Velama
Encyclopedia
Velama or the Velama Doralu(Lord) is a social group found mainly in Andhra Pradesh
. Velamas are classed as "Upper Shudras". The history of Velama's is as old as Telugu bravery. Military exploits of Velamas form an important part of Telugu tradition, history and folklore. The battles of Palnadu, Bobbili and their battles on behalf of Kakatiya and Vijaynagar empires speak volumes about their chivilary and martial spirit. According to Edgar Thurston, Russel etc., the martial social groups of Velama and Kamma share a common ancestry but got separated in the early medieval times. The earliest occurrence of ‘Velama’ in inscriptions dates from Mid-Fifteenth century. According to few historians, the warriors who migrated from Velanadu (part of present day Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh) to Kakatiya empire in 11th century came to be called as ‘Velama’.
king Rudra I (1158-1195 CE). According to Velugotivari Vamsavali and Padmanayakacharitra, texts written in medieval times, farmers (Kapus) became Kammas and Velamas. In medieval times the term 'Kapu' meant a farmer or protector.
"...kaalachoditamuna kaakateevarugolchi kaapulella velama kammalairi"
Badabanala Bhatta, the minister in the court of Ganapatideva prescribed Surnames and Gothras of Velamas.
Kakatiya
king Prataparudra entrusted the defence of Warangal
to 77 Padmanayaka clans. Velamas constituted a significant proportion of the broader "Padmanayaka" group. Velamas have 77 gothras and 77 flags in earlier times. According to Cynthia Talbot, Velama and Padmanayaka are not synonymous. Velama and Padmanayaka were listed as separate communities in Bhimeswara Puranamu. Famous Telugu
poet Srinatha (14th century CE), while describing the social divisions during his time, categorized Padmanayaka, Velama and Kamma in his Bhimeswara Puranamu.
".....andu padmanayakulana, velamalana, kammalana trimarga gangapravahambulumbole gotrambulanniyeni jagatpavitrambulai pravahimpachunda"
In addition, an inscription in Telangana (1613 AD) stated one man a Padmanayaka and ascribed 'Velama' clan status to another.
region is located in the Guntur District
of Andhra Pradesh
. One Dodda Nayudu and his son Brahma Nayudu of Recherla dynasty served as ministers under Haihayas
kings such as Alugu Raju
ruling at Macherla
. Brahma Nayudu was a progressive leader with egalitarian ideals. Nalagama Raju and Narasinga Raju were ruling at Gurajala, a small town near Macherla. Nagamma, a widow and an orthodox minister, did not relish the progressive ideals of Brahma. In a cock fight, a popular sport of those times, Macherla lost to Gurajala. Brahma and his followers had to live in exile as part of the gamble. Subsequent to the return from exile tensions between both the kings led to the battle of Palnadu
(1182 CE) at Karempudi village. Macherla was defeated, a generation of warriors perished and Brahma Nayudu took to renunciation. As an aftermath of this war Kakatiya
s extended their rule to coastal Andhra region and several Velama warriors migrated to Warangal
.
dominion in Telangana
region. The Jetaprolu family gave rise to Rajas of Bobbili
, Pithapuram
, Nuzividu, Narasaraopeta, Malleshwaram (Krishna District
), Mylavaram
and Venkatagiri
)
was the first Indian governor of the Madras Presidency
under British rule, and the first mayor of erstwhile Madras post-independence. He was held in high regard for his philanthropy.
'K Yarram Naidu ... Ex.MP & TDP State Sr Leader
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
. Velamas are classed as "Upper Shudras". The history of Velama's is as old as Telugu bravery. Military exploits of Velamas form an important part of Telugu tradition, history and folklore. The battles of Palnadu, Bobbili and their battles on behalf of Kakatiya and Vijaynagar empires speak volumes about their chivilary and martial spirit. According to Edgar Thurston, Russel etc., the martial social groups of Velama and Kamma share a common ancestry but got separated in the early medieval times. The earliest occurrence of ‘Velama’ in inscriptions dates from Mid-Fifteenth century. According to few historians, the warriors who migrated from Velanadu (part of present day Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh) to Kakatiya empire in 11th century came to be called as ‘Velama’.
Origin
The division of warrior clans of Telugu land into many social groups commenced during the time of KakatiyaKakatiya
The Kakatiya dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled most parts of what is now Andhra Pradesh, India from 1083 CE to 1323 CE, with Orugallu , now Warangal , as its capital. Orugallu is also called 'Eka Sila Nagaram'...
king Rudra I (1158-1195 CE). According to Velugotivari Vamsavali and Padmanayakacharitra, texts written in medieval times, farmers (Kapus) became Kammas and Velamas. In medieval times the term 'Kapu' meant a farmer or protector.
