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== Ancestry ==
== Ancestry ==


The kings and military persona of Kammanadu started using the title Nayaka/Nayakudu from 10th century onwards as observed in many inscriptions.<ref>Journal of Andhra History and Culture, Vol. 1, No. 2 (Inscription of Paruchuri Ketinayudu)</ref> There are about 1200 Kamma surnames (''Intiperu'') which are discernible from this time. The surnames and [[gotra]]s of Kammas and [[Velama]]s were catalogued by Badabanala Bhatta in 1068 CE.<ref>''Padmanayaka Charitra'' by Sarvagna Singabhupala (in Telugu)</ref> The names of the ancestral villages were adopted as gotras. This shows that the ancestors of Kammas and Velamas were either [[Buddhist]]s or [[Jain]]s who did not follow gotra system and that both the social groups had a common history. The historical reasons for the dichotomy of the two groups are not known, although many stories abound.<ref>Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India, R. B. Russell and R. B. H. Lai, 1995, Asian Educational Services, p. 372, ISBN 81-206-0833-X</ref> The inscriptions of many Kamma Nayakas mentioned that they belong to Durjaya clan (Vamsa).<ref>South Indian Inscriptions, Vol. I, p. 243 and 317</ref> For instance, the inscription (1125 CE) of Pinnama Nayudu in the temple of Sagareswara in Madala village mentioned that he belonged to Durjaya clan and Vallutla Gothra.<ref>Annual Report of Madras Epigraphy Vol 38, No. 346</ref> Another inscription (1282 CE) in the same temple mentioned that Devineni Erra Nayudu, Kommi Nayudu and Pothi Nayudu belonged to the lineage of Buddhavarma, Durjaya clan and Vallutla Gothra.<ref>Annual Report of Madras Epigraphy, Vol. 38, No. 348</ref><ref>Journal of Andhra History and Culture, Vol. 1, No. 2</ref> The inscription at Ravuru mentioned that the bodyguards of Queen Rudrama Devi, Ekki Nayudu, Rudra Nayudu, Pinarudra Nayudu and Pothi Nayudu belong to Durjaya vamsa and Vallutla Gothra.<ref>Annual Report of Madras Epigraphy, 1916, Vol. 15, No. 333, p. 135</ref> It is worth mentioning here that many of the martial clans of Kammas belong to Vallutla Gothra.<ref>''Kammavari Charitra'', Kotha Bhavaiah Chowdary, 1939, Revised Edition (2006), Pavuluri Publishers, Guntur</ref> Many of the Telugu Chodas of Kammanadu had relations with Eastern Chalukyas and later with [[Kakatiya]]s. According to many inscriptions and “Velugotivari Vamsavali” Kammas with surnames such as Yalampati, Sammeta, Maccha, Choda, Vasireddy, Katta, Adapa etc., belong to [[Choda]]-[[Chalukya]] ancestry.<ref>''Velugotivari Vamsavali'' English Translation by N. Venkataramanayya</ref> Historians surmised that by the end of 10th century Durjayas, Chodas, few sections of [[Chalukya]]s and Haihayas of Kammanadu merged into Kammas.<ref>''Andhrula Charitra'', C. Virabhadra Rao (in Telugu)(http://ia331307.us.archive.org/1/items/andhrulacharitra025965mbp/andhrulacharitra025965mbp.pdf)</ref>
