REDDIAR Meaning and
Definition
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Reddiar, also spelled as raddiar, is a term that primarily refers to a social group or community in certain regions of South India, particularly Tamil Nadu. Reddiars belong to the Vellalar caste, one of the prominent agricultural communities in the region. They are traditionally involved in agriculture, especially cultivation of paddy (rice), and are known for their expertise in farming practices and managing agricultural lands.
Etymologically, the term "reddiar" is believed to have originated from the Tamil word "rettaiyar," which means "dual ownership" or "double share." This could be attributed to the historical practice of sharing agricultural land between two or more brothers within the same family, which was quite common among Reddiars.
Reddiars have historically held a respected position in society due to their contribution to the agrarian economy. They are known for their hard work, agricultural knowledge, and close-knit community ties. Many Reddiars have also excelled in other professions and have contributed significantly to various fields such as education, politics, and business.
It is important to note that the term "reddiar" can also be used to generally refer to agricultural landlords or land-owning individuals in other contexts. However, in the specific South Indian context, it typically denotes the Vellalar subcaste involved in agriculture and is used to indicate their cultural and occupational identity.
Etymology of REDDIAR
The word "reddiar" derives from the Tamil language, which is spoken in the southernmost state of India, Tamil Nadu. In Tamil, "reddiar" (ரெட்டியார்) refers to a community or caste of people.
The etymology of "reddiar" is not entirely certain and may stem from multiple sources. One possibility is that it is derived from the Tamil word "reddu", which means "to rule" or "to govern". This could imply that the reddiars were considered rulers or leaders in their community.
Another theory suggests that "reddiar" is derived from "veerar" (வீரர்), which means "warrior" or "soldier" in Tamil. This suggests that reddiars may have had a martial background or were associated with military duties.
