Devendrakulam

The demand of merging castes such as Devendrakulathar, Pallar, Pannadi and Vathiriyar in the Scheduled Castes list and the castes such as Kaladi and Moopar in the Other Backward Class list in the state of Tamil Nadu into an umbrella term called "Devendrakula Velalar" and delisting them to Other Backward Class arose.{{cite news|title=Puthiya Tamilagam spearheads demand for de-listing 6 castes from SC list|newspaper=Hindustan Times|location=Chennai|date=26 October 2019|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-dalit-party-spearheads-demand-for-de-listing-6-castes-from-supreme-court-list/story-EnZD7iWe7ocQLCrHvCK5nL.html|access-date=20 April 2024}}

Before the 2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, the Government of Tamil Nadu under M. Karunanidhi constituted a one-man commission under the chairmanship of Justice Jannarthanam to study and submit a report on the demand. However post elections, with the change in power in the state, the demand did not proceed further.{{cite news|title=Panel to examine caste name plea|newspaper=The New Indian Express|location=Chennai|date=17 May 2012|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2011/Jan/27/panel-to-examine-caste-name-plea-222379.html|access-date=20 April 2024}}

But with the increasing agitations and protests from the people and parties like Puthiya Tamilagam, Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam and Anaithinthiya Thamizhaga Munnetra Kazhagam and various caste organisations the demand gained pace. The demand was supported by Pattali Makkal Katchi, Bharatiya Janata Party and Indian National Congress. Before the 2019 Indian general election, the Government of Tamil Nadu under Edappadi K. Palaniswami constituted a commission under the chairmanship of Hansraj Varma IAS to study and report on the issue.{{cite news|title=Rename six Scheduled Castes as Devendrakula Velalar: Krishnasamy|newspaper=The New Indian Express|location=Chennai|date=7 October 2020|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/rename-six-scheduled-castes-as-devendrakula-vellalar-krishnasamy/article32787118.ece|access-date=20 April 2024}}{{cite news|title=PT goes on hunger strike demanding regrouping of Devendra Kula Velalar|newspaper=The New Indian Express|location=Chennai|date=7 October 2020|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2020/Oct/07/pt-goes-on-hunger-strike-demanding-regrouping-of-devendra-kula-vellalars-2206874.html|access-date=20 April 2024}}{{cite news|title=Government thanked for Devendrakula announcement|newspaper=Daily Thanthi|location=Chennai|date=6 December 2020|url=https://www.dailythanthi.com/News/Districts/2020/12/06045216/Government-Recommendation-to-the-Devendrakula-Vellalar.vpf|access-date=20 April 2024}}{{cite news|title=Announce seven Scheduled Castes as Devendrakula Velalars immediately, says INC Tamilnadu President Alagiri|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai|date=7 July 2020|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/announce-seven-scheduled-castes-as-devendrakula-vellalars-immediately-says-alagiri/article32011799.ece|access-date=20 April 2024}}

The demand even gained pace with the community members boycotting the Nanguneri bypoll in October 2021 where the community had a significant population.{{cite news|title=Villagers in Nanguneri boycott Bypolls|newspaper=The Times of India|location=Chennai|date=16 October 2019|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/villagers-in-nanguneri-to-boycott-pollover-caste-status/articleshow/71605374.cms|access-date=20 April 2024}}{{cite news|title=Devendrakula Velalars boycott Nanguneri by-election en masse|newspaper=The New Indian Express|location=Chennai|date=21 October 2019|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2019/Oct/21/devendrakula-vellalars-boycott-nanguneri-by-election-en-masse-2050798.html|access-date=20 April 2024}}

The Hansraj Varma commission submitted the report to the Government of Tamil Nadu with their report justifying the proposal. Then the Parliament of India passed a bill for the merger of the seven sub castes in 2021 with the President of India giving it an assent, making it a law in India. However the opposition parties argued that the decision was made only in favour of attracting the sizeable vote bank of the community in Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Thiruvarur, Tiruchirapalli, Karur, Dindigul, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Madurai and Sivagangai districts.{{cite news|title=DMK again fails to make inroads in Kongu region|newspaper=The New Indian Express|location=Chennai|date=5 May 2021|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/May/05/dmk-again-fails-to-make-inroads-in-kongu-region-2298528.html|access-date=11 April 2024}}{{cite news|title=Devendrakula Velalar votes crucial in Tamil Nadu's Tenkasi|newspaper=The New Indian Express|location=Chennai|date=25 March 2019|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2019/Mar/25/devendrakula-vellalar-votes-crucial-in-tamil-nadus-tenkasi-1955354.html|access-date=20 April 2024}}

