed
features. He noted that the caste groups had lived, not in isolation but in the midst of
other groups with which they had rigidly defined customary relationships in
economic, political, social and religious matters.
Thirumalaiswami Kovundar and Veerappa Pillai, Kaamugula
Urppavapuranam (in Tamil), Madras Diamond Press, Madras, 1911, it talks about the
theories of origin of Vokkaligas: their life in Himalayas and the marriage rituals. It
also identifies 48 clans of the Vokkaliga community.
Robert L. Hardgrave, The Nadras of Tamilnad – The Political Culture of a
Community in Change, Manohar Publications, New Delhi, 2006, analyses the
disabilities suffered by Nadras community and traces the emergence of Nadars one of
the most successful groups in the South, in both economic and political terms, and by
their effort and achievement command respect.
Nadana Kasinathan, Vanniar (in Tamil), Thendral Nilayam, Chidambaram,
Tamil Nadu, Reprint 2007, traces the origin and their role under the Cholas and
 6
Pandiyas. It also examines as Palayakarars in various locations in Tamil Nadu and
provides details of inscriptions and copper plates.
Loganathan C.P., Varalatril Yadavarkal (in Tamil), Pandian Painthamizh
Pathipagam, Madurai, 2001, about the rise of the Yadava community; their
relationship with Nagas, Cholas, Pandiyas and Pallavas and their emergence as
chieftains and presents important personalities from the community and the role of
Yadavas in the freedom struggle.
Rasu S., et.al, Kongu Nattuvelalar Varalaru (in Tamil), Kongu Nattuvelalar
Arakkatalai, Rasipuram, Tamil Nadu, 2003, makes a detailed presentation of inner
divisions among the Kongu Nattuvelalar community.
Natarasanar, Kongu Velala Kavundargal (in Tamil), Pallavi Pathipagam,
Erode, Tamil Nadu, 1999, it is a social history of Kongu Velalas. It is identifies the
political borders of Kongu Nadu; political divisions and various sub groups in the
Kongu Velala Kavundar community.
Jothi D., Viswakarma Kulachirappum Thirumana Sadangukalum (in Tamil),
Manimegalai Prasuram, Chennai, 2007, describes in detail the significance of the
Viswakarma community and the rituals of marriage in the community.
Aru. Sundaram, Nagarathar Perumai (in Tamil), Manimegalai Prasuram,
Chennai, 2007, traces the origin of the Nagarathars, the role of temples in their
settlement and their contributions to religion and education. In addition it provides
details of rituals of marriage and the architecture of the residences of Nagarathars.
Padmini R., The History of the Thuluva Vellalas (un published Ph.D., Thesis),
University of Madras, (year) the migration of Thuluva Vellalas in Tamil Nadu, their
customs and traditions and presents the eminent personalities from the community.
Mohan E., History of the Vania Chetties in Tamil Nadu (un published Ph.D.
Thesis), University of Madras, (year), presents the early history of the Vania Chetties
social and economic aspects in the life of Vania Chetties and description of the
contribution of the Vania Chetties in the fields of religious, cultural and political
activities.
Vasantha Kumari D., Kunchadi Vokkaliga Goudar Gulam – Oar Aaivu (un
Published M.Phil dissertation), Madurai Kamarajar University, Madurai, 1990,
examines the history of the Vokkaliga Goudas, social life, sub division within the
community and family gods and the rituals related to worship.
 7
Anbu Selvi A., Dindigul Maalikovil Valipaadu Kattum Samuthayap
Panpadugal (un Published M.Phil dissertation), Annamalai University, Annamalai
Nagar, 2006, presents the details about the Vokkaliga female family goddess located
in the Dindigul district. It also details the rituals and festivals.
Muthappa Sastri, Sreemaan Gudivakkaliga Mahajanankaludaiya Madha
Dharma Sasthiram (in Tamil), Madras, 1930, this book talks about the inner sub
divisions among the Vokkaligas. It also talks about the inner clans, family gods and
family festivals.
Suruliyandi A.R., Kappu Malar (in Tamil), A Vokkaliga Monthly Journal,
Kappu malar Publications Private Ltd., Cumbum, Theni District, 1974 to 1975, these
journals talks about the religious stories and historical information about Vokkaligas.
They also talks about leading personalities and temple festivals.
Dhanajeevan, Kappoli (in Tamil), Quarterly Journal, Kappoli Trust, Chennai,
2000 to 2003, it is published articles about history of family gods and details about the
family god festivals. These journal continuously published articles about rituals of
Vokkaliga community prevailing in various districts in Tamil Nadu.