The kings and military persona of Kammanadu started using the title Nayaka/Nayakudu from 10th century onwards as observed in many inscriptions.<ref>Journal of Andhra History and Culture, Vol. 1, No. 2 (Inscription of Paruchuri Ketinayudu)</ref> There are about 1200 Kamma surnames (''Intiperu'') which are discernible from this time. The surnames and [[gotra]]s of Kammas and [[Velama]]s were catalogued by Badabanala Bhatta in 1068 CE.<ref>''Padmanayaka Charitra'' by Sarvagna Singabhupala (in Telugu)</ref> The names of the ancestral villages were adopted as gotras. This shows that the ancestors of Kammas and Velamas were either [[Buddhist]]s or [[Jain]]s who did not follow gotra system and that both the social groups had a common history. The historical reasons for the dichotomy of the two groups are not known, although many stories abound.<ref>Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India, R. B. Russell and R. B. H. Lai, 1995, Asian Educational Services, p. 372, ISBN 81-206-0833-X</ref> The inscriptions of many Kamma Nayakas mentioned that they belong to Durjaya clan (Vamsa).<ref>South Indian Inscriptions, Vol. I, p. 243 and 317</ref> For instance, the inscription (1125 CE) of Pinnama Nayudu in the temple of Sagareswara in Madala village mentioned that he belonged to Durjaya clan and Vallutla Gothra.<ref>Annual Report of Madras Epigraphy Vol 38, No. 346</ref> Another inscription (1282 CE) in the same temple mentioned that Devineni Erra Nayudu, Kommi Nayudu and Pothi Nayudu belonged to the lineage of Buddhavarma, Durjaya clan and Vallutla Gothra.<ref>Annual Report of Madras Epigraphy, Vol. 38, No. 348</ref><ref>Journal of Andhra History and Culture, Vol. 1, No. 2</ref> The inscription at Ravuru mentioned that the bodyguards of Queen Rudrama Devi, Ekki Nayudu, Rudra Nayudu, Pinarudra Nayudu and Pothi Nayudu belong to Durjaya vamsa and Vallutla Gothra.<ref>Annual Report of Madras Epigraphy, 1916, Vol. 15, No. 333, p. 135</ref><ref>Kakatiya inscriptions, A R #539, No. 442: http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume10/kakatiya_dynasty_2.html</ref> It is worth mentioning here that many of the martial clans of Kammas belong to Vallutla Gothra.<ref>''Kammavari Charitra'', Kotha Bhavaiah Chowdary, 1939, Revised Edition (2006), Pavuluri Publishers, Guntur</ref> Many of the Telugu Chodas of Kammanadu had relations with Eastern Chalukyas and later with [[Kakatiya]]s. According to many inscriptions and “Velugotivari Vamsavali” Kammas with surnames such as Yalampati, Sammeta, Maccha, Choda, Vasireddy, Katta, Adapa etc., belong to [[Choda]]-[[Chalukya]] ancestry.<ref name="Kammavari Charitra 1939"/><ref>''Velugotivari Vamsavali'' English Translation by N. Venkataramanayya</ref> Historians surmised that by the end of 10th century Durjayas, Chodas, few sections of [[Chalukya]]s and Haihayas of Kammanadu merged into Kammas.<ref>''Andhrula Charitra'', C. Virabhadra Rao (in Telugu)(http://ia331307.us.archive.org/1/items/andhrulacharitra025965mbp/andhrulacharitra025965mbp.pdf)</ref><ref>''Kammavari Charitra'' (in Telugu) by Kotha Bhavaiah Chowdary, 1939. Revised Edition (2006), Pavuluri Publishers, Guntur, pp. 10-13, 15</ref>


