Reddy
Hindu agrarian caste in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Reddy[lower-alpha 1] (also transliterated as Raddi, Reddi, Reddiar, Reddappa) is a Hindu caste that originated in northern India and predominantly settled in modern-day Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in South India. They are classified as a forward caste.
Reddy | |
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Classification | Forward caste |
Religions | Hinduism |
Languages | |
Country | India |
Populated states | Major: Andhra Pradesh Telangana Minor: Karnataka Kerala Odisha Tamil Nadu Maharashtra |
Region | South India |
Kingdom (original) | Reddy Kingdom |
The origin of the Reddy has been linked to the Rashtrakutas, although opinions vary. They were feudal overlords and peasant proprietors.[1][2] Historically they have been the land-owning aristocracy of the villages.[3][4][5] Traditionally, they were a diverse community of merchants and cultivators.[1][6][7] Their prowess as rulers and warriors is well documented in Telugu history.[8][need quotation to verify] The Reddy dynasty (1325–1448 CE) ruled coastal and central Andhra for over a hundred years. Today they continue to be a politically and socio-economically dominant group in the Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.[9][10][11][additional citation(s) needed]