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| '''Sengunthar - Kaikolar''' | '''Sengunthar - Kaikolar''' | ||
| '''Sengunthar''' is a distinguished caste from Tamilnadu. Sengunthar are also known as Kaikolar. Sengunthars live throughout India and around the world. Sengunthars form a significant proportion of population in various districts of Tamilnadu esp. in Arcot, Chingleput, Salem, Erode, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri. Sengunthars use the title of ''']''' after their name. In this page we will discuss about the history of sengunthars, their culture and customs. | |||
| The Sengunthar also called as Kaikolar, are a large ] and ] socially backward caste<ref name="http://www.tn.gov.in/bcmbcmw/bclist.htm">http://www.tn.gov.in/bcmbcmw/bclist.htm</ref><ref name="http://ncbc.nic.in/backward-classes/ap.html">http://ncbc.nic.in/backward-classes/ap.html</ref> of weavers in the states of ] and ] in southern India. | |||
| ==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
| The earliest historically accurate evidence for Sengunthars, as per Chola inscriptions ( Thelintha Kaikola Padai ) indicate that they belong to the warrior class. | |||
| They took up weaving silk and transformed to land owners and business men. | |||
| Their name comes from a mythical hero and from the words "kai" (hand) and "koi" (shuttle). They are also known as Sengundar, which means a red dagger, which is traced to the legend of the earth being harassed by demons, which led to the people asking the god ] to help them. He was furious with the demonic giants and sent six sparks from his eyes. ], his wife became frightened and retired to her chamber but dropped nine beads from her anklets. ] converted those beads into nine women, each giving birth to a hero, complete with moustache and daggers. These nine led by Subramanya, with a large army destroyed the demons. Kaikolans or Sengundar claim descent from one of the nine heroes <ref name=" http://globalindiamissions.org/newsletter/nwsltr0802.htm"> http://globalindiamissions.org/newsletter/nwsltr0802.htm</ref>. They consider the different parts of the loom to represent various gods and sages. There are seventy-two subdivisions (nadu or desams). | |||
| Later, during 17th and 18th century history indicate that Sengunthars were predominantly involved in weaving. This is indicated in various sources. At the same time, weaving was not the only occupation involved. Agriculture and business were also secondary occupations of Sengunthars. | |||
| Traditionally, one girl in every family was set apart to be dedicated to temple service and becomes a ] (meaning female servant of god). In the temple, the girl is considered married to the temple deity, often the Hindu destroyer god ] but in practice becomes a prostitute, especially to the Brahmans and she learns traditional music and dancing<ref name="Contending identities: Sacred prostitution and reform in colonial South India Priyadarshini Vijaisri A1, A1 Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), New Delhi, South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group Issue: Volume 28, Number 3 / December 2005 Pages: 387 - 411. http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/link.asp?id=jv31l27518262711">Contending identities: Sacred prostitution and reform in colonial South India Priyadarshini Vijaisri A1, A1 Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), New Delhi, South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group Issue: Volume 28, Number 3 / December 2005 Pages: 387 - 411. http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/link.asp?id=jv31l27518262711</ref><ref name=" http://globalindiamissions.org/newsletter/nwsltr0802.htm"> http://globalindiamissions.org/newsletter/nwsltr0802.htm</ref><ref name="http://www.go2southasia.org/l_peoples.html">http://www.go2southasia.org/l_peoples.html </ref>. | |||
| They form a significant population in Kancheepuram and Tirupur-Salem. They started using ''']''' surname even though there is no established date on when they started using the title. Some sengunthars also were using ''']''' title, but later abandoned it for the uniform mudaliar title. | |||
| ⚫ | == |
||
| It should be noted that Sengunthars do not tend to intermarry with other Mudaliars even though they may reside in the same area as other Mudaliars. | |||
| Most of the Kaikolans practice the Hindu religion and are followers of the god ] and a few follow god ]. They take part in the annual festival at ] in honour of the goddess Gangamma. During the festival of Subramanya on Siva Samharam Day, they commemorate the legend of their origin and dress up to represent the nine heroes<ref name=" http://globalindiamissions.org/newsletter/nwsltr0802.htm"> http://globalindiamissions.org/newsletter/nwsltr0802.htm</ref>. | |||
| ==Usage of Mudaliar title by Kaikolar == | |||
| Evidence in the form of inscriptions have been found which indicate that Kaikkolar used Mudali title for over 1000 (yes One thousand) years. | |||
| It has been suggested that since Kaikolar are weavers mainly, they started using Mudali title only recently during British rule for social upliftment. | |||
| However evidence from temple inscriptions proves that Kaikkolar used Mudali title for over 1000 (yes One thousand) years. That makes Kaikolar one of the rare groups that have not changed their name or title for over 1000 years. | |||
| == Evidence of Kaikkola-Mudali during Pallava rule in 1237 AD== | |||