== Medieval history ==
== Medieval history ==
=== Identity ===
=== Identity ===
Badabanala Bhatta prescribed Surnames and Gothras of Kammas and Velamas. The affiliation of Kammas as a caste to the ruling dynasties could not be ascribed till 11th century. Traces of evidence were found in the inscriptions of [[Telugu Cholas]] of Velanadu starting from Gonka I (1075-1115 CE), found in many places in Kammanadu. The [[Dharanikota]] kings (1130-1251 CE) who belonged to Kota clan of Kammas and Durjaya ancestry had marital alliances with Telugu Cholas.<ref>A History of the Early Dynasties of Andhradesa, c. 200-625, B. V. Krishnarao, V. R. Sastrulu, Madras, 1942, p. 370; http://books.google.co.in/books?id=ONSCAAAAIAAJ&q=dharanikota&dq=dharanikota&lr=&pgis=1</ref> However, there was some controversy regarding the origin of Kota kings.{{citation needed|date=November 2011}} Kota kings married the women from Kakatiya dynasty (E.g., Kota Betharaja married Ganapamba, daughter of Ganapati Deva). The [[Kakatiya dynasty|Kakatiya]] Ganapati Deva married the sisters of [[Jayapa Nayudu|Jayapa]] Senani, a warrior hailing from [[Diviseema]].<ref>The History of Andhras, Durga Prasad (http://igmlnet.uohyd.ernet.in:8000/gw_44_5/hi-res/hcu_images/G2.pdf)</ref> [[Jayapa Nayudu]] is also well known for his contributions to the field of Indian dance (1231 CE) and was the head of the elephant corps in the Kakatiya army. Around this time many warriors from Kammanadu joined the forces of the Kakatiya dynasty. In [[Warangal]] region Kammas are called Kamma Kapus.<ref>The Castes and Tribes of H.E.H. Nizam's Dominions, S. S. Hassan, 1989, Asian Educational Services, p. 308, ISBN 81-206-0488-1</ref>
Badabanala Bhatta prescribed Surnames and Gothras of Kammas and Velamas. The affiliation of Kammas as a caste to the ruling dynasties could not be ascribed till 11th century. Traces of evidence were found in the inscriptions of [[Telugu Cholas]] of Velanadu starting from Gonka I (1075-1115 CE), found in many places in Kammanadu. The [[Dharanikota]] kings (1130-1251 CE) who belonged to Kota clan of Kammas and Durjaya ancestry had marital alliances with Telugu Cholas.<ref>''Kammavari Charitra'' (in Telugu) by Kotha Bhavaiah Chowdary, 1939. Revised Edition (2006), Pavuluri Publishers, Guntur. pp. 31-32</ref><ref>A History of the Early Dynasties of Andhradesa, c. 200-625, B. V. Krishnarao, V. R. Sastrulu, Madras, 1942, p. 370; http://books.google.co.in/books?id=ONSCAAAAIAAJ&q=dharanikota&dq=dharanikota&lr=&pgis=1</ref> However, there was some controversy regarding the origin of Kota kings.{{citation needed|date=November 2011}} Kota kings married the women from Kakatiya dynasty (E.g., Kota Betharaja married Ganapamba, daughter of Ganapati Deva). The [[Kakatiya dynasty|Kakatiya]] Ganapati Deva married the sisters of [[Jayapa Nayudu|Jayapa]] Senani, a warrior hailing from [[Diviseema]].<ref>The History of Andhras, Durga Prasad (http://igmlnet.uohyd.ernet.in:8000/gw_44_5/hi-res/hcu_images/G2.pdf)</ref> [[Jayapa Nayudu]] is also well known for his contributions to the field of Indian dance (1231 CE) and was the head of the elephant corps in the Kakatiya army. Around this time many warriors from Kammanadu joined the forces of the Kakatiya dynasty. In [[Warangal]] region Kammas are called Kamma Kapus.<ref>The Castes and Tribes of H.E.H. Nizam's Dominions, S. S. Hassan, 1989, Asian Educational Services, p. 308, ISBN 81-206-0488-1</ref>


