Thondaimandala Mudaliar

Thondaimandala Mudaliar () is a Tamil caste in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. They trace their lineage to the ancient Chola Velirs (relatives of the Chola Dynasty). Sekkizhar, the author of the Periyapuranam, was from this community.

History

Sangam and Medieval Tamil literature

According to Sangam literature, the Vēlir migrated from the Gangetic plains of ancient Dvārakā under the guidance of the sage Agastya. This is described by Nacchinarkkiniyar in his commentary on the Tolkāppiyam (Payiram; Porul.34)Journal of Tamil studies, Issues 29-30 By International Association of Tamil Research, International Institute of Tamil Studies, page 28. The sage Agastya took with him 18 families of Vēls or Vēlirs and their kings from Tuvarai (identified with Dvārakā)Ancient India: collected essays on the literary and political history of Southern India, page 358Temples of Kr̥ṣṇa in South India: history, art, and traditions in Tamilnāḍu, page 34 Irunkōvēl, a Vēlir King of the Irunkōvēl line...
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