Kamma (caste)

For other uses of "Kamma", see Kamma.

Kamma
Classification	Warriors
Religions	Hinduism, Christianity, Atheism and Buddhism
Languages	Telugu, Tamil, Kannada
Populated states	Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka

Kamma (Telugu:కమ్మ) is a caste or social group found largely in the Southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Karnataka. They constitute about 5% of the population of Andhra Pradesh which would make them the fifth largest community. There are significant numbers of this community in the state of Karnataka as well. In the last decades of the previous century some of them migrated to other parts of the world, particularly to the USA, UK and Australia.

Ancient history

Origins

There are many theories about the origins of the word "Kamma" and the social group known as Kammas but none is conclusive. One theory is that the people who lived in the Krishna river valley, where Buddhism prevailed, got the name from Theravada Buddhist concept of Kamma (Pali) or Karma (Sanskrit). This region was once known as Kammarashtram / Kammarattam / Kammanadu, which was under the control of Pallavas, Eastern Chalukyas and Cholas. Inscriptions mentioning Kammanadu are available since 3rd century A.D.

Kambhoja/Pallava Origin:

Some historians opined that the name Kamma is probably derived from Kambhoja, an ancient Aryan warrior clan. Avadh Bihari Lal Avasthi comments as follows: We find Kambhi, Kamma, Kumbhi etc castes in South India. Possibly, there has also been a Kamboja country in Southern India. The Garuda Purana locates a Kambhoja principality/settlement in the neighborhood of Ashmaka, Pulinda, Jimuta, Narrashtra, Lata and Karnata countries, and also specifically informs us that this section of Kambojas were living in southern division of India. (dakshina.path.vasinah):

pulinda ashmaka jimuta narrashtara nivasinah

carnata kamboja ghata dakshinapathvasinah — Garuda Purana (1/15/13).

Interestingly, Agni Purana locates two Kamboja settlements in India itself...Kambhoja in south-west India and Kamboja in southern parts of India. Historians need to closely analyze if there are any links between Pahlava/Kambhoja migrations to Palnadu / Kammanadu region of ancient Telugu country. (See Origin of Pallava and Migration of Kambojas).

Kurmi Origin:

Another origin of Kammas is speculated as: Buddhist Kurmis from Gangetic plains migrated to Krishna river delta in large numbers to escape the persecution of Pushyamitra Sunga (184 B.C). Buddhism was already flourishing in Dharanikota, Bhattiprolu, Chandavolu etc in this fertile area. Historians surmised that the Sanskrit word Kurmi/Kurma became Kamma in later years. The first records of the word Kammarashtram appeared in the Jaggayyapeta inscription of Ikshvaku King Madhariputra Purushadatta (3rd century A.D.). The Kammarashtram extended from the Krishna River to Kandukur (Prakasam Dt.). The next record was that of Pallava King Kumara Vishnu II followed by that of Eastern Chalukya king Mangi Yuvaraja (627-696 A.D.). The subsequent inscriptions of Telugu Cholas/Chodas and Kakatiya dynasty mentioned ‘Kammanadu’ (E.g., Konidena inscription of Tribhuvana Malla – 1146 A.D.). This region is also known as Pallavanadu/Palanadu/Palnadu due to Pallava rule.

Medieval History

Origin of Caste

The division of warrior class into many castes and their consolidation commenced in the time of Pratapa Rudra I (1158-1195 A.D). Badabanala Bhatta prescribed Surnames and Gothras of Kammas. Castes such as Kamma, Velama, and Reddy probably had a common origin. The battle of Palnadu (1180 A.D) created strife among the social groups of the Telugu country, echoes till today.

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/Chodas of Velanadu starting from Gonka I (1075-1115), found in many places in Kammanadu. The Dharanikota kings (1130-1251) who belonged to Kota clan of Kammas had marital alliances with Telugu Cholas. Similarly, Kota kings married the women from Kakatiya dynasty (E.g., Kota Betharaja married Ganapamba, daughter of Ganapati Deva). Ganapati Deva married the sisters of Jayapa Senani, a brave warrior hailing from Chebrolu (Guntur Dt.). Jayapa is also well known for his contributions to the field of Indian dance (1231 A.D). Around this time many warriors from Kammanadu joined the forces of Kakatiya dynasty. Such evidences prompted some historians to speculate that Kakatiyas were Kammas.