Ganapathy V.K., Vokkaliga Seithimalar, (Vokkaligar Bulletin in Tamil),
Vokkaligar Monthly Journal, Kovai Vokkaligar Sangam, Coimbatore, 1995 to 2015,
several articles about Vokkaliga achievers, inscriptions related to Vokkaligas, socio-
religious festivals of Vokkaligas. It also publishes news about the various Vokkaliga
district association activities and the philanthropic academic services of Sri
Vijalakshmi Education Trust founded by O. Arumgasamy of Coimbatore.

Aims and Objects

The main aim and objective of this research are given here. This work aims
To trace the origin and history of the Vokkaliga community.
To study about the special features of their settlement and social structure of
the Vokkaliga Gaudas, with particular reference to Tamil Nadu.
To present the value systems of their family and religious rituals of this
community
To analyze the role of family Gods among the Vokkaliga Gaudas in Tamil
Nadu
To highlight and assess their contributions in different spheres.
 8
Sources: Both primary and sources have been consulted in writing this thesis.
Books on Caste system in India by eminent authors such as, Edgar Thurston,
M.N.Srinivas, Andre Beteille, G.S.Ghurye and J.H. Hutton have been referred to gain
deeper understanding of the caste system and its various facets.
Vokkalaiga community specific sources are available in multiple languages-
Kannada, Tamil and English. The researcher is proficient in all the three languages,
enabling him to read through all the relevant source material available in different
formats. The sources include Census reports, Gazetters, Manuals and indexes such as
Guide to records. In addition there are books in Kannada such as Kunchitakara
Samaskirudha Ethikasa by M.H. Nagaraju, Okkulathana Mathu Okkaligaru Ithihas
Anveshne by Suryanath U. Kamath and Kunchtiga Samaja Charita by M.Puttaih and
the excellent research work by B. Pandukumar titled ‘1600 varshagala Vokkaligara
Ithihasa’.
Tamil sources include Tirumalai Naicker inscriptions edited by Soundara
Pandian and Natana Kasinathan, History of the Kongu Country by
K.M.Ramachandran Chettiyar, Madurai, Dindugal and Theni District Vokkaliga
Golden Jubilee Souvenirs and other district souvenirs and souvenirs related to family
gods temple festivals. Magazines published by Vokkaligar Associations are used to
gather information on the community activities.
These sources were collected after extensive field visits to various places in
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Personal connections have been used to obtain the copies
of the rare books. Primary source material has been generated by the researcher
through extensive personal interviews conducted in various locations with community
leaders and commoners to gain insights into the rituals and cultural practices.
Research methodology: Analytical and descriptive methodology has been
adopted by the researcher. The narrative is inevitably non- linear.
Chapterzation
Introduction briefly describes the origin of the caste system and
diversification; significance of the study; review of literature; sources; principal aims
and objectives; methodology adopted; sources used and generated and a brief
description of the chapters.
The first chapter deals with the origin history of Vokkaligas. Six theories are
described regarding the origin of Vokkaligas. These theories ascribe divine origin of
 9
the community with internal variations. It also presents the migration and settlement
of Vokkaligas across various regions of India with particular focus on Karnataka
where vokkaligas form a major community. Their dominance in political arena over
the centuries is also described in detail. Their principal contribution to the
transformation of agriculture is identified and detailed in this chapter.
The second chapter deals with the Vokkaliga migration and their settlement
in various places in Tamilnadu. Southern districts of Tamil Nadu and the western
districts settlements have major settlements of Vokkaliga Gaudas. Their socio
economic and cultural life in the settled area is explained.
The third chapter details divisions of Vokkaliga community. The nature and
types their family gods are identified and history of some of their family gods and
temple and their worship patterns are explained. The significance of the chariot
festivals in Cumbum and Kombai which promote social harmony is explained. The
details about Maalai koils and Mangala temples are given in this chapter.
The fourth chapter reveals details about the rituals and customs of the
Vokkaligas. Their pre marital and post marital rituals are explained in this chapter.
The fifth chapter describes the contributions made by vokkaligas in different
fields. Vokkaliga role in freedom struggle is presented in this chapter. Their economic
contribution in terms of agriculture, industry and trade are described. Substantial
contribution has been made by Vikkaliga Gaudas to the field of education. Their
charity is well known and the same has been documented in this chapter.
The conclusion summarises the presentations and draws important conclusions
from the narrative.