Kongu Vellala Goundars are known by a common name Goundars. They are known as the descendants of warriors, who fought for the Chola and Chera kingdoms in South India. In the later years, their interest in the agricultural development has earned them the name Kongu Vellala Goundars. The community is also called by other names, which include Nattu Goundars-Kattu Goundars, Narambukatti Goundars, Senthalai Goundars, Padathalai Goundars, and Irumudi Goundars.

The goundar community is more prominent in places such as Palani Taluq of Madurai, Salem, Dharmapuri, Periyar, and Coimbatore districts. The total area of their living covers around 7500 Sq. miles and it is commonly known as the Kongu Region. Though the region has a number of flowing rivers such as Cauveri, Neyyar, Amaravathi, and Bhavani, being in a dry plain it receives only scanty annual rainfall. The area mostly depends on deep bore ground wells for irrigation.

Goundar caste includes 145 family names also known as kootam, gothram, or clan. The names often resemble the name of a flower (Araiyan), tree (Oodaalan), fish (Avuriyan), a bird (Antuvan) or human body parts. The names of the kootams are similar to the names used during the old Tamil Sangam period.

Goundar caste includes 145 family names also known as kootam, gothram, or clan. The names often resemble the name of a flower (Araiyan), tree (Oodaalan), fish (Avuriyan), a bird (Antuvan) or human body parts. The names of the kootams are similar to the names used during the old Tamil Sangam period.

The community known for their hard work follows well-refined wedding customs which amply reflect their living style. Every rite performed during their marriage is unique and carry a specific reason. These marriage rituals follow old Tamil Sangam age practices as a base. Over the time they have undergone changes in tone with the available facilities, changing habits and technology while some of them do not exist now.