text:
All prices are in All prices are in USD
This bib is pictured in the white minky dot fabric with a royal blue and white polka ribbon and bow! Monogram it in royal blue for a personal touch! Perfect for a little Kentucky fan!
We promise to never spam you, and just use your email address to identify you as a valid customer.
This product hasn't received any reviews yet. Be the first to review this product!
All prices are in USD. © 2019 Caught Ya Lookin'.
Sitemap |
Shopping Cart Software by BigCommerce


text:
The following article is republished with permission from the Feb. 8, 2018 edition of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal.
When I am visiting with local small business owners about their biggest challenges, the majority of them answer, "Finding and keeping good employees."
As unemployment rates in Northwest Arkansas have declined and stayed at historically low levels, the issue of finding and keeping good employees has required more attention and resources from employers. This significant variable in the business equation is one to pay close attention to when considering starting a new business or major change in one's business.
When putting together a business plan, many will plug an arbitrary number into the "payroll" line item without digging into what makes up the line item. Expecting even average performance from an employee may cost you much more than the hourly wage estimations from the region. The expectation of average performance (and many owners expect more than just average) from average pay may not be met.
As current and potential business owners are working through their labor projections, they need to ask themselves some critical questions:
This may sound like a lot of work, but a business will not be successful if it does not have the right people in place working toward the same goal. If, as an employer, you do not have a clearly articulated mission and clearly defined expectations, you will spend greater time and resources on frequent employee turnover, and expose the business to unnecessary reputational, operational and financial risks.
Loyal, energetic and easy-to-teach employees have always been in high demand and – with reports indicating 90% of small business owners plan to hire 1-2 new employees in 2018 – the competition for these individuals will become more intense.
Potential employees have options. Employers will need to do some soul-searching as to what makes their business special and unique. Employers will also need to be creative with how they incentivize their employees and possibly, how they require labor from them.
As you contemplate the new year and what it means for you and your business, make sure you are spending the time and deliberation required for your employees. They are so much more than a line item.
Eileen Jennings is a commercial lender for Arvest Bank in Fayetteville. She can be reached by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com.
Submitted questions will be answered by an Arvest banker and may appear on the Arvest Blog.
All Arvest banks are Equal Housing Lenders and Member FDIC.
Investment products and services are provided by Arvest Investments, Inc., doing business as Arvest Asset Management, member FINRA/SIPC, an SEC registered investment adviser and a subsidiary of Arvest Bank. Trust services are provided by Arvest Bank. Insurance products are made available through Arvest Insurance, Inc., which is registered as an insurance agency. Insurance products are marketed through Arvest Insurance, Inc., but are underwritten by insurance companies.
Securities and Insurance Products: Not Insured by FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, May Lose Value, Not a Deposit of or Guaranteed by a Bank or any Bank Affiliate.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Also History of Kongadesam
List of blogs: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01518642138211248466u
The history of the Kongu Vellala Gounder caste has been made to be one of the most obscure along with the history of the Kongunadu region itself. The Gounders have been credited by many as unique among the other caste groups of the region and southern India as a whole. The Kongu Vellala Gounders are appreciated for their varied qualities like untiring hardwork, objective nature, high moderation, honesty, humanitarian spirit, commitment, philanthrophy, strong bonding, innovative mind and reliability. They have been instrumental in the welfare of the Kongunadu zone, which is predominantly rainfed but blest with a cooler tropical plateau climate. This region supports the Tamil Nadu state from economic collapse and single handedly manages its fame.
The secrets for such a developed region go back to the Gounder caste which mostly go unresearched partly due to the heavy stench of ideological biases of contemperory Tamil historians and partly due to the jelousey and the resulting fear of the caste itself. The author of this blog, himself a Gounder belongs to the Elumathur Panangadai clan, seeks to venture at the various facets of the inseperable Gounder and Kongu histories. The readers are advised to have a prior reading of the author's blog on Kongu history before going through this blog for easing their strain.
The Gounders are the single largest agrarian and intra-marriagable caste hailing from the Kongunadu (Sans: Ganganadu) region which forms the western part of the present linguistically organised Tamilnadu state. Unofficial population estimates give figures around the seventy to eighty lakh margin. There have also been some exaggerated estimates from about one to one and a half crore people of the caste. The population surpasses that of the other landed castes as a single mass unit.
The Gounders have however reached this level coming down from 1/4th of the total state popualtion during the British Raj. This is even before the government launched popular population control measures which has surprised the social scientists. The child control measures started from the pre-independence era, mostly as a localised phenomenon due to high economic growth. When the government announced the two children norm, the Gounders were already having upto 80% of single child families. Now the estimates stand around a near hundred.Today one can see single child families in thousands of their families thereby might be credited as the only caste in India having reverse growth ratio thus projected to lose its majority status in the region. This along with the nuclear families concept has made the individual families prosper though shattering many of the age old cherished values of Gounders. These single children from the lonely nuclear families (which includes the family of the author himself) have become lonely isolated and self-centered individuals popularly called ''islands''. Thus the community is losing its identity and distinct culture due to over adherence to norms. This materialist lifestyle has resulted in the steady decline of the Gounders to 10% of the total state population from the pre-independence 25%. This self centered lifestyle has resulted in the undesirable increase of egotic personalities unwilling to unite even at the most demanding situations. Thus Gounders are silently slipping into political and demographical doom though outwardly they seem to prosper. We have to remember that no government eternally is steady to guarentee safety and there is always a safety in numbers. Cocerned scientists have warned the community to have atleast two children per family to maintain steady trends.
The traditional Gounder belt is the area now known as Kongu Nadu. This areas comprises the lower nine districts of the lower Kaveri catchment basin, forming the western part of Tamil Nadu: Coimbatore, Ooty, Erode, Karur, Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri (all taluks of these districts), Dindigul (the taluks of Palani tk., Oddanchatram tk., Dindugul tk., Vedasandur and Kodaikkanal tk northward slopes only), Tiruchirapalli (Tottiyam tk. , Pachamalai , Villupuram (Kalrayan hills only), Perambalur (Pachamalai hills only) and Vellore (Tirupattur tk. only).
By the population statistics, again estimates, These specified regions have a Gounder population somewhere around 50 and 80% of the total regional population.
A secondary population of anywhere between 1 and 5% can be found in the districts of Theni, Madurai, Thanjavur (all in Tamil Nadu), Palakkad, Malappuram, Idukki (all in Kerala), Kollegal, Mysore, Chamrajnagar, Kolar, Mandya, and Bangalore (all five in Karnataka).
Gounder history:
Origin of Kongu and Kongunadu:
Lessons from the Mahabharatam :
The region of Kongunadu originally belongs to the Kurinji (tropical evergreen mountainous) and Mullai types (tropical deciduous plateau) which were originally densely to medium sparsely forested. The Gounders have in living memory, the very different days from now, when people moved around far and wide but within the forested Kaveri catchment valley with their cow herds. These people did not settle down at a single major point in history. There are such cowherds even to be found today in the remote forests of the Sathiyamangalam ghats for example. The herds were vast and mostly belonged to the Konga (now called Kangayam) cattle type. This is reflected in the Mahabharata references in the Kongunadu where Bhisma and the Kauravas came for a cattle raid which is in the pattern called Vetchi (Tam:வெட்சி) in Sangam literature, where cattle, the primary wealth of the people is taken as stake to initiate a war. Kongumandalasatakam says that the cattle raid was sucessfully repelled by Arjuna (Bruhannala) with Uttarakumaran, the son of the King Viratarayan of Ladapuram (modern Dharapuram) at a skirmish at the banks of the Kanchi (Noyil) (dates: 3100 B.C, Mahabharata). This place was named Tiruppur or the place where the cattle were rerouted back to Ladapuram. These shifting farmer-cattleherd villages were called pattis after the cow pens. The main food products were cow milk and dry crops like Aariyam (Varaku or Ragi), Kambu, Cholam and Tinai. They also exchanged these produce for rice from marginal settled farmers. Many clan or kootam names remind of such great cowherds and marginal landlords.
Lessons from the Annamar and Valipulla Goundan stories:
The fist fixed settlements in Kongu history were at the Amaravati -Noyil valley because of the perennial supply of water from the Palani Koadaikkanal and Vellingiri ranges. The cowherd rearing shifting farmers achieved a sustained state and organised themselves as Velallas or landlords. They later, for deforesting the land brought in the Vettuvar tribes, descendents of Kannappa Nayanar from the Kalahasti region. These Vettuvar hamlets were called Vadugapattis, literally northener's cowpens. The Vettuvars also being sucessful, at one stage became numerically equal to the Vellalars. They also started questioning the authority of Vellalars. This is the point when we see the Vettuva-Vellala war symbolised by the Chinnanan- Periyannan story. The Vettuvars, eventhough being later settlers take advantage of their increased numbers and challenge the Vellalars through committing excesses on Vellala territory and harassing Vellala women. Here is where God or eternal order intervenes. Sivan, in order to support the order, steps in himself brings up the brothers who are killed at birth by their uncle. The first settler of any land has the rights of ruling and defending it, though the ownership might change hands. This is the Indian concept of the native's right. The native Vellalas, who were such an agrarian-warrior tribe or the Vellala-Kshatriya tribe, defeat the Vettuvars and place them under their subjection. Decrease in forests and increase in farming also leads to thier decrease in numbers and increase of Vellala natives.
Valipulla Goundan story also reflects Vellalar - Vettuvar friction but with a different lesson for us. Here when the Vettuva barber asserts his rights to serve the Goundan eventhough he insults him by leaving him half shaved (a great insult in those days) and follows his Vettuva cheiftain, Valipulla refuses his service but the barber insists (here we come to know the right of the so called lower service castes to demand compulsory service). They agree for a caste panchatyat where all important clan leaders are invited as witnesses. The Vettuva barber devises a clever method (because he is the affected party here) where the dog of Valipulla would be offered food by him. If the dog eats it, Valipulla is to accept his services and if not, could refuse him. Here again God (or the spirit of orderliness) in the form of Vinayakar assists Valipulla's dog which urinates on the food. Valipulla then marries his two sons to the two daughters of Vellala Chettiars (a merchant trader community who dealt in agri produce) to beget Kongu Napitha (Nasuvan) children. Again there is a lesson for us. Why should they marry Chettiar girls to beget Napitha children? and Why can't they just become Napithas? According to the rules of Anulomam (recorded earliest in the Manu Smruti), when a higher Varnam boy marries a girl from a lower Varnam, the children born are the Sudras or the service castes who are promotional to the society. If the opposite happens, then it is called Pratilomam where the children born are Panchamas or untouchables. Here the marriage is between the Kshatriya boys and Vaisya girls, where as Manusmruti says, the children begotten are Napithas or barbers. Thus from the demographics of Kongunadu, we come to know that the Anulomam and Pratilomam (intercaste) marriages were near zero and happened only according to calculated marriages to fulfil necessity.
The various people who had settled at different places for agriculture still went to their Patti cowherd gods where they had originated which later were called the Kanikkoils. No other caste in India has such precise Kuladeivams or such kootam (Gotram) system which is to remind us of our greatness and thus culture good qualities befitting to the kootam.
The Sangam age:
We have to remember that though the geographical region is called Kongunadu in Tamil, the name is a derivent of Kanga (கங்க) (Komaralingam copperplates) and ultimately Kanganadu (கங்கநாடு) (Sanskrit: Ganganadu, or the land of the Ganga people). The region streched throughout the Kaveri catchment basin. As even a 17th century poet, Valasundara Kavirayar in his Kongumandalasatakam versifies the borders of Kongunadu.
வடக்கு தலைமலை வராககிரி தெற்கு
குடக்குப் பொறுப்பு வெள்ளிக் குன்று கிடக்கும்
களித்தண்டலை மேவு காவிரிசூழ் நாட்டுக்
குளித்தண்டலை யளவு கொங்கு.
From this we ascertain that the borders of 17th century Kongu were:
Northern: Talaimalais
Southern: Varahagiri (Panrimalai mountain in the Palani-Kodaikkanal ranges, Panrimalai is referred in it's Sanskrit name).
Eastern: Vellikundru (Vellingiri hills near Coimbatore which form the border with Malayalam).
Western: Kulithalai (Mayanur Madukkarai , Karur dist. located on the Karur- Tiruchirappalli highway).
Further he adds that the region is like a basin (Kavirisoozh) and surprises us with his geographical knowledge through expressing Kongu as the entire Kaveri catchment basin, the Kaveri valley.
This region comprises of the following modern districts of the following states.
In Tamilnadu: Coimbatore, Erode, Udagamandalam, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Dindigul (excluding the Nattam, Nilakkottai and southward slopes of Kodaikkanal taluk), Vellore (Tiruppattur taluk only), Villuppuram (Kalrayan hills only), Perambalur (Pachamalai hills only) and Tiruchirappalli (Pachamalai hills, Tottiyam tk).
In Kerala: Palakkad (left bank of Valayar and Kozhinjamparai block), Malappuram (Bhavani river valley only) and Idukki (Amaravati river valley only) .
One thing which got clear beyond doubt after my research which is also commonplace knowledge is that the Kongu region, from the dawn of history is always connected to the southern part of the Karnataka state which is given, which is also called in Karnataka as Mysore Karnataka or Hoysala Karnataka. The Kongu region has always been along with this region as a Geo-historical unit from the dawn of history to the collapse of the Mysore Kingdom and the arrival of the British.
In this era, most of the land becomes cultivated and there is surplus wealth generated for Vellalars. The famous people of this age like Cheran, Kari, etc.., This leads to seperate castes of artisans to emerge. The excavations dating to the Sangam period show great works of art like coins, anklets and other objects of household and luxury necessities emerge. Kongunadu perhaps has yielded the most in metal and embedding industry than any other region of earth at that time. It was the only exclusive source of gold and quality iron to the whole world. The famous sites are:
Kodumanal (world's only gold jewellery embedding centre of those days),
Kundadam (metal works),
Karur (Chera Vanji) (coin mints, anklets, Greco-Roman trade posts, etc..,),
Salem: (first steel workshops whose products were found in the Egyptian pyramids),
lack of necessary exploration stalls efforts to find many other places.
(I am myself taking efforts on my own expenditure and time to explore these fields).
Cheras (their descendents are the Cheran kootam of today) ruled through various feudatories like Kari (another kootam), Pari, Kumanan, Began, Erumai (another kootam), Killi and Gangan (of the Kannan kootam).
The Adiyans (Cheran kootam) or the Sathiyaputras mentioned in Asokan inscriptions alongwith the Oris of Rasipuram (Kollimalai - Vizhiyan kootam) were the major rivals of the Cheras for predominance in this region.
Most of the Kongu Vellalar kootams have Sangam period names, named after a famous Sangam cheiftain, king or a dynasty.
Chera country, wrongly thought at first to be Kerala is ascertained to be Kongu with their capital at Karur Vanji. The Cheras extended thier power to the west coast and then moved their capital permanently there. The Velir or Vellala chieftains of the age did not have absolute powers as also the king. Were just nominal heads who oversaw local administration. The decline of the Cheras resulted in the rise of the Gangas also belonging to the Vellala caste of the Kannuva (Sans: Kanna+ va) gotram.
Thus 'kadayezhu vallalkal'or the last seven benevalent rulers hail from this age. References to the community have been found in the Purananooru of the Sangam age, '' koduval kongar'' and '' karungaik kongar '' ,meaning kongars with battle sickles, kongars with their physical feature of massive arms respectively) and Silappadhikaram ''kongilam kosar'' and '' kudagak kongar'',meaning kongars of the kosar clan of the kosala region and kongars of the kudagu region respectively.
The Gangas:
The rise of the Gangas can be said as the socio-political cementing of the Vellala cheifs of the Gangakulam as the sole lords of the Ganga (Kongu) country. The name Ganga is the original of "Konga". Chera and Ganga are one and the same dynasties
There are various themes of origin of the caste. The common undercurrent in all of them is, that the original name of the caste is Gangakulam (Tam: கங்காகுலம்) which is descended from the king Gangadatta (Sans., meaning one given by the Ganga) (Tam: கங்கதத்தன்) (the name Kongu Vellala Gounder is a relatively new, post-independence classification necessiated nomenclature).
Origin of the Vellalas of the Ganga clan:
The Velalapuranam and Kambar's Mangalavazthu:
The Velalapuranam, a 19th century construction, is not completely reliable due to the ideological implications of the age and the writer. Yet it maintains the original story of the man who originated from the river Ganga called here as Marapalan who started the Gangakulam.
The original, Marapala Choolamani maintains the real story.
This is a construction based probably on Kambar's Mangalavazhthu ( மங்கல வாழ்த்து) which is eventoday sung during one of the Gounder marriage rites. Kambar himself describes the various rites associated with the Gounder marriage. One is the Kaikorvai (கங்கா குலம் விளங்க கம்பர் சொன்ன...) in which he blesse the Gangakulam couple.
These Vellalas are descendant from the ancient Kshatiriya Suriyavamsam (Solar dynasty) through the Gangakulam (preserved in names like Suriya Kangeyan and titles having Kangeyan).
The Ganga copper plates and inscriptions (ex: Korni and Komaralingam plates) have maintained that the kings of the Gangas always called themselves Kongunis (Sans: of the Kongu). For example Kongunivarma Madhavarayan is the first mentioned ruler who establishes his capital at Kangeyam (Sans: Gangeyam or the seat of the Gangas). Durvinita calls himself as not Gangeya but Durvinita Konguni in his Kannada treatise Kiratararjuniya. Infact, the language spoken by the Gounders itself is called Gangee Tamizh, a language which is very close to original non-sanskritised Kannada. Wilkins, a British historiographer writes an account immediately before the conquering of Mysore (Dheeran Chinnamalai):
"In the southern part of Mysore the Tamil language is at this day named the Gangee from being best known to them as the language of the people of Kankayam". (Wilks, Mysore, p. 4, F, N.2)
Gounder is the name of the headman in a system of decentralised panchayat administration used with various regional variations by distinct castes groups. The root word is derived from Gavunda (கவுண்ட). This system of village administration gained political approval during the rule of the indegenous Ganga dynasty. The posts of the village headmen or the county headman (Ur Gavundar and Nattu Gavundar respectively) were usually assumed by the warrior-agrarian Vellalar clans of the Kongu Nadu region belonging to the ruling house Gangakulam itself. In the earlier similair Velan, Kizhan system during the Sangam period
The Gangas are said to have originated in Ayodhya, belonging to the same Suriyavamsa, Ikshvakukulam as Raman but of the Gangakulam as Ramar belongs to the Raghukulam.
by Dr. Harihar Kanungo:
Gangavamsa has spread all over India and the historians are completely silent about it. The kings of the Ganga dynasty had got their pedigree inscribed by their brahmin eulogists as well as the courtiers. In this regard, Dr. S.N. Rajaguru has given the following opinion:"Different royal dynasties, while narrating their genealogy, were eager to identity themselveswith the famous solar or lunar dynasties of the Puranas". Dr. H. K. Mahatab and other historians have given similar opinions and have said that for this reason the genealogy available from these inscriptions do not tally with the historical facts. For all these reasons, we have to trace out the common men of the Ganga dynasty or Ganga community spread all over India and try to know their ancestry in order to unravel the mystery surrounding the origin of the Ganga dynasty. It can be asserted that the historical Ganga dynasty has evolved from among the common men of the Ganga dynasty or Ganga community. Hence this writer has made an humble attempt to discuss the family history of Ganga dynasty or Ganga community, while trying to establish the origin of the Ganga dynasty. A brief account of the Ganga dynasty available from the inscriptions engraved by the royal dynasties of Ganga community may be discussed. It is known from the inscription of Jainaguru Simhanandi, compiled by B. Lewis Rice that the forefathers of Ganga dynasty coming from Ayodhyapur under the leadership of Vishnugupta had initially settled at Ahichhatra located in the basin of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna. Later on they proceeded to Southern India in quest of new territory. Being advised by Jainaguru Simhanandi, Vishnugupta along with others came to Karnataka and established a new kingdom. According to this inscription the Ganga dynasties of Karnataka and Kalinga had come from Northern India. In the opinion of Dr. N. K. Sahu, both the western and eastern Ganga dynasty belong to one and the same dynasty and they came from North India in 5th century A.D. and established new kingdoms in Kalinga and Karnataka respectively. We cite here the views of B.Lewis. Rice on the above mentioned inscription of Jainaguru Simhanandi: "The origin of the Gangas is derived from Iksvaku and trace back to Ayodhyapura. Under Visnugupta the seat of government was moved to Ahichhatra, which, it is hinted, as Vijayapura. With the arrival of Dadiga and Madhava in the South, at Ganga-perur and the establishment of the Gangavadi kingdom in Mysore aided by Simhanandi, we seem to come to historical events.