| In Tiruvennainallur, Tirukkoyilur Taluk, South Arcot District, on the East wall of the mandapa in the front of the central shrine in the Vaikuntha-Perumal temple exists the following inscription. See the inscription via this reference. <ref name=VaikunthaPerumaltemple> http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_12/stones_101_to_125.html </ref> | |||
| ''In this inscription, dated in the 8th year, Kopperujingadeva is given the surname Alagiyasiyan. It records a gift of 5 cows by Tirumalaiy-Alagiyan alias Vira virap-Pallavaraiyan, a Kaikkola-mudali of Tiruvennainallur for supplying daily milk by the measure ‘Arumolideva-nali’ to the god Vaikunda (Vaikuntha) . This donor figures in A.D. 1237 and his death is referred to in No. 189 below. From the title Alagiyasiyan given to the chief, he may be identified with the elder Kopperunjinga.'' | |||
| == Evidence for Kaikkola-Mudali during Chola rule during 1163-1178 AD == | |||
| In, Ranganathasvamy Temple, Srirangam on the IV Prakara, opposite the udaiyavar-sannidhi. the following inscriptions exist. See the inscription via this reference. <ref name=SriRangamTemple> http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_24/vikrama_chola.html#rajadhiraja_2 </ref> | |||
| ''Records an oath of fealty taken by Nayan alias Alagiya Manavala Maryan, a Kaikkola-Mudali of Tiruvarangam, to serve unto death, as a velaikkaran of Virrirundan Seman alias Akalanka Nadalvan. This Virrirundan Seman is a chief of the chola army during the reign of RajadhiRaja Chola II.'' | |||
| ==History and Historical Evidence== | |||
| During chola rule kaikolars served as soldiers and called as "Thelintha kaikolar padai" | |||
| Kaikolars were considered as decendents of lord Muruga having a kol{Vel}. There is another story indicating that Kaikolars are descendants of VeeraBahu the general of Lord Muruga. | |||
| The link below indicates that Kaikolas were prominent members of tamil society even during the 10th century AD during chola rule. | |||
| http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_19/inscription_of_parakesarivarman_no_85.html | |||
| http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/03/25/stories/2002032503000500.htm | |||
| ⚫ | ==Culture and Customs== | ||
| The Culture and Customs of the Sengunthars is similar to most tamilians. However there are differences in customs between the various kootams of Sengunthar. The significant difference being that some Sengunthars are more kootam conservative than other Sengunthar groups when it comes to marriage partners. | |||
| ==Other names== | ==Other names== | ||
| Kaikolar, Sengunthar, Karikalabhakthulu, Kaikali, Sengundam, Sangunther | |||
| The fact that Karikalabhakthulu is included along with Kaikolar in Govt of India OBC list for AP is quite interesting!! | |||
| Can somebody please shed light on this? The link is http://ncbc.nic.in/backward-classes/ap.html | |||
| ⚫ | ==Kootam/kulam== | ||
| Apparently there are a lot of tamil speaking sengunthars in Chittor district of AP. | |||
| ⚫ | Kootam defines birth from a single male ancestor. Kootam is transferred patrilineally i.e., via the father of a person. Hence people belonging to the same kootam are considered brothers and sisters. So marriage between a male and female belonging to the same kootam is prohibited however distant they may be related. | ||
| ==Gods/Goddesses== | |||
| ''citation needed'' | |||
| Sengunthars are predominantly ]. They possess a Clan God as most of the castes in Tamil Nadu. Mostly, it is some form of ] i.e ] or ]. | |||
| ==Ancestral origin and Gods/Goddesses of various Kootam/kulam== | |||
| ⚫ | ==Kootam/kulam== | ||
| The ancestral origin and Gods/Goddesses of various kootams of Sengunthar are removed as there is no reference available. | |||
| ⚫ | Kootam defines birth from a single male ancestor. Kootam is transferred patrilineally i.e., via the father of a person. Hence people belonging to the same kootam are considered brothers and sisters. So marriage between a male and female belonging to the same kootam is prohibited however distant they may be related. | ||
| The list of Kootam is removed as it needs authentic reference material. As it is not available it has been removed | |||
| Though there are various kootams of sengunthar originally 72, there are no longer any solid reference material available. So following[REDACTED] policy this is being removed. | |||
| ''citation needed'' | |||
| ==Associations== | ==Associations== | ||
| Line 41: | Line 79: | ||
| Sengunthar Mahajana Sangam. | Sengunthar Mahajana Sangam. | ||
| Please add any other associations without the addresses. | |||
| ==Notable persons== | ==Notable persons== | ||
| Line 48: | Line 88: | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ]? He belongs to EVR's family |
]? He belongs to EVR's family | ||
| ] | ] | ||
Revision as of 21:40, 5 January 2007
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Sengunthar - Kaikolar
Sengunthar is a distinguished caste from Tamilnadu. Sengunthar are also known as Kaikolar. Sengunthars live throughout India and around the world. Sengunthars form a significant proportion of population in various districts of Tamilnadu esp. in Arcot, Chingleput, Salem, Erode, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri. Sengunthars use the title of Mudaliar after their name. In this page we will discuss about the history of sengunthars, their culture and customs.