"...kaalachoditamuna kaakateevarugolchi kaapulella velama kammalairi"
Badabanala Bhatta, the minister in the court of Ganapatideva prescribed Surnames and Gothras of Velamas.
Kakatiya
Kakatiya
The Kakatiya dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled most parts of what is now Andhra Pradesh, India from 1083 CE to 1323 CE, with Orugallu , now Warangal , as its capital. Orugallu is also called 'Eka Sila Nagaram'...
king Prataparudra entrusted the defence of Warangal
Warangal
Warangal is a city and a municipal corporation in Warangal district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Warangal is located northeast of the state capital of Hyderabad and is the administrative headquarters of Warangal District. This district is a combination of three cities: Warangal,...
to 77 Padmanayaka clans. Velamas constituted a significant proportion of the broader "Padmanayaka" group. Velamas have 77 gothras and 77 flags in earlier times. According to Cynthia Talbot, Velama and Padmanayaka are not synonymous. Velama and Padmanayaka were listed as separate communities in Bhimeswara Puranamu. Famous Telugu
Telugu people
The Telugu people or Telugu Prajalu are an ethnic group of India. They are the native speakers of the Telugu language, the most commonly spoken language in India after Hindi and Bengali...
poet Srinatha (14th century CE), while describing the social divisions during his time, categorized Padmanayaka, Velama and Kamma in his Bhimeswara Puranamu.
".....andu padmanayakulana, velamalana, kammalana trimarga gangapravahambulumbole gotrambulanniyeni jagatpavitrambulai pravahimpachunda"
In addition, an inscription in Telangana (1613 AD) stated one man a Padmanayaka and ascribed 'Velama' clan status to another.
Palnadu Battle
PalnaduPalnadu
Palnadu is the northern region of Guntur District in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Pallava Nadu, it occupies an important place in Telugu history. After the decline of the Satavahana dynasty, the Pallavas became independent in Krishna river valley. The region is known as...
region is located in the Guntur District
Guntur district
Guntur district is located in Andhra Pradesh along the east coast of Bay of Bengal. The district has a coastline of around 100 kilometers. Guntur City is the largest city in the district and administrative center of Guntur District. The district is a major center for learning.-Etymology:There are...
of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
. One Dodda Nayudu and his son Brahma Nayudu of Recherla dynasty served as ministers under Haihayas
Haihayas
The Haihayas were an ancient confederacy of five ganas , who claimed their common ancestry from Yadu. According to the Harivamsha Purana...
kings such as Alugu Raju
Raju
Raju may refer to:* Raju, a Telugu caste of India* Venkatapathy Raju is a former Indian left arm spin bowler* Rajuvula, an Indo-Scythian ruler*MMA Raju, an Estonian mixed martial arts promotion...
ruling at Macherla
Macherla
Macherla is a town and a municipality in Guntur District in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the bank of Chandra Vanka.- Geography :Macherla is located at . It has an average elevation of 136 metres ....
. Brahma Nayudu was a progressive leader with egalitarian ideals. Nalagama Raju and Narasinga Raju were ruling at Gurajala, a small town near Macherla. Nagamma, a widow and an orthodox minister, did not relish the progressive ideals of Brahma. In a cock fight, a popular sport of those times, Macherla lost to Gurajala. Brahma and his followers had to live in exile as part of the gamble. Subsequent to the return from exile tensions between both the kings led to the battle of Palnadu
Palnadu
Palnadu is the northern region of Guntur District in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Pallava Nadu, it occupies an important place in Telugu history. After the decline of the Satavahana dynasty, the Pallavas became independent in Krishna river valley. The region is known as...
(1182 CE) at Karempudi village. Macherla was defeated, a generation of warriors perished and Brahma Nayudu took to renunciation. As an aftermath of this war Kakatiya
Kakatiya
The Kakatiya dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled most parts of what is now Andhra Pradesh, India from 1083 CE to 1323 CE, with Orugallu , now Warangal , as its capital. Orugallu is also called 'Eka Sila Nagaram'...
s extended their rule to coastal Andhra region and several Velama warriors migrated to Warangal
Warangal
Warangal is a city and a municipal corporation in Warangal district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Warangal is located northeast of the state capital of Hyderabad and is the administrative headquarters of Warangal District. This district is a combination of three cities: Warangal,...
.
Kakatiya period
Velama warriors formed the bulwark of Kakatiya army and fought many victorious battles. Some illustrious Kakatiya commanders of Velama group are:Ganapathi Deva Period (1199–1262 A.D.)