It is known from the Vizagapattanam & Korni copperplate inscriptions 16 of Chodaganga Deva that by 5th century A.D., eighty kings of the Ganga dynasty had ruled over Gangavadi (Kongunadu) of Kuvalalapuram (Kolar). If one king had ruled at least for a period of twenty years, then these eighty kings would have ruled for about 1600 years. If we consider from this angle the Ganga dynasty had appeared 1600 years before 5th century A.D., which means their origin dates back to 11th century B.C. In this context we may mention that historians have agreed that the Mahabharata war was fought in 9th century B.C. This means the Ganga dynasty had appeared and achieved renown much before the events described in the epic Mahabharata. It has been noted above that Sevananda Bharati has established ancient Tamralipta or Modern Tamluk as the primary abode of the Ganga dynasty.
It is clear from the facts stated in the Madalapanji and Korni copperplate inscription of Chodaganga Dev that the Gangas are the descendants of a king or an individual named Gangeya who belonged to the solar dynasty. While claiming his descent from some Gangeya in his Korni copperplate inscription, he has bidentified both the ancestors and descendants of Gangeya. But all these have been rejected by historians. However, Dr. Rajaguru, basing on the facts stated by Chodaganga Dev, has accepted Gangeya and the Gangas as belonging to solar dynasty.
Another website www.jaintirths.com/general/gangadynasty.html
says, The Ganga dynasty came into existence in 2nd century AD after the name of its founder Gangeya or Gangadutt. Jain Acharya Simhanandi inspired his two disciples Daddigh and Madhav to establish their rule, which they did by constituting the territory of Gangawadi with Kolar as their capital. But actually Madhav Kongunivarma I was the first crowned king of this dynasty, who ruled for a long period during 189-250 AD Jainism was the national religion during his rule. King Durvinita Konguni of this dynasty was the disciple of famous grammarian Acharya Devanandi Pujyapad. Marasingh got victory over several powerful rulers and ruled gloriously. During his last days he became an ascetic. He died with Sallekhana in 974 AD at Bankapur in the feet of his Jain preceptor Ajitsena. The Ganga rulers built several Jain temples and established Jain institutions. (including five at Vijayamangalam, Jinapuram (Seenapuram), Vellode, Poondurai and Perundurai all in Erode dist.)
Punnata region:
COIMBATORE, the headquarter of the district which goes by its name in the State of Madras, is well-known to-day as the "Manchester of South India." There is perhaps not another place in the whole of this region to equal it not only in the numerous spinning and weaving mills it possesses but also in the general standard of wealth, health civilisation and culture. But few are interested in studying the history of this district and particularly the development of culture in this area. Of the era preceding the period of British occupation of the district, which began in 1799, particularly little or nothing is known.
In this paper I propose to make an enquiry into a subject which forms part of a larger whole, viz., the cultural development of the Coimbatore region in early times and the particular subject for enquiry here is an estimate of the Jain contribution to this quota. So many vestiges of Jainism are to be found in this district that there is no doubt about the great influence this religion must have exerted over the people of this region in early times. That it must have been much more than any one would suspect is certain. Names of places like seenapuram clearly remained one of the early jain influent over the region; while old jain shrines found in places like. Vijayamangalam, Tirumurthimalai and Karur bear an equally strong evidence to the same. A figure of the Jain Thrithankara is found in Tirumurthimalai; and a number of Jain beds are found to this day in Arunattarmalai in Karur Taluk while in Arasannamalai near Vijayamangalam the Neminatha temple has been now converted into a Vinayaka temple. Not only this. The district of Coimbatore in early times seems to have been the home of several Jain scholars, not the least of whom was the great Bavanandi, the author of the celebrated Tamil grammar, Nannul, who seems to have lived in the region of Vijayamangalam in Erode Taluk.
It is impossible for us to explain these vestiges unless we postulate a period of Jain glory in the district at some time during its sojourn in South India. The Kongadesarajakkal, a XVII century Tamil Mss., which has been recently edited by Mr. C. M. Ramachandran Chettiar, Advocate, Coimbatore, (Madras Govt, Oriental Series, VI, 1950) brings to light a set of seven rulers called Rattas (Rashtrakutas?) in this region during the period between 250 A.D. and 400 A.D. Many if not all of them are represented in this work as professors and strong supporters of Jainism. (Ibid., pp. 1-2). In the reign of the fourth ruler, Govindaraya, a grant to the jain Arishtanna is mentioned and in that of the sixth ruler, Kannaradeva, the names of three great Jain theologians, of whom one Naganandi is mentioned by name, are referred to. (Ibid)
The history of the origin of the Ganga dynasty of Mysore indicates even more clearly how deep-rooted was janism in the district of Coimbatore in early times. It would appear that in the closing years of the IV century A.D., King Padmanabha of the Gangas had to send his two sons, Dadiga and Madhava to the south by way of preparing himself to meet his enemy, King Mahipala of Ujjain. (Rice; Mysore and Coorg; p. 31). The rest of the narration as found in Rice's words is as follows:
"When they arrived at Perur, which is still distinguished from other Perurs as Ganga-Perur (in Cuddapah district), they met there the Jain Achariya Simhanandi. He was interested in the story of these Ganga princes and taking them by the hand, gave them instruction and training and eventually procured for them a kingdom."(Rice: Op., cit., loc., cit).
Many Ganga records like the Udayendiram plates of Prithvipati II, the Kudlur grant of Marasimha and the Santara inscription on the Huncha stone* bear clear evidence to the fact that Simhanandi gave them a kingdom and that he was a reputed Jain teacher. The last mentioned record indeed refers to him as "the archariya who made the Ganga kingdom.":
"Ganga-rajyaman madida Simhanandy acharyya."(EC., VIII, Nr. 35)
Indrabhuti in his Samayabhushana names him as a great poet to be kept on par with Elacharya and Pujyapada. (IA., XII, 20). Still, no better description can be given of Simhanandi than what is found in the Jaina record near the Siddhesvara temple at Kallurgudda in Shimoga Taluk:
"The Vijaya or victory to the farthest shore of learning, the full moon to the ocean of the Jaina congregation, possessed of patience and all the ten excellent qualities, his good life, a secure wealth, rejoicing in the modest, his fame extending to the four oceans, keeping at a distance from the evil, a sun in the sky of the Kranurgana, devoted to the performance of the twelve kinds of penance, promoter of the Ganga kingdom-Sri Simhanandiacharyya."(EC., VII, Sh. 4)
On the other hand we owe to the evidence of inscriptional records like those of the Parsvanathi Basti at Sravana Belgola and others to be seen at Kallurgudda and Purale in Shimoga Taluk that Madhava definitely came under the influence of Simhanandi, who initiated him into jain doctrines and conferred on him a kingdom on condition that he always took care to uphold that Faith throughout its confines. (Ibid, also 64). The latter tow give a detailed account of this origin of the Ganga Kingdom, which deserves to be quoted at least in part, as it gives one an idea of the depth of Jain influence that ruled over the region where the Ganga kingdom was founded:
"On Madhava impressing him with his extraordinary energy... Simhanandi made a coronet of the petals of the Karnikara flowers bound it on Madhava's head, gave them (the two brothers) the dominion of all the earth, presented them with a flag made from his peacock fan and furnished them with attendants, elephants and horses. Along with these he gave them also the following advice: 'If you fail in what you have promised, if you do not approve the Jina sasana; if you seize the wives of others; if you indulge in wine and flesh; if you form relationship with the low; if you give not your wealth to the needy; if you flee from the field or battle-your race will go to ruin.
The question that has to be decided here is the identification of Perur mentioned in ganga records. Taken in conjusction with the history of the Rattas, the Kongadesarajakkal furnishes proof that it was on their fall that the Gangas rose to power and began ruling from Skandapura in Kongudesa (which is the ancient name for the territory comprising the modern disteicts of Coimbatore and Salem). The Chronicle would even inform us that the last Ratta ruler changed his religion from Jainism to Saivism and that was the cause of his downfall. Further, all the early activities of Konganivarman-as the first historical ruler of the Ganga house becomes known in all the records of this dynasty-are confined to this Kongudesa. (Kongadesarajakkal (Or Mss. Edn.) pp. 2-3). It is true that we lack definite epigraphic evidence in support of this, which we have mainly only from the Tamil chronicle above referred to. But it must be remembered that in the first place we have only a few records for the Ganga period here referred to; and even the few references that we have to the early grants of the Gangas seem to refer only to places in Coimbatore district. Such are places like "Kudluru" to the west of the Tatla and east of "Marukarevisaya", in which the names of Kudluru and Marukarevisaya are easily identifiable with the present Gudalur and Madukari in this area. (Kudaluru grant of Madhavavarman; MAR., 1930).
The conclusion naturally follows that Per here referred to as the spot on which Madhava was initiated into Jainism and conferred a kingdom on condition that he upheld it through all its confines must be the Perur within 3 miles from Coimbatore. We have numerous evidences to show that at the time referred to and for long afterwards this Perur was indeed an important place. The place referred to by this name cannot be the Perur in Cuddapah district, as Rice surmises, where no Jain remains are to be found. The tratdition is that Dadiga and Madhava were sent to the south of Mysore, as already indicated. Further, the very title assumed by the first ruler as Madhava Konganivarman seems to give an unmistakable proof of this conclusion, since as the Kongadesarajakkal aptly remarks:
As wealth, the Kongu country and great munificence were possessed by him he was styled srimalt Konganivarman Dharmamahadiraja. (Kongadesarajakkal (Taylor's trans.); MJLS., XIV)
While the mention of Simhanandi as a "person of the southern country' in the inscription at Parsvanatha Basti at Sravana Belgola already referred to, seems to set the seal upon this conclusion.
It is an agreed fact that the canarese country of which modern Mysore forms the crown and centre furnished a home for the religion of Mahavira in the days when it was not very much liked by his own countrymen of the north. The Brihatkatha of Harisena clearly refers to the migration of the Bhadrabahu mission from Mysore to Punnata in the years following the dealth of Chandragupta Maurya. (Rice; Mysore Inscriptions, p. 146; IA., XVII 366). Historians are not yet agreed as to what country is meant by the name, 'Punnata.' All available evidences seem to point to the region of S. Coorg and N. Coimbatore district as the region designated as 'Punnata' by Harisena, so that it would appear that a portion at least of the modern district of Coimbatore was the central hearth of Jainism even before the beginning of the Christian era.
Even the name 'Punnata' and be explainted. It seems to be just a corruption of the name, 'Pounnadu' the land of gold. That there was much gold to be had from the region of Coorg and Kongu is unexceptionalble. While the Mysore gold minies bear evidence to this in some indirect way, the XVII century Tamil work, Maduraikalambakam speaks of the "gold that is found in Kondu" (Konguraippon), thus bearing a direct testimony to the Kongu wealth of gold. (The term Ponnadu seems to have been analogous to the name of the Cola country watered by the cauvery, Viz., the 'Punalnadu'.
Thus we are able to posit that the region of modern Coimbatore was a central hearth of Jainism in the south at least three conturies before the Christian era and that it continued to be so for a long time afterwards certainly through-our the period of the Ganga rule. An inscription of the XII century which referring to the Hoysala conquest of Kongu under Vishnuvardhana (1120 AD), Speaks of his general in that region, Gangarajah of great fame as" :a devout Jain. "(See Sastri; Colas, II, i). We need not try to trace the later history of Jainism in Kongu. Probably it came on a period of steady decline from that date onwards. But what has been so far said is enough to explain the numerous Jain vestiges in this region, to be seen to this day.
The Chera kings are of Gounder origin as there is a kootam called Cheran kootam which lives near the seat of the Cheras, Karur.Nagasamy, ASI ex-chairman Tamilnadu writes about the Karur Cheras and Karur as Vanji, the capital of Cheras. He also details of Muziris as modern day [[Musiri]]. The decline of the Cheras brought in the Kannuva (Kannan)kootam as Ganga dynasty.[http://tamilartsacademy.com/articles/article25.xml]. see also Cheras were not Keralites[http://www.shelterbelt.com/KJ/khsangamage.html]
The first Ganga king Kongunivarma mahadirayan crowned himself at Vijayaskandapuram (later called Gangeyam-Kangayam after the Gangas) (ref:Kongudesa rajakkal). The Ganga genealogy and chronology have presented many problems to the historians. The first ruler of the dynasty was Konganivarma Madhava (C.350-370 A. D) who worked to establish his power at the expense of the Banas and by expanding in Kongudesa or the Salem region. He thought it wise to be friendly with the Pallavas, a policy which was followed by the early Ganga rulers. He was succeeded by his nephew Madhava II or Kiriya Madhava (C.370-390 A. D.) who was the son of Dadiga who moved to Dalavanapura. His successor Harivarma (C.390-410 A. D.) is said to have been installed on the throne by the Pallava Simhavarma. During this period, two branches of the Ganga dynasty were established at Paruvi and Kaivara.
Harivarma's son Vishnugopa (C.410-430 A. D.) had a quiet, uneventful reign, and was succeeded by Tadangala Madhava (C.430-466 A. D.). He is said to have been anointed by the Pallava king Skandavarma. His friendly relations with the Pallavas did not prevent him from normalising his relations with the Kadambas. In fact, he married the daughter of [[Kakusthavarma]]. He strengthened the Pallava rule by incorporating the Paruvi and the Kaivara branches into the main line. His son and successor was Avinita (C.466-495 A. D.) who consolidated the Ganga position by marrying the daughter of the Raja of Punnata. He remained friendly with the Pallavas, but was reputed to be very stern in his dealings with the enemies.
DURVINITA (C.495-535 A. D.)Avinita's son and successor, Durvinita, was one of the most remarkable rulers of the Ganga family. His succession was a disputed one, as he had to overcome the challenge of his younger step-brother who seemed to have secured the assistance of the Pallavas and the Kadambas. The Nallala grant refers to this war of succession; so does the Kadagattur grant which gives a hint that his younger brother was supported by the Pallava King and that the " Goddess of sovereignty came to the rescue of Durvinita because of his excellent display of valour and determination".
The Pallava interference in the Ganga affairs resulted in a shift in the dynastic relations which hitherto had been cordial. Durvinita could not remain friendly with the Pallavas who had created problems for him by supporting his step-brother. The Ganga monarch swore vengeance on the Pallavas who were routed in the battle of Anderi in his fifth regal year. The Pallavas, however, continued their hostilities and it is likely that they secured the assistance of the Kadambas in their attempt to tame Durvinita. In the protracted war that ensued, several pitched encounters were fought, and the Gummareddipura record informs us that Durvinita overcame his enemies at Alattur, Porulare and Pernagra. It is possible that these victories enabled him to extend his power over Kongudesa and Tondaimandalam.
Durvinita was able to cement his friendship with the newly emerging Chalukya power. He gave his daughter to Chalukya Vijayaditya; and when his son-in-law became a victim of the Pallava aggression, Durvinita championed the Chalukyas and installed his grandson Jayasimha on the Badami throne. The timely help of the Ganga monarch did much to save the Chalukyas, and on this sure foundation was built a tradition of a durable friendship between the two ruling families.
The Gummareddipura and the Uttanur plates describe Durvinita as the Lord of Punnata. In fact, his mother was Jyeshtadevi, the daughter of Skandavarma of Punnata. It is possible that there were no male heirs to the Punnata throne and naturally the sovereignty of that Kingdom devolved upon Durvinita.
The religious outlook of Durvinita was marked by tolerance. Though he was a worshipper of Vishnu and a performer of Vedic sacrifices like Hiranyagarbha, he was a pupil of the Jaina preceptor Pujyapada. His court was adorned by many Jaina scholars. His religious catholicity is reflected in the generous patronage he extended to all religious sects.
Himself an eminent scholar, Durvinita evinced keen interest in promoting literary cultivation. The renowned Sanskrit poet Bharavi is said to have visited the Ganga court during this period. Durvinita is supposed to have written a commentary on the fifteenth canto of Bharavi's Kiratarjuniya. He also translated into Sanskrit the Vaddakatha or Brihatkatha of Gunadya, which was originally written in the Paisachi language (translated by his vassal Konguvelir to Tamil). He is also credited with the authorship of 'Sabdavatara', a work on grammar. His Nallala grant hails him as an expert in the composition of various forms of poetry, stories and dramas. In fact, Nripatunga's Kavirajamarga hails him as one of the early writers in Kannada.
The many-sided accomplishments of Durvinita are recorded on the Nallala grant. He is compared to Kautilya in expounding the science of polity; to Narada, Tumburu or Bharatadeva in his knowledge of music and dance; to Charaka and Dhanvantri in the knowledge of medicine or to Parasurama in the use of arms. He is referred to as endowed with three constituents of royal power, namely, Prabhusakti (imperial power), Mantrasakti (the power of discretion) and Utsahasakti (the power of active will). His political achievements, military victories, diplomatic skill and many sterling qualities of head and heart prove that his claims were justified. Durvinita was indeed a great ruler of the Ganga family.
Some Gangakula Vellalas also migrated to Eezham see [[Vellalar (Sri Lankan)]]
The Gangas also were great patrons of Tamil.
Western Ganga administration and Hoysala invasion :
The Gavundas who appear most often in inscriptions were the backbone of medieval polity of the southern Karnataka and western Tamilnadu region. As landlords and local elite, the state utilized their services to collect taxes, maintain records of landownership, bear witness to grants and transactions and even raise militia when required. Owing strong personal allegiance to the king, they were vested with certain rights over villages. It appears the gavundas operated as corporations in the Kaveri valley but as individuals in the northern and eastern domains of the Gangas. They had rights to make grants that may have been occasionally exempt of local taxes. There were two types of Gavundas; the Ur-Gavundas who were lower in status and wielded control at the village level and the Nadu-gavunda who oversaw the Nadu and were directly appointed by the king.
During suceeding Hoysala empire, the system got a little modified. There were two types of landlords (Gavundas); Gavunda of people (praja Gavunda) was lower in status than the wealthy lord of gavundas (prabhu gavunda). Thus we can trace the presence of two distinct varieties of Gounders within the same marrige group. The Prabhu Gavundas of the Hoysala period are usually called the Ejamanans (Sans: Yajamana or the one who supports Yajnyas). The praja gavundans are the normal agriculturist landlords. The coming of the Hoysalas meant the loss of central power for the Gounders permanently.
Religion and communal structure of the Gounders:
The Gounders are followers of the traditional form of Saiva Siddhanta Hinduism. In earlier times a sizeable population followed seems to have followed Jainism
(temples are found even today at Vijayamangalam, Jinapuram, Vellode, Perundurai, Palani, Aivarmalai and Poondurai )and later reconverted by the Siddhar traditions (most of the Siddhars lived in Kongunadu). The Gounders follow the system of Gotram, popularly called Kootam in which persons from the same Kootam do not marry one another as they are considered to have descended from the same ancestor. Each Kootam has its own Kulaguru (or popularly saamiar- a brahmin- for example, the kulaguru of melkarai poonthurai nadu kootams is Pasur Akilanda Dikshitar), who is traditionally respected. (This fact is cleverly skipped by Dravidian historians). Every Kootam also has one or more Kuladeivams or a Clan Deities. Some of the Kootams are:
Adhitreya Kumban
Andhuvan Ariyan(noble)
Bharatan (descendants of Bharata)
Dananjayan (descendants of Arjuna)
Muzhlukkadhan (same as porulthantha)
Paandian (Pandya dynasty)
Panangadai (Elumathur Kadais and Maruthurai Kadais-distinct from Kadais, note:Salem and Namakkal dist Kadais don't marry into this kootam,traditionally vegetarian)
Porulthantha or Perizhanthan(same as mulukadhan)
Sathuvaraayan (meaning:good rulers)
Sanagan (Janakar's descendants)
Sooriyan (Suriyavamsam)
Viradhan (descendants of Viratan of Mahabharata)
This list is not exhaustive.
Royal houses and kootams (gothras):
Kaalingarayar-Kings of Kalinga Ganga dynasty (Eastern Ganga dynasty)
Vaanavarayar-Bana dynasty
Pallavarayar-Pallava dynasty
Palayakottai Mandradiyar-chieftain
Cheran kootam-Chera dynasty
Pandya kootam-Pandya dynasty
Kannan(Kannuvan)-original Ganga rulers
Kadai-Kaadava dynasty
Elumathur kadai - Kangayars
Language of Gounders:
The language of the Gounders is the popular Coimbatore Bhashai or Kongu Tamil. It must have been a distinct language as it also shows relations with Eela Tamil, Prakrit-Aprabramsa and Kannada. It was earlier called Kangee or Gangee (கங்கி, the language of the Gangas). Mysore, Col. Wilks, records in his "History of Mysore":
"In the southern part of Mysore the Tamil language is at this day named the Gangee from being best known to them as the language of the people of Kankayam". (Wilks, Mysore, p. 4, F, N.2) Later mainstream Tamil assimilated the language yet preserving idiolectical differences and markers.
Examples of variance:
Tamil/Gangee(கங்கி or today:Kongu Tamil)
Appa/Anna(pronounced like last part in Pongiy'''ana'''), aiyya (nasalised anna)
Amma/Ayi,Aya orAyi+yal),Atha
Chitti/Chinnayi(also Chinni),chinnaya,Chinatha
Kollu Thatha/Pattan
Kollu Patti/Patti
Ellu Pattan/Muppattan
Ellu patti/Muppatti
brother-in-law is called Machandar by women
The Modern caste:
The Gounder caste is a progressive caste which has excellent personae in various fields. The Coimbatore region flourishes mainly due to their innovation and hardwork in Agriculture, textiles (Salem, Coimbatore, Erode, Tirupur and Karur), Education (Namakkal, Coimbatore, Salem), Poultry Namakkal), Automobiles (Namakkal, Salem), Bus body building (Karur), Milk (Erode Aavin), Edible Oils (Erode), Turmeric (Erode has the largest market in South India) and Marketing of Cloths (Erode 24 hours market in every week) .Kongunadu has the highest urban proportion and contributes 2/3rd of Tamilnadu's income. Gounders always formed part of all ministeries with strategic portfolios earlier and now they have been relegatged to third rate minstries and now are at a distance from "real" political power! When Rajaji was the Cm, he is said to have told people that he has three Gounder ministers just because Gounders are honest and committed. The population of Gounders is rapidly falling due to birth control and emigration of youth is seen as a possible source by which the caste is bound to disappear in the near future.
