Etymology
There are different theories concerning the meaning of the word 'Vellalar':
- It derives from the word Vel meaning a spear or lance and alar meaning "people of Vel", an old and archaic Tamil weapon.
- Another theory is that the word Vellalar is from Velanmai meaning to cultivate.
- Another one postulates it is derived from Vellam (meaning flood in Tamil) and alar (ruler or controller), so Vellalar means "Lord of the floods".
The Journal of Kerala Studies has said that etymological interpretations that connect Vellalar with Velir are unconvincing. It suggests that the word Vellalar comes from the root Vellam for flood, which gave rise to various rights of land; and it is because of the acquisition of land rights that the Vellalar got their name. However, the Vellalars are still considered to be the most likely descendants of the Velir, etymological interpretations notwithstanding.
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