- Recherla Rudra, Commander-In-Chief of Kakatiya king Ganapatideva's army.
- Recherla Raja Nayaka helped Ganapatideva in conquering parts of Kalinga, Vengi and Bastar.
Rani Rudrama Devi Period (1259–1289 A.D.)
- Recherla Prasaditya, along with other Reddi and Kayastha Nayaks (Gona Gannaiah, Jannigadeva, Tripurari, Ambadeva) helped consolidate the position of Rani Rudrama DeviRani Rudrama DeviRani Rudrama Devi was one of the most prominent rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty on the Deccan Plateau, being one of the few ruling queens in Indian history. She was born, as Rudramba, to King Ganapathideva...
against nobles and her step-brothers.
Prataparudra II Period (1289–1323 A.D.)
Prataparudra II entrusted the defense of the Warangal predominantly to Velama Nayakas.- Recherla Venna, along with other Nayaks (Pothuganti Maili), fought and cut short the expedition of Alauddin KhiljiAlauddin KhiljiAli Gurshap Khan better known by his titular name as Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji was the second ruler of the Turko-Afghan Khilji dynasty in India.He was a well and capable ruler. He belonged to the Afghanized Turkic tribe of the Khiljis...
at Upparapalli (now in Karimnagar) in 1303 CE.
- Recherla Singama Nayaka established his own independent Kingdom with Rachakonda, now in Nalgonda Dist, as his capital.
Rachakonda Kingdom
Recherla Singama Nayaka, the first King of Recherla clan of Velamas, was closely followed by the Devarakonda Chiefs. Stories of his valour are sung as ballads. His sons Anavota Nayaka and Mada Nayaka carried on his legacy after his assassination by Jallipalli Kshatriyas.Devarakonda Kingdom
Eight kings ruled Deverakonda from 1287 to 1475 CE. Some of the kings who ruled Deverakonda Kingdom are:- Raja Maada Nayudu II
- Raja Peda Vedagiri Nayudu (1384 - 1410 CE)
- Raja Maada Nayudu III (141 -1425 CE)
- Raja Lingama Nayudu (1425 - 1475 CE), the last of the eight Kings.
- Devarakonda Fort
Bahmani Period
Recherla chiefs of Rachakonda and Devarakonda served as vassals of Bahmanis after Musunuri Kapaaneedu was killed. Their descendents acquired Zamindaris (Samsthanams) in Mahboobnagar, Kurnool and Raichur Districts.Vijayanagara period
The Velamas under the influence of Bahmanis became rivals of Hindu Vijayanagar kings and fought several battles with Raya kings. Hoever, those Velamas who did not relish serving as vassals to Bahmanis migrated to Vijayanagar empire. As this empire expanded some of the Nayaks were sent to places in southern Tamil Nadu like Madurai and Thanjavur.Golkonda Period
Jetaprolu Samsthanam is a historic Samasthanam in the NizamNizam
Nizam-ul-Mulk of Hyderabad popularly known as Nizams of Hyderabad was a former monarchy of the Hyderabad State, now in the states of Andhra Pradesh , Karnataka , and Maharashtra in India...
dominion in Telangana
Telangana
Telangana is a region in the present state of Andhra Pradesh, India and formerly was part of Hyderabad state which was ruled by Nizam. It is bordered with the states of Maharashtra on the north and north-west, Karnataka on the west, Chattisgarh on the north-east and Orissa to the east...
region. The Jetaprolu family gave rise to Rajas of Bobbili
Bobbili
Bobbili is a town, mandal headquarters and a Municipality in Vizianagaram district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.-Geography:Bobbili is located at . It has an average elevation of 103 metres .-History:...
, Pithapuram
Pithapuram
For famous Playback singer see Pithapuram Nageswara RaoPithapuram is a town and a municipality in East Godavari district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh....
, Nuzividu, Narasaraopeta, Malleshwaram (Krishna District
Krishna district
Krishna District is a district of India's Andhra Pradesh state. It is named after the Krishna River, the third longest river that flows within India, flows through the district and joins Bay of Bengal here in this district. It has a population of 4,529,009 of which 32.08% is urban as of...
), Mylavaram
Mylavaram
Mailavaram or Mylavaram is a small town and Mandal head quarters in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India.Mylavaram is constituency for Andhra Pradesh state Assembly. It includes kondapalli, Ibrahimpatnam too in its jurisdiction.-Geography:...
and Venkatagiri
Venkatagiri
Venkatagiri is the fourth largest town and municipality in Nellore district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.Venkatagiri's old name is "Kali Mili".It is famous for its Handloom Cotton Sarees. Venkatagiri is a place for history and handlooms. It was part of a small kingdom that was integrated...
