The landlord community throughout much of traditional Tamil Nadu.
Although technically the Vellalas were of shudra status, their control over the land gave them considerable influence and prestige in the region.
The Vellala community was the source for many of the Alvars,
a group of twelve poet-saints whose stress on passionate devotion (bhakti) to
the god Vishnu transformed and revitalized Hindu religious life.
Most of the Alvars’ influence undoubtedly stemmed from the
strength of their religious devotion, but this was undoubtedly reinforced by
Vellala status as a land holding community.
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