Sekkizhar - minister of Kulottunga who compiled 'Periyapuranam', a treatise on Saivite saints.(There is a graphic description of his life and how he came to write this magnum opus is narrated in a 14th cent Tamil work Thiruttoṇḍar-purāṇa-varalāru. Sekkiḻār who belongs to an agriculturist family of Veḷḷaḷar, rose to be the Chief-minister to the Choḻa emperor Kulottuṅga II. The work ascribed to Umāpati Śivam of 14th cent gives two significant titles of Sekkiḻār. He is called "Gaṅgā-kula-tilaka" (verse -59) and "Bhāgīrati-kula-Tilaka") http://www.tamilartsacademy.com/journals/volume5/articles/article4.xml
Thiruvennai Nallur Sadayappa Vallal (patron of Kambar) referred as Pannai kulathu Kongar kon in Ramavatharam (Kamba Ramayanam)(ref:''pannai vennai sadaya'' kambaramayanam verse 636 line 7)
Thiruvennai Nallur Sadayappa Vallal(திருவெண்ணை நல்லூர் சடயப்ப வள்ளல்) - a Pannai kula cheiftain. Kamban wrote his epic Kamba Ramayanam with his patronage. As a mark of respect for his patron, Kamban refers his name once in every 1000 verses.
Sollerulavan Sellamuthu- The great orator and founder of Farmers Associations.
Diwan Bahadur Agathur Muthuramaswami Kalingaroyar
Sekkizhar - minister of Kulottunga who compiled 'Periyapuranam', a treatise on Saivite saints.(There is a graphic description of his life and how he came to write this magnum opus is narrated in a 14th cent Tamil work Thiruttoṇḍar-purāṇa-varalāru. Sekkiḻār who belongs to an agriculturist family of Veḷḷaḷar, rose to be the Chief-minister to the Choḻa emperor Kulottuṅga II. The work ascribed to Umāpati Śivam of 14th cent gives two significant titles of Sekkiḻār. He is called "Gaṅgā-kula-tilaka" (verse -59) and "Bhāgīrati-kula-Tilaka")
Vakkapakai mannan Varapathiyatkondan (patron of Villiputhoorar)(ref: kongar kula vatrapathiyatkondan - Villibharatham- Sirappurpayiram verse 18 line 2 and various other references)
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Kongu_vellalar"
There are certain small sub groups who also follow the same customs and are also called by the same name among the Gounders which are getting amalgamated nowadays into the mainstream, some of the differences are (mentioned number two group is the mainstream),
Nattu Gounders-Oor Gounders = Gounders who were rulers of Nadus see [[Western Ganga administration]] where Gounder population is thin and normal oor Gounders.
Narambukatti Gounders (Vadakarai vellalars) -Senthalai Gounders = of north and south of river Bhavani.
Padathalai Gounders - Senthalai Gounders = the people who joined and abstained Tippu sultan's army respectively) (found mostly in the Vijayamangalam belt).
Irumudi Gounders - Vellala Gounders = Gounders who fell under two rulers and proper Kongu respectively.
Castes like the Padayachi "Gounders" and Kurumba 'Gounders" have assumed the title for the sake of respect though they are not referred as Gounders. There is enough caution among the Gounders regarding this.
Peculiar customs:
Various peculiar customs in the caste both known and unknown are observed. These have modified in the last two generations and some may even feel new to these. There are various reasons for these peculiarities. Some are,
1.Ancient Tamil vestiges (language, feeding the pulavars with milk and fruit mash, worship of demi gods, etc..,).
2.Samana (Jaina) vestiges (eating before dark, white saree (vella seelai) for widows, preference for white dress, cooking meat outside the house, etc..,).
3.Kshatiriya vestiges (Gotra system, Annamar vazhipadu (hunter-warrior conflict), Kannimar vazhipadu (sapta kanyas), udankattaiyeral (sati), kuladeivam,kulaguru, benovalence,marriage customs,holding the marriage ceremony in the bride's house, giving handicapped children to Modavandis thereby eliminating weak genes, etc..,).
Marriage customs:
Gounders marry outside their Kootam(Gotram) and are renown for their elaborate threeday-marriage extravagenzas. Only some kootams give and take very high dowries, whereas today that is fading away. Their marriage rituals follow the Kshatriya pattern (where the bridegroom goes to the bride's house) and therefore necessarily involve service castes participation.
Another known fact about gounders is that they are highly conservative and do not marry anyone out of their caste and if done so they exclude that person from their families. Gounders are people who value their caste and society more than family ties. The practice of cross cousin marriages like the other south and central Indian people is also followed though lesser in these days.
Kongu Vellalar Marriage:
*Arumaikaarar *Arumaikaari *Anthanar *Naavidhan (Barber) *Vannaan (Washer man) *Potter (Vetkovar) *Paraiyars (Men from paraiya caste) *Kammaalar *Pandaaram *Maadhaari (shoemaker) *Porutham paarthal (Examination of the agreement of horoscopes) *Sagunam paarthal (Being guided by omens) *Mutual visit to the houses of bride and bridegroom *Betrothal (Nichayadhaartham or nichaya thaamboolam) *Invitation for marriage *Kongu Vellalar Marriage
*Kongu Vellalar Marriage The Vellalar were of great assistance to the king by being in various positions and ranks in the army. They also got the title 'Kamindan' from the king for their meritorious service and loyalty. Later the title got modified as 'Gounden'. To streamline the living together of the boy and the girl, certain regulations and procedures were created. The procedures and habits as per certain regulations later became 'rites'. The performance of all the rites collectively in a sequence is called marriage.
*Kongu Vellala Gounders-Ceremonial Rites in Marriages The various rites being performed nowadays in the marriage ceremony of Kongu Vellalar community are unique in nature. Each and every rite is performed for some specific reason. The original rites performed centuries ago in Kongu Vellalar marriage ceremony which resembled 'Sanagam' age rites have undergone minor changes and modifications from technology and consequent changes in customs, habits and facilities. Some rites have ceased to exist because of their having become obsolete.
The rites which are being performed nowadays in Kongu Vellalar marriage ceremony reflect the superior character, rich culture and high tradition of Kongu Vellalar community.
*Who perform rites? All the ceremonial rites relating to Kongu Vellalar marriage are performed by 'arumaikaarar' ,arumaikaari, naavidhan (barbar), washer man (vannaan) and such others who are closely associated with the occupation of Kongu Vellala Gounders.
*Arumaikaarar: An 'arumaikaarar', who is a respected elderly member of the community, is the prime person for performing the marriage rites of Kongu Vellalar. The arumaikaarar is also used to be called 'arumaiperiyavar', 'seerkaarar' and 'pudavaikaarar'. The aruamikaarar should have wife and child/children.
On the specified day, the three arumaikaarars, after planting the 'Muhurthakaal', will go to an anthill of white ants, offer prayer, gather sacred earth in three baskets and bring the same to the wedding place
*Arumaikaari: A women gets the name arumaikaari after the performance of certain rites on her by an arumaikaarar at the time when her son or daughter has attained age for marriage. The rite relating to this is called 'Ezhudhingam', as mentioned by Thiru R. Venketeswaran in his research paper titled 'Vennandhur Vattaara Kongu Vellalar Vaazhviyal'. The arumaikaari (the women who has undergone the process of ezhudhingam) along with the arumaikaarar will perform all the rites relating to women.
The rites being performed on men or women who wish to become arumaikaarar or arumaikaari respectively clearly point out that only those who are respected elders, who are well experienced and who are having spouse and child/children, are qualified to perform the rites of a marriage ceremony.
*Anthanan: The Anthanan or te Brahmin was the first to be consulted in the initiation of the ceremony according to the '''Mangala Vazhthu'''. Then during the Mangiliyam or the kodi(Thali) time, the Brahmin recited the appropriate slokams from the vedic texts.The '''Kulaguru''' (saamiyar) blesses the couple.
*Naavidhan (Barber): Next to arumaikaarar, the naavidhan (barbar) plays an important role in conducting the rites of the marriage ceremony of Kongu Vellalar. The naavidhan is called 'Kudimagan'. The Kudimagan's important works in the conduct of the marriage are to invite all relatives for the marriage, to perform each and every rite of the marriage ceremony along with the arumaikaarar, to recite the 'mangala vaazhthu' song and to announce and call the relatives concerned before performing each rite.
*Vannaan (Washer man):The marriage pandhal (a temporary shed with a roof made of plaited coconut leaves) will be decorated with colorful clothes on all sides including the top by the washer man. Cloths will be laid down on the path to enable the newly wedded couple to walk on the same when the couple comes out from the same when the couple comes the decorated marriage platform.
*Potter (Vetkovar): The vetkovar is one who makes earthen pots. The Sangam works praise the potter as a vessel-making king. The potter will make and supply earthen pots required for performing the marriage rites. There was an agreement between Kongu Vellalar and potters to the effect that the potters will receive paddy and money from the Kongu Vellalar in return for the post supplied, as mentioned in 'Madurai Pattayam' (grant inscribed on copper plate).
*Paraiyars (Men from paraiya caste): The paraiyars will beat the Kettle –like drums and make loud musical noise during the marriage of kongu Vellalar.
*Kammaalar: The ' Kammaalar` are artisans who work in wood. The kammaalar will make and supply all the agricultural instruments and tools required by the Kongu Vellalar. They will also make and supply things such as wooden plate, ladle, salt box, special box with five compartments used to keep spices for cooking, which are required for performing the rite `madaikalam vaithal` in the marriage ceremony.
*Pandaaram: The pandaarams used to perform poojai for village gods. The pandaarams are also very good in cooking and they undertake the work of cooking also in Kongu Vellalar marriages.
*Maadhaari (shoemaker): The maadhaari or sakkili people are also involved in Kongu Vellalar marriages. These people make new chappals for bridegroom as well as bride and give them for a consideration. Wearing of new chapples made and supplied by the maadhaari is also a rite in Konge Vellalar marriage ceremony.
*Porutham paarthal (Examination of the agreement of horoscopes) Tholkaappiyar says that there are ten aspects of agreement (porutham) to be looked in to between the boy and girl. They are birth, quality of family, strength, age personality, attachment, humility, compassion, knowledge and wealth.
*Sagunam paarthal (Being guided by omens) Apart from seeing the horoscope, there was also the practice of taking guidance from omens (sagunam paarthal) in temples of respective 'kuladheivams'. Keeping flowers in front of god and watching the movement of the flower, listening to the voice and sound of lizard are some of omens, which are looked at before taking a decision on matrimonial matters. Only if the omen is good and positive, the green signal for the marriage will be given.
Mullai paattu', a Sangam Tamil poem, says that aged women will worship the God with paddy and flowers, praying for permission to take the decision on marriage alliance and hoping that good things will happen in future by this deed.
*Mutual visit to the houses of bride and bridegroom After coming to a decision that the proposal for marriage is satisfactory and can be gone through, the bridegroom's family members and close relatives will visit the house of the bride and see for themselves the state of affairs, the house, the land, quality of living, status and other such things and in the same manner, the bride's family members and close relatives will visit the bridegroom's house. Only after knowing and evaluating all these aspects and getting themselves satisfied with all relevant matters, will consent be given to the next stage called betrothal (nichayadhaartham).
*Betrothal (Nichayadhaartham or nichaya thaamboolam) After taking a decision that the marriage can be conducted, an auspicious day will be chosen and on that day, the bridegroom's family along with relatives and friends will go to the bride's house. The bride's parents as well as bridegroom's parents are called 'Sambandhi'. A plate containing fruits, betel and areca nut will be kept on a tripod. Persons from bride's side and the bridegroom's side will sit opposite to each other, with the tripod kept in between them and start holding discussions. The bridegroom's side will tell the bride's side that they have come to request their consent for the marriage alliance and the bride's side will reciprocate by giving their consent with pleasure. Then the two sides will exchange plates containing coconut and fruits. The girl will be called and given a plate containing new dresses and presents. After receiving the same, the bride will enter the dressing room and come out after wearing the new dress given by the bridegroom's side. The bride will be asked to keep in her lap betel, areca nut, turmeric, lemon, etc. and pay regards and respect to the elders present on that occasion to grace the betrothal function. By mutual consent, the date and time and the venue of the marriage are fixed. Thereafter, the bride's family hosts a feast called 'parupanchotru virundhu' (feast including rice and dhal) to mark the end of the betrothal event. In this context, it is to be pointed out that the bridegroom's side will not take food in bride's house unless and until the marriage is fixed and confirmed. This has been mentioned by Pulavar T.P.Chinnasami in his book 'Thirumana Sadangugalil Panpaadu'.
*Invitation for marriage Nowadays marriage invitation cards are printed and mostly sent by post. Only close relatives and close friends are invited personally by handing over invitation cards. In those days, the kudimagan used to go to each and every house in person for extending the invitation for marriage. The kudimagan will also specify the number of invitees in each house for the marriage. Even if person from the bride's family or bridegroom's family invited personally, the invitees will not attend the marriage unless the kudimagan comes in person and extends the invitation. Such was the importance attached to the extends the invitation. Such was the importance attached to the kudimagan's invitation in those days in Kongu Vellalar marriages.
*Rites before marriage As soon as the marriage is fixed, the relatives will voluntarily come forward to involve themselves in all the work relating to the marriage in bride's house and bridegroom's house. The relatives consider it an honour to go to the marriage house and do the works relating to the marriage. Work such as steaming paddy, cutting firewood, serving food to guests, erection of pandhal for the marriage is carried out only by relatives. All these actions and deeds show that in Kongu Vellalar community, the relatives are given due respect and that they render help voluntarily, bound by strong love and affection. The Kongu Vellalar marriage is an ancient one. It has unique qualities. The various rites in Kongu Vellalar marriages are conducted by an elderly person of the Kongu Vellalar community itself, called 'Arumaikaarar'. Raising of sacrificial fire and chanting of vedic hymns do not find a place in the marriage ceremony of Kongu Vellalar. The marriage rites reveal the fine qualities and rich traditions of Kongu Vellalar community. Wide publicity is given for the celebration of temporary structure (pandhal), cutting firewood and the loud beating of musical instruments. The events and rites such as 'pariyam' idudhal, betrothal, kulam kodhudhal and muhurthakaal naattudhal serve as evidence for the marriage. The rite "Aarathi eduthal" (a plate containing water mixed with turmaric and lime waved before newly married couple), "Senjoru aindhadai suttrudhal" (waving rice balls before newly married couple), and 'Arugumanam seidhal' are performed with a view to eliminating the blight caused due to evil eyes. Fasting and 'Kaappu Kattudhal' are rites which mark the determination of the bride and the bridegroom to enter into a new life. Tying of thaali by the bridegroom around the neck of the bride and exchanging of garlands in the presence of all gathered for the marriage ceremony mark the completion of the wedding. The blessings for the couple through mangala vaazhthu song are also considered to be the blessings of the people present for the marriage ceremony. 'Tharrai varthal' and 'Kaithalam pattrudhal' are rites which point out the rights and responsibilities of the bride and the bridegroom. Events such as steaming of paddy (nel vega vaithal), Cutting firewood and erection of pandhal (temporary structure) indicate the closeness among relatives. The rite 'thaayudan unnal' ('thaayudan unnal' is a very good quality) adds glory to the women community. The rite 'inai cheer' is a rite which shows the admirable quality of protecting the rights of women. Coming closer of relatives (bride's family and bridegroom's family) is made known and exhibited by rites such as 'Kai Korvai', 'seer koodai' procession and 'pudhy kalandhunnal'. The rite 'paadha poosai seithal 'signifies the respect shown by the bride and the bridegroom for their parents. The rite 'naattukal valhipaadu shows that any important event or activity is commenced only after paying regards and respect for community leaders and obtaining their blessings. When other communities have opened their gateway for Aryan and priestly rites, Kongu Vellalar community has not accepted the above rites for purpose of following. The main purpose of today's marriage movement is that all the marriage rites should be performed only in Tamil. This is being followed fully in Kongu Vellalar marriages. In each and every marriage, it is natural that certain rites take place. Marriage with out rites means marriage without irrational and foolish rites. Most of the rites of Kongu Vellalar marriages resembles those in marriages of the Sangam age.
Rich culture, high tradition, customs and habits of Kongu Vellalar, who are the indigenous clan of Tamil Nadu, are revealed in the various marriage rites. The Kongu Vellalar is comparable to the best in the world. The Kongu Vellalar, who were the chief architects of agriculture, can feel very proud of their unique and ancient culture, known extraordinary hard work, hospitality, helping nature, harmonious living with nature as well as othercommunities, courage, respecting women, high standards of living, prosperity and support to deserving.
The Kongu Vellalar marriage can be said to resemble the 'prajaapathyam' type marriage. In Kongu Vellalar marriage, the bridegroom's family goes to the bride's house, propose the marriage and request the consent of the bride's family for the alliance. After obtaining consent from the bride's family, the marriage takes place.
*Kongu Vellalar Marriage Rites and Marriage Venue In the Past, kongu Vellalar marriages took place in bride's house. In those days, it was the practice that only very close relatives were invited for the marriages. However, nowadays relatives, friends, neighbors and other known persons are being invited in large numbers for the marriages. For want of sufficient space and other needed facilities, the marriages are not held in the houses, but held in marriage halls which have come up in large numbers to suit the budget and requirements of all categories of people.
Marriage Season Dr Sasivalli, in her book 'Thamizhar Thirumanam' has stated as follows: Ancient Tamils considered spring (April-May) Season, day with moon and rogini and early morning time suitable for conducting the marriages. With passage of time, changes and modifications took place in season, day and time.
Kongu Vellalar do not conduct marriages in the months of Aadi and maargazhi. Generally, they do not choose even Chithirai for conducting the marriage. Marriages are held mostly in the months of Vaikaasi, Aani and Asvani taking into consideration the fact that the season will be good during these months and also jasmine flower of lovable fragrance which is required in large quantities for the marriage, will be available in plenty during this season. The marriages of Kongu Vellalar are celebrated for three consecutive days The First day event The first day event is called 'Naal virundhu'. On this day, close relatives of the bride and bridegroom will host feast for the bride's family and bridegroom's family respectively. The Second day event On the second day, marriage arrangements will be done by brining together all relatives. Events such as erection of pandhal (temporary shed), cutting of 'Muhurtha Kaal', hairdressing of bridegroom by kudimagan, informing the marriage event to village community by drum beating, hosting of feast for the relatives in the bride's family as well as bridegroom's family, bridegroom leaving for the bride's house will take place on the second day. The marriage event will take place in bride's house. The Third day event The mukurtham will take place on third day. The bride and the bridegroom will be seated on the marriage platform on completion of appropriate rites. The thaali (mangala naan) will be tied by the bridegroom around the bride's neck and mangala vaazhthu song will be recited.
The marriage events will come to a close with the serving of grand feast to all relatives, friends and neighbors. The marriage events will be performed by a respected elderly person of the community itself called arumaikaarar. This section explains the various events of the marriage ceremony. All the rites are performed only in the Tamil language.
*Kongu Vellalar Marriages in Tamil Literatures Kongu Vellalar had held high positions such as chieftains and army generals. Hence rites relating to government administration and war find their places in Kongu Vellalar marriages The events such as bridegroom riding a horse in olden days, giving gifts and presents including weapons are examples of the above. The main occupation of Kongu Vellalar was agriculture and they excelled in it by their hard work and dedicated efforts. Hence agriculture related rites such as boiling paddy and seer koodai formed part of the marriage rites of Kongu Vellalar.
*'Mangala vaazhthu' song The mangala vaazhthu song, which is, recited only in kongu Vellalar marriages. This song explains in detail and in sequence all the events related to a marriage from the beginning to the end. The song has been written in such a way that it describes the marriage events in a grand manner as if it is taking place in a king's family. The Status, life, style, culture, and nature of society and relationship of Kongu Vellalar are very well brought out by the above song. The mangala Vaazhthu song is qualified to be spoken literature.
The art of marriage Kongu Vellalar strives their best to lead a successful and prosperous domestic life after marriage.
Politics in Kongunadu today:
Kongunadu has nearly 70 assembly constituencies out of the total 234. This region has been economically strong but politically vwry weak because disunity among the majority Gounders.Today Gounders who are estimated to be the single largest caste in Tamilnadu of about 70-80 lakhs are represented only in 23/65 assembly constituencies. This is radically opposite to the 30/30 and 4 important ministers in the Rajaji berth. (The only caste given 4 ministers by the great Rajaji , not even Brahmins as he used to say Gounders are very honest). There are only two ministers now with dummy portfolios. Thevars have 30/38 MLAs and 4 ministers with strategic portfolios, Vanniars have 50/60 MLAs with 3 strategic ministeries in their respective areas. Central MP position is even bad 5/11 constituencies and no central ministers from the community while Vanniars and Thevars have 3 strategic ministers each. Gounders are thus all set to lose their status within the next 5 years.
Kongumandala satakam
Kongudesa rajakkal
(list of books in seperate catalogue)