=== Kakatiya period ===
=== Kakatiya period ===

Revision as of 16:30, 17 March 2012

Kamma
ReligionsHinduism, Christianity, Atheism
Languages
Country
Region
Subdivisions
  • Chowdary — Coastal Andhra Pradesh
  • Rao, Rayudu — Andhra Pradesh
  • Nayaka — Medieval Andhra Pradesh, Medieval Karnataka
  • Naidu — South Andhra Pradesh, North & West Tamil Nadu
  • Naicker — South Tamil Nadu

Kamma or the Kammavaru is a social group found largely in the Southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. According to 1921 census they constituted about 4.8% of Andhra Pradesh population and in significant numbers in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.[1][2][3] In the last decades of the previous century, a sizable number emigrated to other parts of the world, particularly to the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.[4]

Ancient history

Origin

There are many theories about the origins of the word "Kamma" and the social group known as the Kammas. These include:

  • Kurmi origin: Buddhist Kurmis from the Gangetic plains migrated to the Krishna River delta in large numbers to escape the persecution of Pushyamitra Sunga (184 BCE).[10] Buddhism was already flourishing in Dharanikota, Bhattiprolu, Chandavolu etc., in this fertile area.[11] Historians surmised that the Sanskrit word Kurmi/Kurma became Kamma in later years.[12]

Ancestry

The kings and military persona of Kammanadu started using the title Nayaka/Nayakudu from 10th century onwards as observed in many inscriptions.[13] There are about 1200 Kamma surnames (Intiperu) which are discernible from this time. The surnames and gotras of Kammas and Velamas were catalogued by Badabanala Bhatta in 1068 CE.[14] The names of the ancestral villages were adopted as gotras. This shows that the ancestors of Kammas and Velamas were either Buddhists or Jains who did not follow gotra system and that both the social groups had a common history. The historical reasons for the dichotomy of the two groups are not known, although many stories abound.[15] The inscriptions of many Kamma Nayakas mentioned that they belong to Durjaya clan (Vamsa).[16] For instance, the inscription (1125 CE) of Pinnama Nayudu in the temple of Sagareswara in Madala village mentioned that he belonged to Durjaya clan and Vallutla Gothra.[17] Another inscription (1282 CE) in the same temple mentioned that Devineni Erra Nayudu, Kommi Nayudu and Pothi Nayudu belonged to the lineage of Buddhavarma, Durjaya clan and Vallutla Gothra.[18][19] The inscription at Ravuru mentioned that the bodyguards of Queen Rudrama Devi, Ekki Nayudu, Rudra Nayudu, Pinarudra Nayudu and Pothi Nayudu belong to Durjaya vamsa and Vallutla Gothra.[20][21] It is worth mentioning here that many of the martial clans of Kammas belong to Vallutla Gothra.[22] Many of the Telugu Chodas of Kammanadu had relations with Eastern Chalukyas and later with Kakatiyas. According to many inscriptions and “Velugotivari Vamsavali” Kammas with surnames such as Yalampati, Sammeta, Maccha, Choda, Vasireddy, Katta, Adapa etc., belong to Choda-Chalukya ancestry.[5][23] Historians surmised that by the end of 10th century Durjayas, Chodas, few sections of Chalukyas and Haihayas of Kammanadu merged into Kammas.[24][25]

Medieval history

Identity

Badabanala Bhatta prescribed Surnames and Gothras of Kammas and Velamas. The affiliation of Kammas as a caste to the ruling dynasties could not be ascribed till 11th century. Traces of evidence were found in the inscriptions of Telugu Cholas of Velanadu starting from Gonka I (1075-1115 CE), found in many places in Kammanadu. The Dharanikota kings (1130-1251 CE) who belonged to Kota clan of Kammas and Durjaya ancestry had marital alliances with Telugu Cholas.[26][27] However, there was some controversy regarding the origin of Kota kings.[citation needed] Kota kings married the women from Kakatiya dynasty (E.g., Kota Betharaja married Ganapamba, daughter of Ganapati Deva). The Kakatiya Ganapati Deva married the sisters of Jayapa Senani, a warrior hailing from Diviseema.[28] Jayapa Nayudu is also well known for his contributions to the field of Indian dance (1231 CE) and was the head of the elephant corps in the Kakatiya army. Around this time many warriors from Kammanadu joined the forces of the Kakatiya dynasty. In Warangal region Kammas are called Kamma Kapus.[29]