Origin
The earliest historically accurate evidence for Sengunthars, as per Chola inscriptions ( Thelintha Kaikola Padai ) indicate that they belong to the warrior class.
They took up weaving silk and transformed to land owners and business men.
Later, during 17th and 18th century history indicate that Sengunthars were predominantly involved in weaving. This is indicated in various sources. At the same time, weaving was not the only occupation involved. Agriculture and business were also secondary occupations of Sengunthars.
They form a significant population in Kancheepuram and Tirupur-Salem. They started using Mudaliar surname even though there is no established date on when they started using the title. Some sengunthars also were using Pillai title, but later abandoned it for the uniform mudaliar title.
It should be noted that Sengunthars do not tend to intermarry with other Mudaliars even though they may reside in the same area as other Mudaliars.
Usage of Mudaliar title by Kaikolar
Evidence in the form of inscriptions have been found which indicate that Kaikkolar used Mudali title for over 1000 (yes One thousand) years.
It has been suggested that since Kaikolar are weavers mainly, they started using Mudali title only recently during British rule for social upliftment.
However evidence from temple inscriptions proves that Kaikkolar used Mudali title for over 1000 (yes One thousand) years. That makes Kaikolar one of the rare groups that have not changed their name or title for over 1000 years.
Evidence of Kaikkola-Mudali during Pallava rule in 1237 AD
In Tiruvennainallur, Tirukkoyilur Taluk, South Arcot District, on the East wall of the mandapa in the front of the central shrine in the Vaikuntha-Perumal temple exists the following inscription. See the inscription via this reference.
In this inscription, dated in the 8th year, Kopperujingadeva is given the surname Alagiyasiyan. It records a gift of 5 cows by Tirumalaiy-Alagiyan alias Vira virap-Pallavaraiyan, a Kaikkola-mudali of Tiruvennainallur for supplying daily milk by the measure ‘Arumolideva-nali’ to the god Vaikunda (Vaikuntha) . This donor figures in A.D. 1237 and his death is referred to in No. 189 below. From the title Alagiyasiyan given to the chief, he may be identified with the elder Kopperunjinga.
Evidence for Kaikkola-Mudali during Chola rule during 1163-1178 AD
In, Ranganathasvamy Temple, Srirangam on the IV Prakara, opposite the udaiyavar-sannidhi. the following inscriptions exist. See the inscription via this reference.
Records an oath of fealty taken by Nayan alias Alagiya Manavala Maryan, a Kaikkola-Mudali of Tiruvarangam, to serve unto death, as a velaikkaran of Virrirundan Seman alias Akalanka Nadalvan. This Virrirundan Seman is a chief of the chola army during the reign of RajadhiRaja Chola II.
History and Historical Evidence
During chola rule kaikolars served as soldiers and called as "Thelintha kaikolar padai"
Kaikolars were considered as decendents of lord Muruga having a kol{Vel}. There is another story indicating that Kaikolars are descendants of VeeraBahu the general of Lord Muruga.
The link below indicates that Kaikolas were prominent members of tamil society even during the 10th century AD during chola rule.
http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/03/25/stories/2002032503000500.htm
Culture and Customs
The Culture and Customs of the Sengunthars is similar to most tamilians. However there are differences in customs between the various kootams of Sengunthar. The significant difference being that some Sengunthars are more kootam conservative than other Sengunthar groups when it comes to marriage partners.
Other names
Kaikolar, Sengunthar, Karikalabhakthulu, Kaikali, Sengundam, Sangunther
The fact that Karikalabhakthulu is included along with Kaikolar in Govt of India OBC list for AP is quite interesting!!
Can somebody please shed light on this? The link is http://ncbc.nic.in/backward-classes/ap.html
Apparently there are a lot of tamil speaking sengunthars in Chittor district of AP.
Gods/Goddesses
Sengunthars are predominantly Shaivites. They possess a Clan God as most of the castes in Tamil Nadu. Mostly, it is some form of Amman i.e Parvati or Murugan.
Kootam/kulam
Kootam defines birth from a single male ancestor. Kootam is transferred patrilineally i.e., via the father of a person. Hence people belonging to the same kootam are considered brothers and sisters. So marriage between a male and female belonging to the same kootam is prohibited however distant they may be related.
The list of Kootam is removed as it needs authentic reference material. As it is not available it has been removed
Associations
There are many associations for Sengunthars.
They are:
Socio Economic Service Society (SES) in Nungambakkam - Chennai.
Sengunthar Mahajana Sangam.
Please add any other associations without the addresses.
Notable persons
EVKS Sampath? He belongs to EVR's family
Books
The warrior merchants : textiles, trade, and territory in South India by Mattison Mines