kootam
Kootam is a term used in Tamil to denote a group, assembly, or social unit. In Tamil-speaking regions, it describes a neighborhood- or kinship-based collective that coordinates communal activities, such as agricultural tasks, festivals, or mutual aid. The sense of kootam ranges from informal social circles to more organized groups like clubs or committees, depending on context. The word is also used to refer to a unit within a village or town, such as a “kootam of farmers” or a youth group, emphasizing social ties and cooperative action rather than formal institutions.
Beyond Tamil, similar forms appear in other South Indian languages with related meanings, reflecting a common
Because the term is broad and context-dependent, its precise meaning can vary by region and community. In