text:
Friday, April 27, 2012
More of the States Mini-album
This is the most recent page that I have made. Illinois and in particular, Chicago. Why did I do this page this week? Well, Wendy at WM Squared Designs released a new kit this week called Great Escape: Chicago!
Wendy has been designing this fun packed series of kits for various travel locations. Not just the US. So be sure to check out all her Great Escape kits.
Here are some of my other pages.
California. Using the Great Escape and Great Escape California kit.
This one uses the Great Escape Washington kit.
I used the original Great Escape kit and a Silhouette shape to create the cover. The map was a free shape of the week in April. I've been adding a colored state shape to the map as we visit new places. Traveling is one of my most favorite activities to do with my family. There is still so much traveling I want to do!
There will be more Great Escape kits released in May! You can also grab some coordinating freebies on Wendy's blog. You can sign-up for Wendy's newsletter to be informed.
The album that I am using is a chipboard album that I got through Oriental Trading Company.
Shared at:
Aud Sentiments
Delightful Challenges (paper piecing the states)
Crop Stop (state bird)
SJ Crafts
Maggie Muggens Designs
|This is:
15 comments:
That's a cool album! Hope you get there someday!ReplyDelete
What a lovely way to commemorate where you have been! Thanks for sharing with us at Delightful this week hugs Susan xReplyDelete
Fabulous mini album with lots of wonderful details. Thanks for playing along with our CropStop Bird Challenge.ReplyDelete
Cathy these pages are really nice. What a wonderful album you will have when you are done!ReplyDelete
Fantastic album! I love how each page is reflective of where it is. Thanks so much for joining us at Crop Stop this week!ReplyDelete
I absolutely LOVE this! I love the pages, I love the cover, and I love the concept. May I recommend a cruise to Alaska for your future travels? Many of them leave from Seattle, which would allow you time to explore that gorgeous and fun city. And I can't say enough good things about Alaska. It's everything you've heard and more.ReplyDelete
What a fun idea! I love that! Although I think it is too late for my brain to try and remember what states I've visited. :)ReplyDelete
gorgeous! thanks for joining in this week at AUD Sentiments! Gemma :)ReplyDelete
Fabulous album to document the states you have visited! Love it!ReplyDelete
The amount of detail is amazing. I can image how much time you spent making it - truly a work of love. Thanks so much for sharing your creativity with us for our Anything Goes challenge at Aud Sentiments!ReplyDelete
Wow, so much to look at! I love your mini album. Hope you had fun joining in with the S J Crafts challenge!ReplyDelete
I love the idea of a state-a-page-mini album. I think I need to do this!! Thank you for linking it up at Paper Issues! You are featured today: http://paperissues.blogspot.com/2012/05/chicago-skyline.htmlReplyDelete
Just gorgeous!!! So much detail!! Thanks for joining in with the S J Crafts challenge!ReplyDelete
These pages are absolutely amazing! Love the tremendous amount of detail. TFS!ReplyDelete
Gorgeous mini! I love it. TFS!ReplyDelete
Thank you for taking the time to leave me a comment. I do read them all and appreciate each and every one!


