Chozhia Vellalar

Chozhia Vellalar (also spelt as Sozhia Vellalar) is a subcaste of Vellalar from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. They are a land owning agricultural community

Distribution and migration
The Sozhiya Vellalars were present predominantly in the delta districts of Tamil Nadu - Trichy, Thanjavur, Karur, Namakkal, Mannargudi, Nagappattinam. Nowadays they are present in almost all the districts of Tamil Nadu, albeit in smaller numbers.

Though the distribution of the community is found in most of the districts, they migrated to the other parts of Tamil Nadu from Trichy and Thanjavur areas towards the middle and second half of the 19th century. As they moved in, they always followed the river bed areas for settlement. Thus, the said community when came to Salem District they initially settled at Palamedu. When their life at Palamedu became difficult due to Theechati Kolliyars (Dacoits with fire) they moved out. Of these the persons who moved to Pandamangalam area were farmers and the traders moved into Proper Salem. They settled as trader dealing in betel leaves and thus earning the name Vatrilaikarar.

The Chola Vellalas were generally agriculturists, temporary warlords, large landowners and petty rulers of the Chola country. Belonging to Saivism, they had attained a position of superiority since the rule of the Cholas. From the inscriptions and inscriptions, it can be known that the Chola Vellalar played a major role in the Chola government from high positions such as ministers, army commanders, government officials, village chiefs.

Present status
In the state of Tamil Nadu they are classified as Other Backward Class under India's Reservation system.