Kapu (caste)
Hindu caste of South India / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Kapu is a Hindu caste mainly found in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. They are classified as a Forward caste.[8] They are a community of land-owning agriculturists.[16] Historically, they have also been warriors and military generals (Nayakas) in Hindu armies.[17][21] They are a dominant caste of Andhra Pradesh.[27] Kapus commonly carry the title Naidu.[35] They are primarily present in Coastal Andhra with major concentration in the Godavari-Krishna delta region.[1][36]
Kapu | |
---|---|
Classification | Forward caste |
Religions | Hinduism |
Languages | Telugu |
Country | India |
Populated states | Major: Andhra Pradesh Yanam Minor: Telangana Orissa |
Region | South India |
Subdivisions | Telaga, Ontari |
Telaga and Ontari are the Kapu subcastes. Traditionally, both were warrior communities known for their honour and bravery.[17][37] The terms Kapu and Telaga are often used synonymously.[38] The origins of Telagas have been linked to Telugu Choda dynasties like Durjayas of Velanadu (1076–1216 CE) who ruled Coastal Andhra and later came to be called Telagas over a period of time.[39][40]
Kapu, Telaga and Ontari are all referred to as Kapu across Coastal Andhra except for the erstwhile Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts where they are known as Telaga.[41][42] Balija community of Rayalaseema is closely related to Kapu caste and both are often enumerated together in government, sociological and psephological contexts.[49]
Kapus of Coastal Andhra are distinct from communities like the Munnuru Kapus of Telangana, the Turpu Kapus of Uttarandhra and Reddys of Rayalaseema and Telangana.[7][50]