Was Perumizhalai Kurumba Nayanar a Kurumba Gounder?
Perumizhalai Kurumba Nayanar – Was he a Kurumba Gounder?
No, Perumizhalai Kurumba Nayanar was not a Kurumba Gounder in the modern caste sense.
He belonged to the Kurumba shepherd community—a tribal or pastoral group—not the agrarian MBC caste known today as Kurumba Gounder.
He belonged to the Kurumba shepherd community—a tribal or pastoral group—not the agrarian MBC caste known today as Kurumba Gounder.
Historical Context:
1. Who was Perumizhalai Kurumba Nayanar?
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One of the 63 Nayanmars (Shaivite saints).
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Lived in Perumizhalai, near Pudukottai in Tamil Nadu.
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Profession: Shepherd, herding sheep and goats.
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Known for intense devotion to Lord Shiva and his deep spiritual bond with Sundarar, another Nayanmar.
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Recognized as a Kurumba by profession/community, not caste.
Key Differentiation:
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Element
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Perumizhalai Kurumba Nayanar
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Kurumba Gounder
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|---|---|---|
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Timeline
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7th–8th century (Bhakti period)
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Evolved as a caste identity much later
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Identity
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Devotee and tribal/pastoral shepherd
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Agrarian caste under MBC
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Status
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Spiritual figure, revered in Shaivism
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Modern backward class community
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Location
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Perumizhalai, Tamil Nadu
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Dindigul, Theni, Coimbatore, etc.
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Profession
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Shepherd, devotee
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Farming, landowners, social leaders
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Common Misconception
Many people assume a link between Kurumba Nayanar and Kurumba Gounder due to the name "Kurumba"—but historically, they are not the same:
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"Kurumba" during Nayanar’s time referred to a tribal or occupational group (like shepherds).
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The “Gounder” suffix came later with caste formation in agrarian society.
Perumizhalai Kurumba Nayanar is spiritually and symbolically important to many Kurumba-origin communities. However, he cannot be strictly equated with today's Kurumba Gounder caste, which is a modern socio-political identity under the MBC list.
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