Relli (caste)
This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2019) |
Regions with significant populations | |
---|---|
Andhra Pradesh, Odisha | |
Languages | |
Reli language | |
Religion | |
Hinduism |
Reli (also spelt as Relli) are an ethnic group, who reside in Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.[1]
Demographics
The Reli people are mainly distributed in coastal districts, such as Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Guntur, Nellore, Prakasam, Chittoor and Krishna of Andhra Pradesh, and the Koraput and Rayagada districts of Odisha.
According to the 2001 Census their population is 121,058 in Andhra Pradesh and 8,357 in Odisha respectively.
Occupation
The primary occupation of the Relli people in Andhra Pradesh is the collection and sale of fruits, seeds and grass. A few are in government service while the Reli of Odisha trade in salt, rice, vegetables, goats, hens and pigs on a small scale. Agriculture is also pursued. They are listed as Scheduled Castes.
Language
Reli people speak Reli language as their mother tongue and some words of it are close to Odia, but it should not be considered a dialect of it. The Reli people speak Telugu when conversing with outsiders.
The 2001 Census stated that there were 21,238 speakers of the Reli language in Andhra Pradesh and 706 in Odisha. Further breakdown to the district level is as follows (2001 Census): Vizianagaram (AP) 7,893; Visakhapatnam (AP) 4,301; East Godavari (AP) 3,079; Krishna (AP) 3,085; Srikakulam (AP) 1,796; Guntur (AP) 597, Koraput (OR) 607; and Rayagada (OR) 97.
References
Further reading
- 2001 Census of India. Scheduled Caste http://censusindia.gov.in/Tables_Published/SCST/SCCRC_28.pdf (01- Feb-09)
- Lewis, M. Paul (ed.), 2009. Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Sixteenth edition. Dallas, Tex.: SIL International. Online version:
- People of India http://fttkorea.net/docu/ftt57aap.pdf (01-Feb-09)
- Singh, K.S. 2003. People of India: Andhra Pradesh Vol13 Part 3. Delhi: Anthropological Survey of India and Affiliated east-west press pvt. ltd.
- Singh, K.S. 1993. People of India National Series. Volume 2. The Scheduled Caste. Delhi: Anthropological Survey of India and Oxford University Survey of India.
- Chenna Sanyasi Rao, Relli Charita, "రెల్లి చెరిత" (History of Rellis), Published by Dharma Trust, Visakhapatnam, 1999. Distributors: Visalandhra Publishing House, Hyderabad.
- Chenna Sanyasi Rao, Vuravatala Suriedu, "ఊరవతల సూరీడు" ( "Sun on the other side of the village), Anthology of Poems. Published by, Progressive Writers Association, Visakhapatnam, 2000. Distributors: Visalandhra Publishing House, Hyderabad.
- Mangalagiri Prasada Rao, "Dalitullo Dalitulu", "దళితుల్లో దళితులు" (the wretched among the wretched), Published by Sri Mangalagiri Siriyallu Mater Seva Trust, Visakhapatnam, 2012.