Kakatiya period

Kammas grew to prominence during the Kakatiya dynasty's reign (1083-1323 CE) by also holding important positions in their army. One of the most famous commanders during the time of Rudrama Devi and Prataparudra II was Dadi Nagadeva who played a prominent role in warding off the attack of the Yadava king of Devagiri.[30] Nagadeva’s son Ganna Mantri, also called Ganna Senani or Yugandhar, was a great warrior and a patron of arts and literature. Ganna was the commander of Warangal fort. He was captured, converted to Islam and taken to Delhi along with Prataparudra.[31] Subsequently, he rose to the exalted position of 'Wazir' in Delhi durbar and was sent to rule Punjab.[32][33] Nagadeva’s other sons Ellaya Nayaka and Mechaya Nayaka were also valiant fighters. Another warrior of repute was Muppidi Nayaka who went on an expedition to Kanchi, defeated the Pandya king and merged it with Kakatiya dynasty in 1316 CE. Other prominent Kamma Nayaks of the Kakatiya dynasty were Gonka I who rose to become a viceroy and Beta I (AD 1000 - 1050) who emerged from a Samanta Vishti Vamsa, a feudatory family from among the Buddhist peasants.[34]

In prolonged battles with Muslims between 1296 and 1323 CE. thousands of Kamma Nayakas perished along with others, in the defense of Warangal. The inhuman atrocities perpetrated by the Muslims on Telugu people later prompted two Kamma chieftains, Musunuri Prolaya Nayaka and Musunuri Kapaya Nayaka, who served the Kakatiya king Prataparudra, to raise the banner of revolt.[35][36] After the fall of Warangal they united the Nayaka chieftains, wrested Warangal from the Delhi Sultanate and ruled for 50 years.[37]

Vijayanagara period

Subsequent to the martyrdom of Kaapaaneedu (Musunuri Kapaya Nayaka) many Kammas migrated to the Vijayanagara kingdom. During the reign of Sri Krishnadevaraya Kammas belonging to thirty seven gotras were living in the city of Vijayanagar.[38] Kamma Nayaks formed the bulwark of Vijayanagara army and were appointed as governors in many areas of Tamil Nadu.[39] Their role in protecting the last great Hindu kingdom of India was significant.[40] Some of the prominent commanders who achieved fame were:

  • Pemmasani Thimma Nayudu was the commander of Vijayanagara army which fought and won the battle of Gulbarga (Kalubarige) in 1422 CE. The king Devaraya II made him the governor of Gandikota (Cuddapah).[41][42] Thimma Nayudu constructed a large number of temples and tanks in the Rayalaseema region. The Gandikota Kammas kept the Muslim rulers like the Bahmanis at bay and protected Telugu land for a long time to come.[43]
  • Kammas controlled large swathes of southern and northern Tamil Nadu for several years under the title of Nayacker or Naicker or Naidu, which was a legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Zamindaris of Ilaiyarasanadal and Kurivikulam in Tamil Nadu belong to Pemmasani families[46]

Martial clans: Many clans belonging to Kamma social group figure prominently in the battles during Vijayanagara era and in the subsequent years. Some of these clans include Pemmasani, Matcha, Vasireddy, Sammeta, Choda/Chode, Dasari, Alamandala, Adapa, Suryadevara, Nadendla, Sakhamuri etc.[5] The most prominent Kamma commanders in Krishnadevaraya’s army belonged to Suryadevara, Vasireddy, Pemmasani, Ravella and Sayapaneni clans.[citation needed]

Golkonda period

Vijayanagara kingdom underwent very difficult times after the battle of Tallikota in 1565. Pemmasani Nayaks, Ravella Nayaks and Sayapaneni Nayaks steadfastly helped the Araviti kings in keeping the Muslims at bay. It took another 90 years to consolidate the Muslim power in Andhra country with the capture of Gandikota in 1652. Kamma nayaks migrated in large numbers to the Tamil region. During the Golkonda period, the Sayapaneni Nayaks (1626–1802) ruled Dupadu region as vassals of the Golkonda sultans.[47][48] Gangappa Nayudu, Venkatadri Nayudu and Rangappa Nayudu were famous among them. Ibrahim Qutb Shah captured Kondavidu in 1579. Khasa Raya Rao, his Maratha commander, appointed Deshmukhs and Chowdarys in 497 villages.[49] The usage of the title ‘Chowdary’ in coastal Andhra Pradesh commenced at this time.