In June 2021, the Government of Tamil Nadu under M. K. Stalin released a G.O to release community certificates under the new nomenclature listed in no.17 of Tamil Nadu Scheduled Caste list with the deletion of entries to Pallar, Kudumbar, Vathiriyar, Kalladi, Kadaiyar and Pannadi.{{cite news|title=G.O. released on certificates for Devendrakula Velalars|newspaper=News Today|location=Chennai|date=3 June 2021|url=https://newstodaynet.com/2021/06/03/g-o-released-on-certificates-for-devendrakula-vellalars/|access-date=20 April 2024}}{{cite news|title=Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections Loyalties of DevendrakulaVelalars spread out|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai|date=20 March 2021|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/tamil-nadu-assembly/loyalties-of-devendrakula-velalars-spread-out/article61924516.ece|access-date=20 April 2024}} The change was notified in the Indian Union gazette of castes by the Government of India.{{cite web | url=https://socialjustice.gov.in/common/76750 | title=List of Scheduled Castes | Department of Social Justice and Empowerment - Government of India }}/https://socialjustice.gov.in/public/ckeditor/upload/93101672829095.pdf

However the demand of delisting them to Other Backward Class is not met yet.{{cite news|title=Devendrakula Vellalars should be removed from SC list as they don't need quota, says John Pandian|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai|date=3 April 2024|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/devendrakula-vellalars-should-be-removed-from-sc-list-as-they-dont-need-quota-says-john-pandian/article68024446.ece|access-date=20 April 2024}} For the 2024 Indian general election, Pattali Makkal Katchi which was a part of National Democratic Alliance declared in its manifesto for the polls that the community would be delisted from Scheduled Castes to Other Backward Class in the Union list.{{cite news|title=PMK Manifesto agitates for deslisting of Devendrakula Velalar to OBC list|newspaper=Deccan Chronicle|location=Chennai|date=28 March 2024|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/pmk-manifesto-agitates-against-bjps-policies-887601|access-date=20 April 2024}}

The Devendrakulam community traditionally celebrate and initiate the temple car festivals at various major historic temples, such as the

• Perur Pateeswarar Temple, Coimbatore{{cite news|date=19 March 2019|title=Temple Car Festival at Perur Pateeswarar Temple in Coimbatore|newspaper=Maalai Malar|url=https://www.maalaimalar.com/devotional/worship/2019/03/19094531/1232974/perur-pateeswarar-kovil-therottam.vpf|access-date=2021-03-31}}
• Koniamman Temple, Coimbatore{{cite news|date=2023-02-14|title=Temple Car Festival at Koniamman Temple in Coimbatore|newspaper=Lokal App|url=https://tamil.getlokalapp.com/tamilnadu-news/coimbatore/coimbatore/poochattu-festival-today-at-koniamman-temple-9244166|access-date=2023-02-14}}
• Srivilliputhur Andal temple, Tirunelveli{{cite news|date=28 June 2018|title=Andal car festival-2022|newspaper=Vikatan News|url=https://www.vikatan.com/news/temples/129068-an-inspector-who-helped-in-nellaiyappar-car-festival-was-celebrated-by-devotees |access-date=2022-02-16}}{{cite news|date=29 October 2020|title=Andal car festival-2022|newspaper=Kotravai News|url=http://www.kotravainews.com/news/srivilliputhur-andal-temple-pallar-devendrakula-velalar/ |access-date=2022-02-16}}
• Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli
• Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, Madurai{{cite news|date=9 February 2020|title=Grandeur marks float fest in Madurai|newspaper=Times Of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/grandeur-marks-float-fest-in-madurai/articleshow/74036052.cms |access-date=2021-03-29}}
• Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Temple, Thenthiruperai{{cite news|date=26 March 2022|title=Thenthiruperai car festival-2022|newspaper=Maalaimalar|url=https://www.maalaimalar.com/news/district/2022/03/26151719/3616106/Thoothukudi-News--Thenthirupparai-Makara-Nedungukulaikkadar.vpf |access-date=2022-05-14}}

and the decorated flower palanquin at Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram.{{cite news|date=2022-03-01|title=BrahmotsavamFestival|newspaper=Dinakaran|url=https://www.dinakaran.com/News_Detail.asp?Nid=746387|access-date=2022-12-11}}

