Gounder


Gounder is a title used by various communities originating in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It may refer to communities such as the Gollas, Kongu Vellalar, Vanniyars, Vettuvars and Uralis.

Etymology

There are number of derivations for the title. One theory derives it from the Tamil word Kaamindan, meaning "noble protector of the country", later modified as Kavundan or Gounder.

History

During the British Raj era, some Gounders migrated to Malayan rubber plantations to work in the kangani system.