Hello am I a Vadadesathu Vadama Iyer living in the USA. I never learnt much of my subcastes history. Can anyone explain to me our origins? I am from Northern Tamil Nadu. Wondering if we come from Brahmin groups further North migrating down South or if we have a more native origin.
Origin of Vadadesathu Vadama Iyers
- Thread starter Hari-Krishna444
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prasad1
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We were told that we belong to this subcaste. I grew up in Jamshedpur and now reside in the USA.
This is what Gemini has to say:
The Vadama are a significant sub-sect of the Iyer community, who are Tamil-speaking Smarta Brahmins. The term "Vadama" is derived from the Tamil word "Vadakku," meaning "North," which traditionally refers to their northern origins relative to other Brahmin groups in the region.
Origins and Migration
There are several historical and traditional accounts regarding the origins of the Vadama Iyers:
Migration from the Deccan: One historical view suggests they descended from Brahmins in the Desh region (encompassing parts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh). They are believed to have migrated to the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh and eventually into northern Tamil Nadu around the 16th century.
Northern River Basins: Other accounts suggest an even earlier migration from northern India via the Narmada River basin, arriving during or before the Chola era.
Linguistic & Ritual Interpretation: Some scholars argue that "Vadama" does not only refer to geography but also to their strict adherence to Sanskrit and Vedic rituals, which were traditionally associated with northern traditions before the first millennium CE.
Vadadesathu Vadama vs. Other Sub-sects
The Vadama community is further divided into internal groups based on their settlement patterns:
Vadadesathu Vadama (Vada Desa Vadama): These are the "Vadamas of the northern country," specifically linked to northern Tamil Nadu and regions further north. Notable historical figures like the scholar Appayya Dikshitar belonged to this sub-sect and are said to have migrated from areas near Nasik.
Choladesathu Vadama: These are the "Vadamas of the Chola country," primarily associated with the Chola heartland (Tanjore/Thanjavur region).
Sabhaiyar: Another sub-division referring to members of a specific conference or "Sabha."
Historical and Social Context
Royal Patronage: Historically, Vadama Iyers served as scholars, priests, and administrators. They received significant patronage from the rulers of Vellore (Chinnabomma Nayak) and Madurai (Tirumalai Nayak).
Religious Contributions: They are credited with significantly popularizing and propagating the worship of Shiva and Devi in South India.
Compiled by me, not original or personal knowledge.
Modern Era: During the 19th and 20th centuries, many Vadamas transitioned into roles within the civil services, judiciary, and engineering, moving to cities like Mumbai and Delhi or settling abroad.
This is what Gemini has to say:
The Vadama are a significant sub-sect of the Iyer community, who are Tamil-speaking Smarta Brahmins. The term "Vadama" is derived from the Tamil word "Vadakku," meaning "North," which traditionally refers to their northern origins relative to other Brahmin groups in the region.
Origins and Migration
There are several historical and traditional accounts regarding the origins of the Vadama Iyers:
Migration from the Deccan: One historical view suggests they descended from Brahmins in the Desh region (encompassing parts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh). They are believed to have migrated to the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh and eventually into northern Tamil Nadu around the 16th century.
Northern River Basins: Other accounts suggest an even earlier migration from northern India via the Narmada River basin, arriving during or before the Chola era.
Linguistic & Ritual Interpretation: Some scholars argue that "Vadama" does not only refer to geography but also to their strict adherence to Sanskrit and Vedic rituals, which were traditionally associated with northern traditions before the first millennium CE.
Vadadesathu Vadama vs. Other Sub-sects
The Vadama community is further divided into internal groups based on their settlement patterns:
Vadadesathu Vadama (Vada Desa Vadama): These are the "Vadamas of the northern country," specifically linked to northern Tamil Nadu and regions further north. Notable historical figures like the scholar Appayya Dikshitar belonged to this sub-sect and are said to have migrated from areas near Nasik.
Choladesathu Vadama: These are the "Vadamas of the Chola country," primarily associated with the Chola heartland (Tanjore/Thanjavur region).
Sabhaiyar: Another sub-division referring to members of a specific conference or "Sabha."
Historical and Social Context
Royal Patronage: Historically, Vadama Iyers served as scholars, priests, and administrators. They received significant patronage from the rulers of Vellore (Chinnabomma Nayak) and Madurai (Tirumalai Nayak).
Religious Contributions: They are credited with significantly popularizing and propagating the worship of Shiva and Devi in South India.
Compiled by me, not original or personal knowledge.
Modern Era: During the 19th and 20th centuries, many Vadamas transitioned into roles within the civil services, judiciary, and engineering, moving to cities like Mumbai and Delhi or settling abroad.
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