The Society of Kongunadu Through the Inscriptions of Seven Kongu Saivaite Temples

17 Pages Posted: 9 Mar 2018

See all articles by V. Venkatraman

V. Venkatraman

Rajapalayam Rajus’ College; Rajapalayam Rajus' College

Date Written: January 20, 2018

Abstract

The Kongunadu does not mean into any geographical division such as river valley, hilly region, forested area, desert zone, etc. However, if one considers its physiognomic features, it can be treated as a semi-arid area having its major portion occupied by hills and forest. The Western and the Eastern Ghats almost cover the region providing a natural boundary. Among the five ecological divisions of early Tamil literary traditions, the region is identical with kurinji and mullai. Some later literatures and epigraphic records refer this region by the name of malainadu. Moreover, the ecological influence over its inhabitants can also be best understood by the names of tribes who belonged to this area. The suffix mala (hills) appears with the tribe names such as malaikoundan, malai vellalar, malaikaran, malainayakan, etc. Such names are rarely found in other parts of Tamilnadu. In addition to its physical environment, there are also cultural, social and political aspects that considerably distinguish the region from the rest of Tamilnadu.

Suggested Citation

Venkatraman, V., The Society of Kongunadu Through the Inscriptions of Seven Kongu Saivaite Temples (January 20, 2018). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3132225 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3132225

V. Venkatraman (Contact Author)

Rajapalayam Rajus’ College ( email )

Mudangiar Road
Rajapalayam, Tamil Nadu 626 117
India

Rajapalayam Rajus' College ( email )

Mudangiar Road
Rajapalayam, TN Tamilnadu 626117
India
9443421148 (Phone)
626117 (Fax)

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