)
British Period
- Raja Rao Venkata Gopala Krishna Ranga Rao - Raja of Bobbili of the battle of Bobbili fame
- Rani Mallamma Devi, wife of Ranga Rao and sister of Tandra Papa Rayudu.
- Thandra Papa Rayudu was a valiant fighter and brother of Rani Mallamma Devi. He was away at the time of the battle, and avenged the killing of all his relatives by killing Vijaya Rama Raju of Vizianagaram. However, he had to kill himself, as did the two accomplices to his act, after they were surrounded by the combined forces of Vijaya Rama Raju and Busey
Post-Independence Period
L. Sriramulu NaiduL. Sriramulu Naidu
K. Sriramulu Naidu was a leader in the Justice Party, close friend of Periyar and the first Mayor of Madras in the 1930s and 40s, the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. His father was the chief translator of the Madras Presidency for the British and was knighted the Rao Bahadur by King...
was the first Indian governor of the Madras Presidency
Madras Presidency
The Madras Presidency , officially the Presidency of Fort St. George and also known as Madras Province, was an administrative subdivision of British India...
under British rule, and the first mayor of erstwhile Madras post-independence. He was held in high regard for his philanthropy.
'K Yarram Naidu ... Ex.MP & TDP State Sr Leader
Notable personalities
Chief Ministers,Collectors, Governors and Mayors- Jalagam Vengal Rao - Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh
- Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao - MP, TRS President
- J. V. Narsing Rao - Deputy Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh
- Sir Ramakrishna Ranga Rao of Bobbili- Chief minister of the erstwhile Madras PresidencyMadras PresidencyThe Madras Presidency , officially the Presidency of Fort St. George and also known as Madras Province, was an administrative subdivision of British India...
- Vujjini Yadagiri Rao, MLA, MUNUGODU, CPI
- Vujjini Narayan Rao, MLA, MUNUGODU, CPI
- Kasuganti Vaman Rao, Kapil group of Companies.
- Polsani Narashimha Rao—Ex RTC Chairmen
- Dr. K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao - MP Rajya Sabha
- Sir L. Sriramulu NaiduL. Sriramulu NaiduK. Sriramulu Naidu was a leader in the Justice Party, close friend of Periyar and the first Mayor of Madras in the 1930s and 40s, the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. His father was the chief translator of the Madras Presidency for the British and was knighted the Rao Bahadur by King...
- Governor of the erstwhile Madras PresidencyMadras PresidencyThe Madras Presidency , officially the Presidency of Fort St. George and also known as Madras Province, was an administrative subdivision of British India...
and Mayor of Madras post-independence - Sir Raja of Panagal - Chief minister of the erstwhile Madras PresidencyMadras PresidencyThe Madras Presidency , officially the Presidency of Fort St. George and also known as Madras Province, was an administrative subdivision of British India...
.Founder of Justice Party - P. V. RajamannarP. V. RajamannarPakala Venkataramana Rao Rajamannar was an Indian politician who served as the acting Governor of Madras State from 1957 to 1958. He was the former Chief Justice of Madras High Court from 1948 to 1961.-References:...
- Governor of the erstwhile Madras PresidencyMadras PresidencyThe Madras Presidency , officially the Presidency of Fort St. George and also known as Madras Province, was an administrative subdivision of British India...
. - Sri Lagudu Simhadri - Zilla parishad Chairman (Vizianagaram district ).
- Regulapati Papa Rao-Ex MLA Sircilla,President Padmanayaka velama sangham.
- Bommena Ashok Rao -Biopharm Director,Novo Nordisk India.
- Koka Ramachandra Rao- Retired Chief Juctice Of Andhra Pradesh
- Muppalla Laxman Rao, alias Ganapati - Head of Peoples War Group, General Secretary of CPI (Maoist).
- Joginapally Nrupender Rao, son of Late J V Narsing Rao - Chairman of Pennar Group of Industries
- Jupally Rameshwar Rao - " My Home " & MAHA cement.
- Gorukanti Ravender Rao MD, Yashoda Group of Hospitals, Hyderabad.
- Dr Gorukanti Surender Rao MBBS, founder, Yashoda Group of Hospitals.
- Dr Gorukanti Saraswathi Devi MD, founder, Sridevi Test Tube Baby Center, Hyderabad.
- Dr Enuganti Laxmi Manohar Rao, founder, Sridevi Hospitals.
- Dr Rambhoopal, DM, Nephrologist, founder, Satya Kidney Center, Hyderabad.
- Polsani Sudhakar Rao, Chairman, Polsani group of companies
- Meka Vijay Papa Rao, IIT - Madras alumni and nuclear scientist returned from US, Chairman of Ammalines.com, a marine services firm in Mumbai.
