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Velama

Caste found mainly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Velama is a Hindu caste found mainly in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.[1] The earliest recorded use of the term "Velama" to refer to a community dates back to the 17th century inscription.[2] Famous Telugu poet Srinatha listed Velama caste in Bhimeswara Puranamu in the early 15th century. In the caste-based hierarchy, they hold a high position. They are also referred to as "Dora" (Lord) and "Rao" Vaaru by other castes, a term that signifies respect. The medieval military history of Velama rulers and contemporaries was well recorded in the text "Velugoti Vari Vamsavali".

Origin and history

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The Velamas have been identified by this name since the 17th century; however, the poet Srinatha mentioned them in his early 15th-century text, Bhimeswara Puranamu. The Velamas of the Recherla dynasty ruled Telangana from the hill forts of Rachakonda (1335–1434 CE) and Devarakonda (1335–1475 CE). Following the Bahmani occupation of Telangana, members of the Recherla dynasty migrated to the Vijayanagara Empire, where they served as generals and administrators. In recognition of their military service, they were granted the jagir of Velugodu in present-day Kurnool district as a fiefdom.

Within the Vijayanagara court, they became known by the surname Velugoti. Over time, the Velugoti dynasty established the Venkatagiri state in the Nellore district, which subsequently led to the formation of the Pithapuram, Bobbili, and Jatprole states in the early 17th century. During the same period, some Velama chieftains held zamindari positions under the Golconda Sultanate, granting them regional influence in Telangana. The sultanate implemented a Mansabdari system to differentiate Velama groups based on their administrative and military contributions. This hierarchical system, which emphasized rank, wealth, and honors, historically fostered rivalries among various Velama factions.

Among those who rose to prominence under the Golconda Sultanate were the Meka dynasty Appa Raos of Nuzvid and the Malraju clan of Narasaraopet. The Velugoti and Appa Rao clans claimed recognition as royal lineages, while other notable groups included the Pithapuram Raos and the Ranga Raos of Bobbili.

The Velugoti family traced its origins to the 12th- and 13th-century Recherla dynasty who served as military governors of the Kakatiya empire. Before settling in Nellore district in 1695, they had ruled and resided in various regions, including Rachakonda, Devarakonda, Velugodu, and North Mallur (present-day Chittoor district). By the 1870s, the prestige of Velugoti family had grown to such an extent that their sons were adopted as heirs by rival Velama clan leaders, such as the Raos of Pithapuram and the Ranga Raos of Bobbili. These adoptions were often necessitated by the extinction of direct lineages due to infertility or the early deaths of male heirs. Such arrangements elevated the status of the adopters and further cemented the influence of the Velugoti[3] family.

Raja Gopalakrishna Ranga Rao of Bobbili royal family, who fought the Battle of Bobbili in 1757 CE against the Pusapati Gajapathis of Vizianagaram and the French, was also an adopted son from the Velugoti family of the Venkatagiri Rajahs.

Velamas carry the title Rao and Dora. They do not engage in hired labor, and their womenfolk do not work in fields.[4] Gosha or pardah tradition was practiced among their women .

Relationship with the Padmanayakas

Padmanayaka is the prime subsect of Velama community and many historians identify Padmanayakas with the Velama community. However Cynthia Talbot, who has challenged the theories of historians from the British Raj era, the terms Velama and Padmanayaka are not synonymous. "Padmanayaka" referred to a status that could be claimed by Telugu warriors from various backgrounds[5] but associated the Recherla Padmanayaka dynasty with Velamas. Additionally, the Bhimeswara Puranamu listed Velama and Padmanayaka as distinct communities.[6]

Culture

Velamas are Hindus and belong to the Vaishnavism denomination of Hinduism.[7]

Dynasties

Notable People

References

Further reading

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