Meaning of the term Vellala

Meaning of the term Vellala

Meaning of the term Vellala used during Chola Empire

“Vellala” is a term that refers to a caste or social group that existed during the Chola Empire in South India. The Vellalas were a landed agricultural community who were primarily engaged in cultivating and managing land.

During the Chola period, the Vellalas were considered to be a privileged and respected community, and they were often granted land and other privileges by the ruling Chola kings. They were also responsible for managing the irrigation systems and other infrastructure that supported the agriculture-based economy of the Chola Empire.

The Vellalas were one of the dominant communities in the Tamil-speaking regions of South India during the Chola period, and their influence extended beyond their immediate social and economic status. They were also known for their contributions to literature, art, and other cultural fields, and many of the great works of Tamil literature were produced by Vellala authors.

Today, the term Vellala is still used to refer to a caste or social group in some parts of South India, although the social and economic status of the group has changed significantly over time. The legacy of the Vellalas, however, remains an important part of the cultural and historical heritage of the Tamil-speaking regions of India.

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