text:
Local Government Information Projects
Please note that this information was current at the time of entry, and has not been updated.
Institution: GALILEO
Type of Institution: Other
Contact Person:
Phone or Email:
Project Title : Annual Reports of the Mayor of Savannah, 1855-1917
Project Description: The annual reports of the Mayor of the city of Savannah Georgia for the years 1855-1917 include information on city activities and finances, commercial statistics, health, death, and illness statistics, and information on trade, public schools, weather, c
Subject: Savannah, Georgia, history, statistics
SuDoc Numbers or Range:
Looking For Partners: No
Project Status: Complete
Sponsoring Institution: GALILEO, Digital Library of Georgia
Projected URL: http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/savannahmayor/
About the Project
Metadata Standard:
Format: DjVu
Contracting out the project:
Other Comments:
Institution: Epidemiology and Public Health Library, Yale University
Type of Institution: Academic
Contact Person: Matthew Wilcox
Phone or Email: (203) 785-5680, firstname.lastname@example.com
Project Title : New Haven Health
Project Description: Information on the past and present health of the greater New Haven community.
Subject: health, New Haven, statistics
SuDoc Numbers or Range:
Looking For Partners:
Project Status: Ongoing
Sponsoring Institution:
Projected URL: http://www.med.yale.edu/newhavenhealth/
About the Project
Metadata Standard:
Format: HTML, JPG
Contracting out the project:
Other Comments:


