Gounder is a title used by various Tamil castes from Tamil Nadu state in India. It is primarily used by the Kongu Vellalar, who are, ritually a high caste involved in agriculture and mercantile activities. Kongu Vellalars are subdivided into numerous sub communities. They are present in the districts of Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri and Nilagiris.

They were all originally agriculturalists and consider Kongu Nadu, an ancient division of Tamil Nadu as their ancestral land.

Number of other castes such as Vanniar,Vettuvar and Gollar also use this tile. Gounders are noted for their upward social mobility, as well as for practicing female infanticide, and engaging in violence against untouchable castes.

References