Question

______ was a word used for large landowners in Tamil.

Answer 1

Hint: ‘Vellam’ literally translates to flood, which signifies the rights of the land. The landowners have their rights to the land that is why the word used to denote the large landowners in Tamil is associated with ‘Vellam’

Complete answer:
Vellalar is the word used for large landowners in Tamil. Vellalar has a long history of being associated with the landed aristocracy, serving high military posts and court officials in the great dynasties ruling South India. The Vellalar were affluent agrarian communities that had access to education and resources. Despite forming a small population, they dominated to hold important positions until the weakening of the Chola dynasty. Since they held extremely important positions and were very influential they ruled on their smaller populations. They were predominantly Hindus and worshipped Lord Shiva. These communities are now found in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and some parts of Sri Lanka. Most of the original Vellalars live in the state of Tamil Nadu and the majority speak Tamil. They speak Tamilian, Malayali, Telugu, and Kannada. Even today they command important positions. Vellalar is rich in arts and literature. They take pride in their rich and vibrant heritage dating back to the glorious dynasties of Southern India.

Note: The ‘Vellalars’ were an influential, landowning, and ruling community in the Dravidian dynasties. They flourished during the times of the Chola dynasty, They had a political influence as they commanded high positions. They formed the land peasantry elites. The Vellalar of Sri Lanka rose even more prominently with the coming up of the Dutch regime.