Konar (caste)

Konar
Religions Hinduism
Languages Tamil

Konar is a Tamil caste from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu who identify with the Yadav caste,except with more higher ranking in Tamil Nadu.They were traditionally held to be a pastoral community involved in cattle cultivation, who are otherwise also known as Ayar and Idaiyar,[1] and who appear in the ancient Sangam literature as occupants of the Mullai (forest region).[2][lower-alpha 1] However,they have historically held positions as rulers and warriors in medieval times.They are presently distributed throughout Tamil Nadu.

Etymology

Their caste name is interchangeable with the names Konar and Kovalar being derived from Tamil word Kōn, which can mean "king" and "herdsmen".[3][4] The word might be derived from the Sanskrit word gó meaning "cow" or from Tamil word kōl, a herdsman's staff.[3]

The word Ayar might be derived from the Tamil word Aa, meaning cow.[3] The term idai (middle) might refer to the Mullai region, being an intermediate zone between two other Sangam landscapes called Kurinji (hilly region) and Marutham (cultivation region), but probably reflected their intermediate socio-economic status.[5] Idaiyar remains the most commonly used word in Tamil for a cow-herder, and another name for Ayars was pothuvar, meaning common.[6]

It has been suggested that the institution of kingship in the tamil country first originated from the pastoral tribe in mullai land.[7][8]

History

According to medieval inscriptions, the konars are mentioned as Nandaputras of Yadava lineage.It is believed that the Konars were the original Yadavas from Mahabharata era brought by sage Agastya to Tamil Nadu after the supposed submerge of Dwarka.[9].The Ay ruler claimed they belonged to the line of the Yadavas or Ayar [10]. According to Ashoka edicts parts of south India was under the control of Idaya Rajas[11][12]

The earliest recordings of Jallikattu have mentioned to be practiced by the Aayar people of the Mullai region in Tamil Nadu during the Tamil Classic Period.

The Konar Dynasty ,who were Konars by caste, ruled from the Gingee Fort from 1190AD to 1330AD.

Notable People

Religious people

Monarchs

Freedom fighters

Activists

Actors

See also

References

Notes

  1. ↑ The five regions that comprised the Sangam landscapes are literary devices, not geographical areas.[3]

Citations

  1. ↑ Richard, Guy (1982). Religious Festivals in South India and Sri Lanka. Manohar. p. 128.
  2. ↑ Bloomer, Kristin C. (2018). Possessed by the Virgin: Hinduism, Roman Catholicism, and Marian Possession in South India. Oxford University Pres. p. 258. ISBN 9780190615093.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Allchin, Frank Raymond (1963). Neolithic Cattle-keepers of South India. Cambridge University. p. 101.
  4. ↑ Hiltebeitel, Alf (1988). The Cult of Draupadi. University of Chicago Press. p. 35. ISBN 9780226340463.
  5. ↑ Ramaswamy, Vijaya (2017). Historical Dictionary of the Tamils. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 153. ISBN 9781538106860.
  6. ↑ Padmaja, T. (2002). Temples of Kr̥ṣṇa in South India: history, art, and traditions in Tamilnāḍu. Abhinav publications. p. 35. ISBN 9788170173984.
  7. ↑ V K, Agnihotri (2010). Indian History. Allied Publishers. p. 385. ISBN 978-81-8424-568-4.
  8. ↑ Makatevan, Katir (1981). Cultural Heritage of Ancient Tamils. Lakshmi Publications. p. 132.
  9. ↑ Epigraphy, South Indian. Archaeological Survey of India. ASI Government of India. p. 251.
  10. ↑ T, Padmaja (2003). Temples of Kr̥ṣṇa in South India: History, Art, and Traditions in Tamilnāḍu. Abhinav Publications. p. 35.
  11. ↑ S. M., Michael (1989). Culture And Urbanization. Inter-India Publications. p. 164.
  12. ↑ K.V, Krishna Ayyar (1966). A Short History of Kerala. Pai. p. 17.
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