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Velama

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Velamas are one of the older feudal castes or social groups in Andhra Pradesh, India. They ruled parts of Andhra Pradesh for several centuries in the past.

Contents

Feudal past

The history of Velamas is as old as Telugu bravery. They are known to be fearless and battle hardy warriors. Their military exploits form an important part of Telugu tradition, history and folklore. There are a few books like Velugodu Kings History and Accounts of Devarakonda, which give details of Velama kings and their exploits. However, their role in protection of the unity of Telugu land and Hindu dharma at crucial times was suspect. Killing of Kaapaya Nayaka who valiantly opposed marauding Muslims; waging incessant battles with Reddy Nayaks at a time when Telugu people were craving for saviors and later aligning with Bahmanis in their battles with fledgling Vijayanagar empire did not behoove well of them. Velama kings regularly clashed with the Reddys but had friendly dealings with the Orissa Gajapatis and the Bahmanis. Because of their proximity to the Bahmanis, they had to wage battles with Vijayanagar empire and eventually suffered a setback. Residual influence of Velamas is noticeable in Karimnagar, Mahbubnagar and Pithapuram. There are several ancient Velama forts, castles and estates still extant in various parts of Andhra Pradesh and in neighboring Tamil Nadu. Among the famous principalities or estates are Devarakonda, Rajakonda, Pithapuram, and Kollapur.

Origin theories

There are three conflicting theories as to the origin of the community.

Velama sub divisions

All the divisions are based on their original living location. Major divisions in Andhra Pradesh are Polinati Velamas are seen in Srikakulam and other coastal Andhra districts.

Koppula Velamas are living in Visakhapatnam, Vijayanagaram, Srikakulam and other coastal Andhra districts.

Legendary rivalry

The Velamas are considered traditional enemies of Reddys. Both the groups got along fine as feudatories of the Kakatiyas but to gain prominence in the royal court the professional rivalry went to the extremes:

The Padmanayakas were favorites of the King. Commander Bobba/Bhoji Reddy decided to show the King who exactly were the valorous fighters. He decided to wait till the Velama contingent got mauled by the Muslim army and then jump in to save the Velamas as well as the King. Unfortunately his timing was not good and both got beaten leading to the downfall of Kakatiya empire. Ever since, the Velamas blamed the Reddys for the historical blunder and continuously waged battles against Reddy kings. Later they managed to found independent states of Rajakonda and Devarakonda.

On the other hand, Reddys accuse the Velamas of colluding with alien Bahamanis to keep their state intact and indulge in attacking the Reddy kingdoms at every given opportunity. The Velamas say if not for Reddy cleverness during the battle with Delhi Sultan's army, Kakatiya empire would have been intact at least till the British colonial period.

After the defeat of Prataparudra, Andhra Pradesh and Hindu religion succumbed to bad times. Annaya Mantri and Kolanu Rudradeva tried to unify the remaining Nayaka Chieftains belonging to various communities such as Velama, Reddy, Kamma, Balija and Telaga communities and appointed a Chief, Musunuri Prolaya Nayaka as the leader. The Nayaka confederation rebelled and recaptured Warangal. Prolaneedu was succeeded by his cousin Kaapaanedu which was resented by the Velama Nayakas. They again sought the help of the Bahmani sultan and killed Kaapaya Nayaka. Thus ended the unity of Telugu land.

The Velamas subsequently fought the Reddy Kingdom and Vijayanagar Empire on behalf of Bahmanis. Ultimately, Krishnadevaraya vanquished all and unified Andhra Pradesh. Velamas had to join the imperial service of Vijayanagar as military contingents and regional governors. Many Velamas thus settled in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere.

Velama Kingdoms

Famous people

References

External links

 

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