Vasireddy Sadasiva Nayudu ruled Nandigama paragana from 1550 to 1581.[citation needed] He was granted the paragana by Ibrahim Qutb Shah of Golkonda. According to Mackenzie, Virappa Nayudu was appointed as Deshmukh of Nandigama paragana in 1670. Chinapadmanabha Nayudu got a grant of 500 villages from Abul Hassan Tanisha in 1685.[50] He built a fort at Chintapalli and ruled it until 1710 CE. His successors ruled until 1760. During this period the French and the British were trying to gain control of the Andhra country. Jaggayya ruled Chintapalli from 1763 onwards. He was killed by French troops sent by Basalat Jung, brother of the Golkonda Nawab in 1771. Jaggayya’s wife Acchamma committed Sati. Jaggayya’s son Venkatadri recovered Chintapalii in 1777 and earned fame as a benevolent and illustrious ruler.[51] (Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu and Vasireddy Clan). The British gained control of Andhra by 1788 from Golkonda Nawabs. Another Kamma principality during Golkonda period was Devarakota with Challapalli as its capital. Its ruler, Yarlagadda Guruvarayudu was subdued by Abdullah Qutb Shah in 1576. His successors ruled as vassals of Golkonda till the French took over in 1751 and later the British in 1765.

British period

By the end of 18th century the British East India Company had consolidated their rule in Andhra. The armies of Zamindars and Deshmukhs were dismantled and only the power of tax collection was left intact.[citation needed] The well-known Kamma Zamindaris under the British rule were Muktyala, Chintapalli (Amaravati), Challapalli, Devarakota, Kapileswarapuram etc.[citation needed] These Zamindars encouraged modern education by establishing many schools and libraries.[citation needed]

Modern history

After the decline of major kingdoms, Kammas controlled large fertile areas in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, as a legacy of their martial past. The British recognized their prominence and made them village heads (Talari) also known as Chowdary to collect taxes. The association of Kammas with the land and agriculture is legendary. The martial prowess of Kammas was put to good use to tame the lands in modern times. There are many proverbs in Telugu language which speak of the Kammas’ adeptness in agriculture and their emotional attachment to the soil, such as Kammavaariki Bhumi Bhayapaduthundi (Telugu: కమ్మవారికి భూమి భయపడుతుంది) (The earth fears Kammas).[52]

English historians like Edgar Thurston and noted agricultural scientists like M. S. Randhawa eulogized the spirit of Kamma farmers.[53][54]

Construction of dams and barrages and establishment of an irrigation system in Godavari and Krishna River deltas by Sir Arthur Cotton was a great boon to the Kamma farmers. Availability of water and the natural propensity for hard work made the Kammas wealthy and prosperous.[55] The money was put to good use by establishing numerous schools and libraries and encouraging their children to take up modern education.[56] Over a period of 10 years, in Guntur District alone, 130 High schools and hostels were established by their initiative. The zamindars of Challapalli and Kapileswarapuram founded many schools and libraries. In the modern times, the pace of the growth in wealth accelerated due to their enterprise and notable achievements in business, real estate, farming, arts and movie industry, education, medicine, engineering, media and high technology.[57]

The Kammas of Southern Tamil Nadu who are the descendants of migrant commanders of Vijayanagara empire have also excelled in the cultivation of black cotton soils and later diversified into various industrial enterprises, particularly in Coimbatore and Kovilpatti.[58][59][60][61][62]

In the recent past, enterprising farmers migrated to other regions such as Nizamabad, Raichur and Bellary (Karnataka), Raipur (Chattisgarh) and Sambalpur (Orissa).[citation needed] In the past fifty years, the enterprise of the Kammas has profoundly influenced every aspect of social, economic and political life of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and the country in general.[citation needed] The contribution of Kammas to the economy of the state of Andhra Pradesh is significant.[citation needed]

With education, a large number of Kammas have migrated to the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc. This migration is continuing in line with the many socio-cultural changes being experienced by the state of Andhra Pradesh.[citation needed]

Distribution

In the state of Andhra Pradesh, Kammas are predominantly found in Khammam, Guntur, Prakasam and Krishna districts. Significant numbers are also found in the districts of West Godavari, East Godavari, Chittoor, Nizamabad, Hyderabad (India), Rangareddy, Anantapur and Nellore; Bellary and Bangalore districts of Karnataka; and Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Kovilpatti, Virudhunagar, Theni, Dindigul, North Arcot and South Arcot districts of Tamil Nadu.