text:
Contact us.
Check out our other websites:
Penguin8.com - where you choose which path the adventure will take.
Disneyland Is Creativity - to help you remember what it takes to become more creative.
Get our books:
This site has 9 Easter Eggs.
There is one Kevin Sorbo Easter Egg that is a bit on the adult side.
See hints.
Thanks to our Patreon supporters:
Charter Member and Penguinator: Celia Wallis
Charter Members: Mary Hawkins
Drue M. Scott
Join us at our Patreon page!
Not sure what Patreon is?
Read about Patreon, how it works, and why you should help.
Proudly powered by Weebly


text:
Questions tagged [stalingrad]
Stalingrad, modern day Volgograd, is a city in southern Russia on the Volga river. During the World War II one of the largest and most important battles between German and Soviet troops occurred in the city.
416 views
How big were the two German pockets at the end of the battle of Stalingrad?
I've often read about Stalingrad, but one piece of info eludes me. At the time of their surrender, the Germans were reduced to 2 'pockets'. How big were they in terms of area?
794 views
Was the attempt to take Stalingrad a distraction to the original objectives of the German Sixth Army during Case Blue in 1942?
If the objective of Sixth Army was to close the Volga to Russian shipping while simultaneously protecting the left flank of the Caucasus forces, then attacking Stalingrad could be seen as a ...
908 views
Did it matter that the Red Army clung on to Stalingrad's West bank in 1942?
All histories of the Stalingrad battle emphasize the heroic defense of the west bank of the Volga by the Red Army in 1942. It implies that if the German 6th Army had just managed to oust the last ...
12k views
What was the role of Nikita Khrushchev during the battle of Stalingrad?
In the movie Enemy at the Gates there is a moment when Nikita Khrushchev comes to take control over the Soviet forces defending Stalingrad, even making previous commander commit suicide (is this true?)...
31k views
Did Erwin König Exist?
Erwin König Was a sniper supposedly killed by Vasily Zaytsev in the Battle of Stalingrad. The diary of Vasily Zaytsev mentions killing Erwin Konig, and there is a sniper scope in Russia, but there is ...