Kammas and Kakatiyas

Kammas grew to prominence during the Kakatiya dynasty reign (1083-1323 A.D) by holding important positions in their army. One of the most famous commanders during the time of Rudrama Devi and Prataparudra II was Daadi Nagadeva who played a prominent role in warding off the attack of Yadava king of Devagiri. Nagadeva’s son Ganna Mantri, also called Ganna Senani or Yugandhar was a great warrior and patron of arts and literature. Poet Maarana dedicated his “Markandeya Puranam” to Ganna. 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 A.D. In prolonged battles with Muslims between 1296 and 1323 A.D. thousands of Kamma Nayakas became martyrs along with others, in the defense of Warangal.

The inhuman atrocities perpetrated by the aliens on Telugu people prompted two Kamma chieftains, Musunuri Prolaya Nayaka and Musunuri Kapaya Nayaka, who served the Kakatiya king Prataparudra, to raise the banner of revolt. After the fall of Warangal they united the Nayaka chieftains, wrested Warangal from the Delhi Sultanate and ruled for 50 years. (See Musunuri Nayaks)

Kammas and the Vijajanagar Empire

Subsequent to the martyrdom of Kaapaaneedu (Musunuri Kapaya Nayaka) many Kammas migrated to the Vijayanagar kingdom. During the Vijayanagar rule Kamma Nayaks formed the bulwark of its army and were appointed as Governors in many areas of Tamil Nadu. Their role in protecting the last great Hindu kingdom of India was glorious. Some of the prominent commanders who achieved fame by their valour were:

• Pemmasani Thimma Nayudu was the commander of Vijayanagar army which valiantly fought and won the battle of Gulbarga (Kalubarige) in 1422. The grateful king Devaraya II made him the governor of Gandikota (Cuddapah district). Thimma Nayudu constructed a large number of temples and tanks in Rayalaseema region. Gandikota Kammas kept Muslims at bay and protected Telugu land for a long time.

• Pemmasani Ramalinga Nayudu was the most favourite commander of Sri Krishna Deva Raya. The great battle of Raichur was won by Ramalinga during which thousands of Kamma warriors became martyrs. The exploits of Ramalinga were extolled by many poets. Portuguese historian Nuniz referred Ramalinga as ‘Camanayaque’ in his writings (See Pemmasani Nayaks).

• Pemmasani Viswanatha Nayudu proved his loyalty to Vitthala Raya by defeating his own father, Nagama Nayudu, who declared independence at Madurai, and later established the Nayak dynasty. The Pemmasani Kamma clan still has a Zamindari near Madurai called Neikarapatti. (See Nayaks of Madhura).

• Another illustrious clan which won great laurels in Vijayanagar Empire was Ravella. Many commanders of this clan bravely fought and protected the honour of Telugu country (See Ravella Nayaks).

• Kammas controlled parts of south and north Tamil Nadu for several years under the title of Nayacker, which was a legacy of the Vijayanagar Empire. Thirumala Nayak of Madurai was the most famous among them.

• One of the well-known dynasties that flourished before the advent of British rule is the Vasireddy dynasty in Amaravati, established around 1413 AD. The prominent ruler was Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu (See Vasireddy Clan).

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 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 in right earnest to tame the lands in modern times. There are many proverbs in Telugu language which speak of Kammas’ adeptness in agriculture and their emotional attachment to the soil. English historians like Edgar Thurston and noted agricultural scientists like M. S. Randhawa eulogized the spirit of Kamma farmers.

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 natural propensity for hard work made Kammas wealthy and prosperous. The money was put to good use by establishing numerous schools and libraries and encouraging their children to take up modern education. Kammas of Tamil Nadu have also excelled in the cultivation of black cotton soils and later diversified into various industrial enterprises. In the recent past, enterprising farmers migrated to other regions such as Nizamabad, Raichur and Bellary (Karnataka), Raipur (Madhya Pradesh) and Sambalpur (Orissa) and acquired lands. In the past fifty years, the enterprise of Kammas has profoundly influenced every aspect of social, economic and political life of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and the country in general. The contribution of Kammas to the economy of the state of Andhra Pradesh, to put it conservatively, is stupendous.

With the power of knowledge and education, a large number of Kammas has migrated to USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc. This migration is continuing unabated. Kammas have truly become Global citizens.