- Joginapally Bhaskar Rao - Businessman & Educationist
- Ch N V Krishna Rao - ANL Parcel And Courier Service, Sai Krishna Farms,chairman sayappa trust,saikrishna residency..shiridi.
- Ch Himavanth Rao - Vice President ANL Parcel and courier service Service
- D Arjun Rao - CEO, Valuelabs, Hyderabad
- Dr Gunaganti Prabhaker Rao, Prathima group of industries
- Bowenpally Srinivas Rao, Prathima group of industries
- Rajeshwer Rao - Managing Director, Nirup synchrome
- Anoos Sisters - Anoo's beauty parlour and herbal products, Hyderabad
- Chelikani Achutha Rao, Chairman and Managing Director - Bobbili jute mills and Former President The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( FAPCCI )
- Annamaneni Madhava Rao - President AP rice millers association President
- Chalmeda Anand Rao - Chairman, Janaki Feeds, Hyderabad, Leading poultry feeds supplier in AP
- Velchala Premchander Rao - Chairman, Frontier Institute of Technology
- Jupally Sathyanaryana Rao
- Janagama Prabhaker Rao - Kapil Chit Fund Private Limited and Group of companies
- Thandra Raja Narsigha Rao, Jagithyal - Travels
- Thummuru Rama Rao - Movie Theatres, Sathupally
- Puskur Dayakar Rao - President and Founder of JP Systems, Dallas
- K Premsagar Rao - CMD, Chiraan Fort Club and SKIL group
- K V Rajeshwar Rao - Chairman, Pioneer Distilleries Ltd ( Balapur Village Dharmabad Taluk, Nanded ) Ex. ZP Chairman, Karimnagar
- Late Chennadi Marthanda Rao - Contractor
- Chennadi Sudhaker Rao - Managing Director, Marthanda Rao & Constructions group and former President, All India Builders Association
- Tumula Bhaskara Rao, educationist, contractor, and political leader. Owner of Sai Ganapathi Cinema theater and Function Hall at Bobbili, Vizianagaram dist. Correspondent, Sri Lokabandu Educational Society ( Tandrapaparaya Polytechnic, Tandrapaparaya Institute of Science and Techonology, B.Ed College at Komatipalli, Bobbili ), Correspondent, Sri Sai Ganapathi Educational Society running Polytechnic College at Gurajala in Anandapuram Mandal in Visakhapatnam dist, Bhaskar Polytechnic, and Bhaskar Pharmacy college at Bobbili.
- Dr. Madhu K Mohan, Maryland, USA: Founder/Chairman of Riverside Primary Care, Co-Founder/Director of SHARE India/US, Board of Director and Chairman of First Liberty National Bank. Co-founder/Director of Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences in Ghanpur, Medchal, Ranga Reddy District
- Dr Sudhakar Rao Vidiyala, Phd, President, InvaGen Pharmaceuticals Inc, located in Huppage, New York State, USA
- Sridhar Menneni, CMD of Menneni Group, BIOZYMES and MENRAP Biotech Pvt Ltd
- AdiReddy VeeraRaghavamma - Mayor Rajahmundry
- Reddi Subramanyam - Collector
- puri jaganath-famous film director
- rao gopalrao_famous actor
- Vikranth Chaganam
- Mr.RAVI CHANDRA MUDDADA IAS,COLLECTOR,EGDT,AP.
- DR.S.CH.S.RAMAKRISHNA MD;INTENSIVIST,TRUST HOSPITAL,KAKINADA. *K Yarram Naidu ... Ex.MP & TDP State Sr Leader
Primary references
- Katten, Michael; Making Caste In Nineteenth-Century India: A History of Telling the Bobbili Katha & Velama Identity, University of California at Berkeley, USA
- Roghair, Gene H; 1982, The epic of Palnadu: a study and translation of Palnati virula katha, a Telugu oral tradition from Andhra Pradesh, India, Oxford University Press
- Talbot, Cynthia; 2004, Precolonial India in Practice: Society, Region, and Identity in Medieval Andhra (Hardcover), Oxford University Press
- Prasad, Durga; 1988, History of the Andhras Till 1565 A.D., Durga Prasad, PG Publishers, Guntur
- A History of Telling the Bobbili Katha & Velama Identity, Michael Katten, University of California at Berkeey
- Castes and Tribes of South India
External links
- Padmanayaka Velama Web pages
- Historical Leaders of Velama Community
- (http://www.padmanayakavelama.com)
- (http://www.velamaparivaar.com)
- (http://www.velamamatrimony.com)