text:
California is home to 5 million Medicare beneficiaries. Our senior citizens deserve quality healthcare at a fair price. However, a new panel in Washington, D.C., is jeopardizing their care.
The Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) is a 15-person, unelected board with the authority to impose sweeping, arbitrary cuts to Medicare if it determines that costs are growing too quickly. IPAB lacks feasible checks and balances. It is not subject to administrative or judicial oversight.
Each year, if Medicare's growth exceeds a predetermined rate, IPAB has the power to step in and make cost-cutting "recommendations" to Congress. While lawmakers can theoretically adjust the types of cuts proposed, IPAB ultimately determines how much must be cut.
Congress members can only change the specific areas of Medicare hit by IPAB's sharp scissors with a two-thirds supermajority vote or an entirely new cost-cutting proposal. If they fail to do so, the panel's recommendations are automatically implemented as law.
We all know Congress is polarized and often doesn't make deadlines for implementing budgetary measures. This obstacle makes it likely that IPAB recommendations will become law.
Fortunately, Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden Grove) just signed on to a measure to protect seniors' access to Medicare. The legislation she's cosponsoring with a bipartisan group of Congress members from across the country would repeal IPAB. For the sake of seniors in California and across the country, all representatives must join Sanchez's bipartisan effort to stop IPAB.
It's critical to the health of Medicare beneficiaries to rein in this board. Passing this legislation, the Protecting Seniors' Access to Medicare Act, is vital to preserving Medicare's standard of care.
Physicians who currently treat Medicare patients take a substantial pay cut to do so. Last July, the Congressional Budget Office predicted that Medicare compensation for physicians' services to enrollees will be reduced by 27 percent throughout 2013.
This makes IPAB's likely choices that much worse. The elderly and disabled may need healthcare the most, but their access to treatment will be limited. Medicare patients will end up with fewer choices of physicians, shorter doctor's visits and longer waits between appointments.
Our elderly aren't the only vulnerable population that would be devastated by the IPAB's cuts. Medicare reductions will dramatically affect Lupus patients, who require highly trained specialists to manage their conditions.
Already, about 1 in 4 Americans suffering from Lupus relies on Medicare or another government program to receive treatment. Medicare cuts imposed by IPAB could be a major obstacle for a struggling group of people who critically need medical care.
Most Americans agree that Medicare must be reformed. But changes should be thoughtful and deliberate and made by elected officials who can be held accountable at the ballot box.
IPAB was created to circumvent the people, imposing unpopular choices by mandate without meaningful limits on its authority. This board jeopardizes the health of the very people we should be protecting.
The only solution is for more lawmakers to join Sanchez, voting to protect Medicare enrollees and repeal this bureaucratic and uncountable board.
HOLLAINE HOPKINS is executive director of the Lupus Foundation of Southern California.


text:
Auschwitz I Electrified Fence
The first view is of one of the streets that run almost the entire width of the camp. Scrolling to the right, pause in the middle of the double fence This was built by the first prisoners in 1940. It was electrified and warning signs were posted along it. See: [link]. Moving back to the virtual tour note the precision in its construction. Not only is this representative of the German talent for order, but also it indicates just how dedicated the creation of the SS concentrationary universe.


text:
Actiontec Electronics Inc
Dell TrueMobile 300 Bluetooth Internal card
Driver File Information
|Actiontec Electronics Inc
|Supported Devices:
|Actiontec USB Bluetooth Device BTM200
Alps Bluetooth Device
Alps Bluetooth Firmware Upgrade Device
Belkin Bluetooth Device
Bluetooth by hp
[full list]
|Operating Systems:
|Win 2K, Win XP, Win Server 2K3
|264 times
|File Size:
|20.3 MiB
|File Name:
|Actiontec USB Bluetooth Device BTM200
|Download DriverAgent to get the most current drivers for your computer.
Driver Tools
Having Trouble? Don't know which driver is the problem? Try DriverAgent a FREE tool offered by our friends, TouchStone Software.
DriverAgent scans, identifies the bad drivers and displays the results. Simple, easy and FREE! Try DriverAgent today.


