elanikkondades

Elanikkondades is a Tamil term referring to a specific type of kinship system. In traditional Tamil society, elanikkondades denote a unit smaller than a village, often formed by two or more exogamous groups of related families.

The term "elanikkondades" is derived from the Tamil words "elan", meaning subject or follower, and "kondades", meaning a group or gathering. In essence, elanikkondades are intermediate social units found in Tamil villages, often characterized by shared ritual and economic ties between families.

These kinship groups are typically organized around a focal family or a family of high social status. The members of these groups often participate in shared activities, such as festivals and economic ventures, and cooperate in times of need. Elanikkondades may also have a formal leadership structure, with specific roles and responsibilities.

Elanikkondades have been identified in several ethnic groups in southern India and Sri Lanka, including the Tamil-speaking communities of southern India, northern Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lankan Tamil minority in India. The significance of elanikkondades lies in their ability to organize social relationships across generations, creating complex networks of shared responsibilities and obligations.

The existence and importance of elanikkondades have been acknowledged by various anthropologists and ethnographers, who have studied the social structures and kinship systems of Tamil communities. Despite their specific context within traditional Tamil society, elanikkondades offer insights into the complex web of relations and alliances that underpin human social organization.