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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Vellalar (also called Velalar and Karalar) are a Tamil community in the state of Tamil Nadu.
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The term "Vellalar" is an umbrella term used for multiple subcastes, with most of them corresponding to Vaishya and Kshatriya castes in Tamil Nadu. They were originated from multiple castes, having migrated from different parts of India, including Tulu-origin Vellalars, Velama, Gounders, and others. Unlike the traditional Indian caste system that divided society into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, South India did not strictly adhere to this four-fold Varna division.
The Shaiva Vellalar hold the highest rank among Vellalar subcastes, and "Pillai" is the most commonly used surname among Saiva Vellalar community in Tamil Nadu, which is also used by other subcastes.[1]
The following is a list of some subcastes of the Vellalar based on region:
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