Zamindaris

Some of the prominent Kamma Zamindaris in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are[63]:

  • Challapalli - Yarlagadda Clan[64]
  • Chintapalli/Amaravati - Vasireddy clan[65][66]
  • Ilayarasanendal (Tirunelvelli Dt) - Ravella clan[67]
  • Neikarapatti (Dindugal Dt) – Pemmasani clan[68]

Surnames

Several Kamma surnames that end with 'neni' denote the descent from an ancestor having the title 'Nayakudu/Nayudu/Nayuni'. For example, the surname 'Veeramachaneni' originated from 'Veeramacha Naidu'. Other surnames indicate the villages to which the persons originally belonged to. Kammas use different titles in different regions such as Chowdary, Naidu, Rao Reddy and Naicker. In Tamil Nadu and Southern Andhra Pradesh, Naidu is commonly used. Naicker title is used in the areas south of Coimbatore districts. However, Telugu speaking Kapu, Velama and other communities also use the titles Naidu and Naicker in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, respectively.

Sub-Divisions

According to the census of British India (1891) there were six divisions viz., Peda Kamma, Godachatu Kamma and Illuvellani Kamma(Krishna, Guntur, Anantapur districts); Bangaru Kamma (North Arcot); Vaduga Kamma (Coimbatore) and Kavali Kamma (Godavari districts).[69] In addition, divisions such as Gandikota Kamma, Gampa Kamma and Macha Kamma also exist. In modern times these divisions have all but vanished.

Politics

The Kamma caste have been considered to be Upper Shudras under the Hindu varna system of ritual ranking.[70][71] Kammas are politically active, in all the regions of Andhra Pradesh and parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. During the twentieth century a number of leaders like Prof N.G. Ranga, Paturi Rajagopala Naidu, Kotha Raghuramaiah, Gottipati Brahmaiah, Moturu Hanumantha Rao and Kalluri Chandramouli played prominent roles in the national freedom movement. Several Kammas were also attracted to leftist ideals and joined the Communist Party. It was a strong political force in the state until the mid sixties. Many wealthy Kammas willingly relinquished their lands and actively worked for the land distribution reforms. This helped many landless individuals attain middle class status and brought about greater economic development of the state as a whole. However, their affinity towards the Communist party in the early days led them to lose political clout along with the diminished influence of the Communist party throughout the world.

During the 1980s, they again played a key role in state and national politics with the inception of the Telugu Desam Party by its then President Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao also called as NTR.[72] Nara Chandrababu Naidu gave a progressive direction to Andhra Pradesh and won global recognition to the state.[73] In Tamil Nadu, famous Kamma politicians are Vaiko (vaigo) and Arcot N. Veeraswami.