Apart from the temple car initiation at the Perur Pateeswarar Temple, the Seedling Planting festival ({{Langx|ta|நாற்று நடவு திருவிழா}}) has been celebrated by the community along the banks of Noyyal River. The festival is conducted in the month of Aani. The ritual forms a part of Indra festival. The festival has its reference from the "Perur Puranam" by Kachiappa Munivar.{{cite web|url=https://shaivam.org/scripture/Tamil/1766/perur-puranam-part-3-kachiyappa-munivar/#gsc.tab=0|language=ta|title=பேரூர்ப்புராணம் - பகுதி-3 - கச்சியப்ப முனிவர்|access-date=22 July 2024}}{{cite news| title =Ani Utsava sapling planting festival 2023| newspaper =Daily Thanthi| location =Coimbatore| date =25 June 2023| url =https://www.dailythanthi.com/News/State/ani-utsava-sapling-planting-ceremony-at-pattiswarar-temple-in-perur-993530| access-date =20 April 2024}}

Indra Vizha ({{Langx|ta|இந்திர விழா}}), was a historical Hindu festival that was celebrated in Tamilakam during the Sangam period (2nd century BCE – 3rd century CE). It was celebrated in honour of Vendhan (Indra), the deity associated with the Marutham landscape.{{Cite book |last=RAMANUJAN |first=S. R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rntPBAAAQBAJ&dq=vendhan+indra&pg=PA22 |title=THE LORD OF VENGADAM |date=2014-08-13 |publisher=PartridgeIndia |isbn=978-1-4828-3462-8 |pages=22 |language=en}} In the contemporary period, the festivities associated with the agricultural Indra Vila are primarily associated with the occasion of Bhogi Pongal, the day dedicated to Indra, and preserving all the elements of the seasonal festival.{{Cite book |last=Studies |first=Faculty of Oriental |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YSM9AAAAIAAJ&dq=Indra+Bhogi+pongal&pg=PA133 |title=Neolithic Cattle-Keepers of South India |publisher=CUP Archive |pages=133 |language=en}}{{Cite book |last=Garrett |first=John |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iRubEAAAQBAJ&dq=Indra+Bhogi+pongal&pg=PA458 |title=A Classical Dictionary of India |date=2022-11-09 |publisher=BoD – Books on Demand |isbn=978-3-368-13131-9 |pages=458 |language=en}} Locally, the Indra Vila is conducted at the Kamatchi Amman temple at the Kallimadai locality near Singanallur in Coimbatore every year.{{cite news |date=2015-01-16 |title=Kallimadai Indra Festival |newspaper=Dinamalar |url=https://www.dinamalar.com/news/tamil-nadu-district-news-coimbatore/news/1434219 |access-date=2022-04-22}} The Venkudai (White umbrella) festival, depicting the white umbrella and the Airavata of Indra, is conducted every year at Rajapalayam, in commemoration of the ancient Indra Vila.{{cite news |date=15 April 2022 |title=White Umbrella festival |newspaper=Dinamani |url=https://www.dinamani.com/all-editions/edition-madurai/virudhunagar/2022/apr/15/%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9C%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B3%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%A8%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%B2-%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%B3%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B3%E0%AE%BE%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%82%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D-335-%E0%AE%86%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%86%E0%AE%A3%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%88-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B4%E0%AE%BE-3827321.html |access-date=2022-04-23}}

As per the 2011 Census of India, the community constitutes 4% of the population of Tamilnadu.https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/1130

• Veeran Sundaralinga Kudumbanar, 18th century general and Freedom Fighter
• Immanuvel Sekaran, a freedom fighter, civil rights activist, former soldier and a party worker for the Indian National Congress
• Periya Kaladi, 17th century general and Freedom Fighter
• M. Arunachalam, Former Union Minister of India
• K. Krishnasamy{{cn|date=February 2025}}, Politician, Former M.L.A and founder of Puthiya Tamilagam
• Thiagarajan, Actor
• Vikram, Actor
• Pasupathy Pandian, Politician and leader of Tamil Nadu Devendra Kula Velalar Kootamaippu
• John Pandian, Politician and founder of Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam

• Pallu
• Mukkoodar Pallu
• Pallar (Subcaste)
• Devendrar Jayanti
• 1957 Ramnad riots
• 1995 Kodiyankulam violence
• Paramakudi Riots

{{Reflist}}

Category:Social groups of Tamil Nadu

Category:Indian castes