text:
POD is minimal. There is a good synopsis, and that's it. Code comments are in Portuguese. (Documentation=2)
This module seems to be focused on the author's specific problem: it requires input files to be called "1.txt", "2.txt" and so forth, and creates a seven column CSV file as output. Therefore is very difficult to reuse. (Ease of use=2)
From the synopsis:
use Text::Statistics::Latin;
&LATIN("4"); #3 (4-1) texts will be analised.
The interface needs refactoring. (Interface=1)
It exports a single method called LATIN (why is it UPPERCASE?). The method is exported by default, when it should have used @EXPORT_OK.
This method is 268 lines long and tries to do so much. The problem is the high complexity and deeply nested code structure.
The code use package variables.
The distribution needs more tests: the only test is if the module can be used (use_ok('Text::Statistics::Latin')).
Overall: the module is an important contribution but needs to be refactored.


text:
Driver who struck and fatally injured MIT visiting professor has been identified, officials say
The driver of the truck that struck and killed visiting MIT scientist Kanako Miura as she rode her bicycle near Kenmore Square on Sunday has been identified, said two law enforcement officials. He is cooperating with investigators, one of the officials said.
Miura was riding near the intersection of Beacon Street and Charlesgate West at about 3:30 p.m. when she was hit by a truck and sustained massive injuries. Miura, 36, had been working at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology since the fall of 2012 in the university's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.
Miura was a native of Japan, according to the Cambridge school.
The driver, whose name has not been released, has not been charged yet, the officials said.
He was questioned on Sunday. Officials said it was not immediately clear if the driver knew he had struck anyone as he drove through the busy Kenmore Square area.
Soon after the accident, Boston police spoke to eyewitnesses who said the vehicle was as large as a garbage truck, one of the officials said. The driver was stopped by police a short distance from the crash. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the media.
The size and weight of the truck would have made it possible for the driver to hit Miura without realizing it, the officials said.
The death came just four days after Mayor Thomas M. Menino made a pledge to cut the cyclist crash injury rate in Boston.


text:
Slim Leg Stretch Jean
Select ProvinceWestern CapeEastern CapeFree StateGautengKwaZulu-NatalLimpopoMpumalangaNorthern CapeNorth WestNamibia
*Required fields
Copyright Queenspark 2018 | Website Terms & Conditions
Queenspark. All Rights Reserved.
Use the search box to find the product you are looking for.
Username or email *
Password *
Lost Password?
Create Account
No products in the cart.


text:
BOSTON — A glass bottle released by a Massachusetts oceanographer in 1956 has been found off Nova Scotia.
The bottle was among thousands dumped in the Atlantic Ocean between 1956 and 1972 as part of a program by Woods Hole oceanographer Dean Bumpus to study surface and bottom currents.
About 10 percent of the 300,000 drift bottles have been found over the years. The latest find was made by a biologist who is studying gray seals. Warren Joyce found the bottle in January in a pile of debris on Sable Island.
Joyce said it was like "finding treasure." He returned the bottle to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution on Cape Cod, including the location data sought by Bumpus.
His reward will be exactly what Bumpus promised in 1956 to anyone who returned a bottle: a 50-cent piece.
Schools and Education
University of Arkansas – Fort Smith leader named UMF's next president
Maine Crime
Trial begins for Maine man accused of rape, murder of former classmate
U.S. existing-home sales decline for fifth time in six months
Maine Crime
Charges dropped in deal with former Maine lawmaker
Judge tosses lawsuit over Biddeford parking kiosks


text:
Minnesota colleges are sending fewer students abroad as other states are sending more.
Over three years, the number of Minnesota college students who study abroad slipped 7.3 percent, a report released Monday by the Institute of International Education shows. The state's figure first dropped in 2008-09, along with the economy. But nationally, study-abroad numbers have since rebounded to record levels. Not so here.
Minnesota has long been a leader in sending students overseas for the scholarly and cultural experiences officials say are critical in today's global economy. But the state has fallen out of the top 10. For two years, it has held 11th place, an analysis of the new report shows.
Its top school is still tops. St. Olaf College in Northfield once again ranked first nationally in 2010-11, the most recent year reported, among baccalaureate institutions in the number of students who studied abroad. The University of Minnesota, which has pumped up its program over the past decade, placed third in the country among its kind.
But at several colleges, study abroad participation has stalled. At a few state universities, it fell dramatically. About 200 students at Minnesota State University, Mankato studied abroad in 2010-11, down almost 40 percent from 2007-08 and 2008-09.
"It all has to do with the economy," said Caryn Lindsay, the university's director of international programs. "Our students are often working other jobs. They have responsibilities at home. Often, they have to get co-signers to support their education.
"So when the economy went down, they had less cash available to spend on something which many people see as kind of an extra."
Elizabeth Lohrenz had her heart set on taking classes abroad since high school. At Mankato, majoring in international relations and geography, she made plans to spend a semester of her junior year in Austria, where she could refine her German. But after failing to nab a national scholarship, the program's $17,000 price tag seemed too steep.
She backed out. But she didn't give up.
The following summer, she went on a shorter, cheaper program in Russia, traveling from St. Petersburg to Magadan to Moscow.
"It was such a unique experience -- maybe a little different than the traditional study-abroad experience," said Lohrenz, who is paying for college partly through federal grants and loans. For Russia, Lohrenz got that scholarship. "It was a huge, huge blessing."
Her route reflects national trends. Since the recession, more students have chosen shorter programs, according to the "Open Doors" report.
Colleges find other options
Colleges and universities must be more flexible to help students find ways to get abroad, said Allan Goodman, of the Institute of International Education. "Probably very few people" can study abroad during junior year, as is traditional, he noted.
In the past decade, the University of Minnesota has nearly doubled the number of its students who study abroad.
After a two-year drop, the university's numbers rebounded in 2010-11, thanks in part to a focus on first-year students. About 2,560 students on the Twin Cities campus studied abroad in 2010-11, the third-highest total among doctoral institutions, the report shows. Only New York University and Michigan State University counted more.
"We've created a range of options for students," including first-year seminars with a chance to study internationally, said Meredith McQuaid, associate vice president and dean of international programs. Oftentimes, "students who are exposed to short-term study abroad take advantage of studying abroad for a longer time before they graduate."
At St. Olaf, fewer students are going on shorter programs, said Eric Lund, director of international and off-campus studies. Meanwhile, the college has seen a slight uptick in semester-long programs, for which it's sometimes easier to get financial aid. Overall, the college's total numbers have plateaued.
"When we've asked students about the barriers, usually cost is at the top of the list," Lund said. But he also wonders if the push toward internships and research have more students choosing those practical opportunities instead.
Other states catching up
Nationally, more students are choosing destinations outside of Europe, although the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain still top the list. But countries such as China and India are making gains. While the slice of students who study abroad is still small, participation has tripled over the past two decades, the report says. After a dip in 2008-09, it grew again. In 2010-11, it rose 1.3 percent.
'A mecca for study abroad'
Minnesota's participation dipped in 2010-11 by 0.2 percent. Some of Minnesota's slide in the national rankings is due to other states' gains. Minnesota has always lagged behind states with much bigger populations, including California and New York, but it used to beat Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. No longer.
"Minnesota has been considered a mecca for study abroad," said Sarah Spencer, director of study abroad at the University of St. Thomas. "We were, as a state, ahead of the country for a very long time.
"Other states are catching up."
Jenna Ross 612-673-7168 Twitter: @ByJenna


text:
First off, I am very happy to announce that I am now working with the Brooklyn Flea. The esteemed creator and curator of all things Flea, Eric Demby, has hired me to help him out with blogging and other editorial tidbits, so check out my stuff at brooklynflea.com. There are just a few posts up there to start before Eric lets me go crazy with all the great things there are to say about the Flea, its vendors and fans. It's a very exciting opportunity and I can't wait for the summertime shopping and eating to be had (the outdoor markets start April 2 in Ft. Greene and April 3 at the new riverfront location in Williamsburg).
I'm now directly involved with BK Swappers, a group created for cooks/canners/picklers/bakers/makers and all around cool domestic types to share their homemade goods. BK Swappers was started by Kate Payne and Megan Paska, both of who are my heroes—these women couldn't be more motivating and amazing. In her upcoming book, The Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking, Kate is taking back the phrase homemaker and making it about as empowering as it gets. I am truly honored that she was willing to hand-off some of the swap responsibilities to me when she moved back to Austin, TX. Meg is a beekeeper, urban gardener and soon-to-be author, and she makes me wish that I lived in a building where I could keep chickens in my backyard (she has bees AND chickens! in Greenpoint!). The next swap is to take place on February 27, and though it sold out in record time, send me a note if you're interested in getting involved in upcoming events. I predict that the swaps are going to hit another level of amazingness soon, so watch out.
I'm continuing my food-focused freelance work with recent writing published in amNY and Metromix; I contributed to a few of NYC & Company's travel guides while also doing various editing and writing projects for them (they are the official tourism agency for New York City, so I am pleased to promote the city I love); I've been copy editing for V and Manhattan magazines with hours scheduled at Interview next month; and have fun articles planned at some new outlets for me, like Garden Design's website.
Thanks for checking in on me. Very nice of you.


text:
Sigourney Weaver and David Hyde Pierce's hit Broadway comedy "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike" has turned into a New York money-maker after recouping its entire $2.75 million investment.
The show, co-starring Billy Magnussen and Kristine Nielsen, received a big box office boost following its win for Best Play at the Tony Awards last month, and now producers have something else to celebrate after the production moved into profit in the 17 weeks since its March opening.
"Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike" joins an elite group of profitable shows this season, including Tom Hanks' "Lucky Guy" and Bette Midler's "I'll Eat You Last."
The play's run was recently extended until the end of August, although Weaver will be replaced by Julie White after she bows out of the production on July 28 due to prior filming commitments.


text:
MACON, Ga. – Lipscomb freshman Sally Larson has one collegiate race under her belt. She can now add Atlantic Sun Cross Country Runner of the Week to her accomplishments.
The league announced Wednesday afternoon that Larson was the top runner after the first weekend of races.
"Sally ran a very impressive first collegiate race," Bill Taylor, director of cross country and track and field, said. "She worked really well with Tessa (Hoefle) and ran tough."
Larson, a native of Falls City, Wash., finished second overall but was the top collegiate runner at the Belmont Opener in 17:54.10. The time was a course record on Lipscomb's home turf and home of the 2013 A-Sun Championships.
"She's been part of a group that has been doing things in practice already that we've never seen before in any practice at any point of any season," Taylor said. "Sally will just get stronger.
"She had a terrific debut and is a major addition to our program as a runner and as a person."


text:
what to do?
So, I tried 2x1 ribbing, an idea I got from a sweater I bought this weekend. I hated it. Then I tried a hem again, hated it, then 2x1 ribbing again tonight and remembered that I hated it. So, you can see the hem I tried again in this picture, the white, but it's just pretty awful. I don't know what to do with all of the edges now, and I think the sleeve I've been experimenting on is starting to look tortured. I don't like rolled edges, so I can't just leave it as it is and cast off. I like the edges on this sweater, but that means hems again, and I think this yarn is just too bulky for hems. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Thanks! Nat