Current status

A large number of Kamma families have migrated to urban centres in India and abroad. Their enterprising nature and hard work has helped them retain their affluent status. In villages, land reforms forced many Kammas to give away their lands to the government, to be donated to the poor and landless. Subsequently, land holdings got fragmented and presently most of the Kammas living in rural areas are small farmers. The vagaries of weather and a lack of good "support prices" made agriculture unremunerative. Loss of interest in agriculture coupled with the opportunities in urban areas have only exacerbated the situation.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Statistics of population: http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/odi-publications/working-papers/179-caste-class-social-articulation-andhra-pradesh-india.pdf
  2. ^ K. Sreinivasulu,2002, Caste, Class and Social Articulation in Andhra Pradesh: Mapping Differential Regional Trajectories, Department of Political Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad, p.3
  3. ^ K. C. Suri, 2002, Overseas Development Institute, UK: http://www.odi.org.uk/publications/working-papers/180-democratic-process-electoral-politics-andhra-pradesh-india.pdf
  4. ^ G. Oonk, Global Indian Diasporas, 2007, Amsterdam University Press, p. 89, ISBN 978 90 5356 035 8
  5. ^ a b c Kammavari Charitra (in Telugu language) by Kotha Bhavaiah Chowdary, 1939. Revised Edition (2006), Pavuluri Publishers, Guntur
  6. ^ Telugu Vignana Sarvaswamu, Volume 2, History, Telugu University, Hyderabad
  7. ^ V. R. Vemuri, 2003, Telugu-English Dictionary, Asian Educational Services, p. 99, ISBN 81-206-1637-5
  8. ^ A History of Telugu Literature, Chenchaiah, B. and Bhujanga Rao, R. M., 1988, Asian Educational Services, p.50, ISBN 81-206-0313-3
  9. ^ C., Veerabhadra Rao (1910). Andhrula Charitra (PDF). Vol 1. p. 232.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link) CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  10. ^ Kammavari Charitra (in Telugu language) by Kotha Bhavaiah Chowdary, 1939. Revised Edition (2006), Pavuluri Publishers, Guntur (A Brief History of Kammas, K. B. Choudary, 1954, University of California, Digitized 2007)
  11. ^ Buddhist Heritage of Andhra Pradesh
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  16. ^ South Indian Inscriptions, Vol. I, p. 243 and 317
  17. ^ Annual Report of Madras Epigraphy Vol 38, No. 346
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  19. ^ Journal of Andhra History and Culture, Vol. 1, No. 2
  20. ^ Annual Report of Madras Epigraphy, 1916, Vol. 15, No. 333, p. 135
  21. ^ Kakatiya inscriptions, A R #539, No. 442: http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume10/kakatiya_dynasty_2.html
  22. ^ Kammavari Charitra, Kotha Bhavaiah Chowdary, 1939, Revised Edition (2006), Pavuluri Publishers, Guntur
  23. ^ Velugotivari Vamsavali English Translation by N. Venkataramanayya
  24. ^ Andhrula Charitra, C. Virabhadra Rao (in Telugu)(http://ia331307.us.archive.org/1/items/andhrulacharitra025965mbp/andhrulacharitra025965mbp.pdf)
  25. ^ Kammavari Charitra (in Telugu) by Kotha Bhavaiah Chowdary, 1939. Revised Edition (2006), Pavuluri Publishers, Guntur, pp. 10-13, 15
  26. ^ Kammavari Charitra (in Telugu) by Kotha Bhavaiah Chowdary, 1939. Revised Edition (2006), Pavuluri Publishers, Guntur. pp. 31-32
  27. ^ A History of the Early Dynasties of Andhradesa, c. 200-625, B. V. Krishnarao, V. R. Sastrulu, Madras, 1942, p. 370; http://books.google.co.in/books?id=ONSCAAAAIAAJ&q=dharanikota&dq=dharanikota&lr=&pgis=1
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  31. ^ Artibus Asiae, Wagoner, P. B and Rice, J. H., 2001, 61:77-117
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  35. ^ Prolaya's Vilasa Grant; Epigraphica Indica 32: 239-268
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References

Inscriptions

  • Konidena inscription of Tribhuvana Malla – 1146 CE
  • South Indian Inscriptions, Vol. I, p. 243 and 317
  • Annual Report of Madras Epigraphy Vol. 38, No. 346 (Inscription of Pinnama Nayudu)
  • Annual Report of Madras Epigraphy, Vol. 38, No. 348 (Inscription of Devineni Erra Nayudu)
  • Journal of Andhra History and Culture, Vol. 1, No. 2
  • Annual Report of Madras Epigraphy, 1916, Vol. 15, No. 333, p. 135 (Details of Rudrama's bodyguards).
  • Poetic Inscription in old Kannada by Jain poet Boppana (1180 CE) at Shravanabelagola

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