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Kongu Vellalars (கொங்கு வேளாளர்), sometimes referred to simply as Gounders (கவுண்டர்), are a community native to the western region of Tamil Nadu, which is known as Kongu Nadu. They were known as a noble, feudal and land owning caste from the Sangam period. Gounder means people who protected land, people and country.
Kongu Vellalar Gounders are a significant group in the political and economic life of the Kongu Nadu region.[3][4]
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The history of Kongu Vellala Gounders is associated with the history of the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu.
Throughout the history of Western Tamil Nadu, a number of heroes were known in the region for their valiance. This is evident from the various hero stones found throughout Kongu Nadu.
Being one of the largest communities among Tamils, Gounders dominate the politics in western TamilNadu. Current TN ministry has 8 ministers from Gounder community and this is the largest among any community in TN ministry. Important portfolios like Higher Education, Industries, Public Works, Agriculture, Highways & Ports, Revenue, Transport & Small scale Industries are held by Gounders in current ADMK government. In central government, one ministry is given to Gounder community from DMK side.
Neverthleess, Gounders have their own political parties too. Kongunadu Munnetra Kazhagam and Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaignar Peravai are the two political parties floated by gounders for their political welfare. The former is now headed by Er. Eswaran and later headed by U. Thaniyarasu. These two parties ensure that Gounders get right share in both state and central governments.
Kongu Vellala Gounders were classified as a Forward Caste at the time of Indian independence. They successfully requested to be reclassified in the Backward Class list in 1975.[5] However, as of 2011 Gounders are still requesting that they are provided with a separate quota by pointing out that students in villages are still facing difficulties in getting higher education.
See List of Kongu Vellala Gounders