Important components of the modern development of the Kamma community are:

• Their embrace of education. Among the non-Brahmin communities, Kammas were one of the first to take to education in large numbers. Over a period of 10 years, in Guntur District alone, 130 High schools were established by their initiative. Zamindars of Challapalli and Kapileswarapuram founded many schools and libraries.
• In the recent past, the pace of increase 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.

Distribution

The Kamma community can be found in significant numbers in Guntur, Krishna, Prakasam, Godavari, and Nellore Districts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh and in large numbers in Anantapur, Chittoor, Bellary, Bangalore, Nizamabad, Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy and Khammam districts. In Tamil Nadu they can be found in Chennai, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Kovilpatti, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Theni, Karur, Dindigal, North Arcot and South Arcot districts..

Zamindaris

• Challapalli - Yarlagadda Clan
• Chintapalli - Amaravati (Vasireddy clan)
• Kapileswarapuram - Sri Balusu clan
• Muktyala - Vasireddy clan
• Melkalathuru (Old Arcot Dt)- Bollineni/Bollini Clan
• Kurivikulam (Tirunelveli Dt) – Pemmasani clan
• Ilavarasanandanan (Tirunelveli Dt) – Ravella clan
• Neikarapatti (Dindugal Dt) – Pemmasani clan

Surnames

Several Kamma surnames end with 'neni' denoting descent from an ancestor having title 'Nayakudu/Nayudu/Nayuni. For example, persons with surname 'Veeramachaneni' are descendants of 'Veeramacha Nayudu'. Other surnames indicate the villages to which the persons originally belonged to. Kammas use different titles in different regions such as Chowdary, Naidu and Naicker. In Tamil Nadu and Southern A.P., Naidu is commonly used. Naicker title is added in the areas south of Coimbatore district. However, Telugu speaking Balija and Gavara communities also use the titles Naidu and Naicker in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu respectively.

Sub-Divisions

There are a few divisions among Kammas although these are not adhered to for all practical purposes. These divisions are:

1. Pedda Kamma (Descendents of Nayaks and ruling clans such as Gogineni, Yarlagadda, Veeramachaneni, Musunuri, Vasireddy etc).

2. Chinna Kamma (Majority of the Kammas).

3. Kota Kamma (Descendents of Dharanikota kings with surnames Kota, Sagineni etc.).

4. Gampa Kamma (Descendents of Gandikota Nayaks who migrated after the downfall of Gandikota).

5. Gandikota Kamma (Descendents of Gandikota Nayaks who migrated to Tamil Nadu).

Religion

While most of the Kammas are Hindus there were conversions to other religions/schools of thought such as rationalism, Christianity, Arya Samaj, Atheism, and Buddhism.

Politics

Kammas are politically very active, especially in Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions. During the twentieth century a number of leaders like Prof N.G. Ranga, Gottipati Brahmaiah, and Kalluri Chandramouli took prominent roles in the national freedom movement. Several Kammas were 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 rather than to just one particular community. We are witnessing the benefits of this sacrifice now in the state as Andhra Pradesh has developed into an economic hub. 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 Nandamuri Taraka Ramarao. Nara Chandra Babu Naidu gave a progressive direction to Andhra Pradesh and won global recognition to the Telugu language and the state of Andhra Pradesh. This recognition of the political and economic importance of Andhra Pradesh was manifest in the visits of American Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Crossroads

The Kammas are at crossroads today. Large number of families has already transplanted themselves to urban centres in India and abroad. Their enterprising nature and hard work created a class of ‘neo-rich’. In villages, land reforms forced many Kammas to give away their lands to the government. Subsequently, land holdings got fragmented and presently most of the Kammas living in rural areas are small farmers. Vagaries of weather and lack of good support prices made agriculture unremunerative. Loss of interest in agriculture and the lure of urban environment have only exacerbated the situation. There are impending signs of a gulf developing between rural and urban Kammas. Development of collective and corporate agriculture in near future may obviate this possible scenario.

See also

• List of notable Kammas

References and notes

1. Kammavari Charitra by Kotha Bhavaiah Chowdary (in Telugu).
2. Krishnaraja Vijayam by Kumara Dhurjati (in Telugu).
3. Telugu Vignana Sarvaswamu, Volume 2, History, Telugu University, Hyderabad (In Telugu).
4. Durga Prasad, History of the Andhras Till 1565 A.D., P. G. Publishers, Guntur.
5. Edgar Thurston, Castes and Tribes of Southern India, 1965, Government Press, Madras.
6. M. S. Randhawa, Farmers of India, 1959, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.