Niyogi Brahmin

Niyogis
Niyogis
Classification	Brahmin
Religions	Hinduism
Languages	Telugu
Populated states	Andhra Pradesh
Subdivisions	-

Niyogis are a sect of Brahmins and are predominantly Telugu speakers.

Theories of origin

The origin of Niyogi community is descending from their Bramhin ancestors originally from Northern as well as North Western geographical region of present day India. About six thousand (6000) exceptionally intelligent, extremely capable of administration, management with high degree of skills of warfare were chosen to help Kshatryias in desperate need in defending the country. Hence the origin of the word Aaruvela (Template:Lang-te = six thousand; Niyogi = a derivative of word 'Niyogimpabadda' in Telugu which means appointed). Niyogin in Sanskrit means "employed" or "appointed" and it is quite probable that "Niyogi"s were given this name because they accept secular employment. In the later centuries they migrated to various parts of the country in pursuit of better and Green pastures.

It is said in Shastras, that one should live near a river, away from relatives but close to place where medical help is available. Thus, they crossed Vindhyas. As they crossed over Vindhyas they came across perennial River Godavari few of them followed flow of River Godavari. A few crossed the river and went farther south and came across another perinial River - Krishna, they followed flow of River Krishna. Some went further down tracing origin of Krishna River and came across the main tributory "Tungabadra" and some other minor tributoriesof river krishna and settled down around hundreds of its tributories. Some who went tracing the tributeries of Tunga and Bhadra went further west and south west, to almost to west coast in Malenadu source of river Kavery. Some groups followed flow of River Kaveri and went to Tanjavur, Madurai etc in present day Tamil Nadu.

Brahmins are known by their paths of belief, like Smartas, Vaishnavas or Madhvas. Most of Bramhins in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu belong to the Smarta Brahmin group. (Though in later years population of Madhvas saw increase in Karnataka where saint 'Madvacharya' spread the message of dwaitha philosophy).

Smarthas follow Smritis and they are all followers of Adi Guru, Adi Sankara Acharya. The Smarta Brahmins follow Apastamba Smriti or Apastamba Sutra (not Manu Smriti). Apasthamba sutra dates back to pre (~600 BC) and these Bramhins were the ones who mastered the art of Administration, Medicine and teaching. They are the earliest Law makers of South India who lived on the banks of the Godavari river. Soon, their works and regulations like Boudhayana, Parasara, Yajnvalkya Sutras etc., came into practice and were passed as laws, especially in the courts of Sri Krishna Deva Raya.

The Smarta Brahmins in Andhra Pradesh can be grouped into two major divisions formed about a thousand to 700 years ago (most probably during Kakatiya rule), Niyogi and Vaidiki, besides the smaller group of Bhatt (Bhattu, Bhatteria, Bhatia,Bhattarika are other variants.) This classification is based on their inherent ability and Masterity in Administration, Spiritual Practices and Cooking respectively.

Traditionally believed to have descended from Lord Parasurama, Niyogi Brahmins are those Brahmins who are into various secular vocations including military activities and gave up religious vocation, especially the priesthood just like Bhumihar Brahmins in north India who largely gave up priesthood. There is a lot of brotherhood between Niyogi Brahmins and Bhumihar Brahmins. The Satavahana Vamsam (dynasty) that is said to have given the name "Andhra" to the presnt state was from Niyogi clan. Traditionally and even today Niyogi Brahmins depend on as well as emphasise and orient themselves towards modern education. As minor-kings, zamindaars (landlords), ministers in the courts of kings and as feudal Lords (Palegallu) earned a good name for their administrative abilities and progressive attitude (sarva dharma samanatha). Many of them were village heads like munsabs, talukdaars, and accountants, Karanams (Andhra) or Patwaris (Telangana) until recently. ^[1].

Etymology

According to Jogendranath Bhattacharya, the word Niyogi is derived from Yoga, which means "religious contemplation" or "meditation", as opposed to Yaga, which means "religious sacrifice". Niyogin in Sanskrit also means "employed" or "appointed" and it is probable that Niyogis were given this name because they accept secular employment.

Subdivisions

Over the past millennium the Niyogis have been further divided further into various groups:

Pradhamasakha/Kanveyulu/Yagnavalkyulu (The First Branch)
Aruvela(6000) Niyogi
Nandavarikulu
Golkonda Vyaparulu
Karanakamma Vyaparulu
Sristikaranalu/Sistukaranalu/Sistakaranalu/Karanalu or Karanam
Kasalanatlu
Pakanati
Pranganati

The Pradhamasakha group which belongs to the Shukla Yajurveda School. In Maharashtra too, there is a group of Brahmins called Pradhamasakha. There are Marathas (warrior / land owner community) also known as Pradhamasakhi. Pradhamasakha Brahmins are also called a Yagnavalkyulu and Kanveyulu.

The Aruvela Niyogis are the largest Niyogi group. Different explanations exist for the coining of the phrase "Aruvela Niyogilu" or 6000 Niyogis. They, as well as the majority of Brahmins in Andhra Pradesh, belong to the Krishna Yajurveda School. Some part of Krishna Dist,Guntur Dist and the surrounding areas was called as "AAru vela naadu".As these people belong to that area,they were called so.

Another belief is that 6000 brahmins once left out some area in and around "vishakhapattanam and the surrounding Samsthanams".So they were called as Aaruvela niyogulu.

Another theory asserts that 6000 Brahmins left drought- and famine-stricken regions of present-day Maharashtra and traveled to coastal and riverine regions of Andhra. These Brahmin settlers and their descendants, who adopted secular vocations, were termed the 6000 (or Aruvela) Niyogi. Many surnames among Maharashtra Brahmins and Aruvela Niyogis are common (or similar): this fact is considered by many to support for this theory of migration.

According to Narasimha Shastry Nori, 6000 Brahmins were appointed as village heads and accountants and training imparted to them, way back in 13th or 14th century AD

Pravaras

Every Brahmin family will have Pravara . This means every family linked up with one or two or three origins or ancestors or Vamsa Parampara. Every brahmin family will have minimum three Rishis . For example ., Angirasa , Aayasha, Gargeysa. This is one parampara . These three people are origin for today's generation . Like that there are very prominent Rishis ( sages)like Vasista, Koundinyasa, Bhardwaja, Parasara, Gothamasa, Srivatsasa, and so on..,. Every family while celebrating either function or sraddha , they should utter three times this Pravara and start the function or ceremony.

About The Nandavariks

The Nandavariks, were known as such as they were ‘Nandavara Agrahara Graheetas’. They are Rig-vedins and come under ‘ASVALAYANA SUTRA’ or principle and follow ‘Smartha Sampradaya’ as distinguished from ‘Madhava’ or ‘Vaishnava samparadayas’. ‘ASVALAYANA SUTRA’ is one of the six Sutras followed by Rig Vedins, the others being APASTABMHA (KRISHNA YAHJUR VEDINS), KATHYAYANA (SUKLA YAJUR VEDINS) DRAKSHAYANA (SAMA VEDINS), VATSYAYANA (SUKLA YAJUR VEDINS). A liik at the galaxy of the names of the thirteen recipients (MOOLA PARASHAS) of the grant of Nandavaram will reveal their caliber and mettle.

The list of their names and ‘Gothrams’ is as follows:

• ‘Avadhanam’ Peddi Bhattlu – Srivatsasa Gothram.

• ‘Tarkasastram’ Mahadeva Bhattlu – Vasista Gothram.

• ‘Vaseshikam’ Vishnu Vardhana Bhattlu – Kausika Viswamitras Gothram.

• ‘Mahabhashyam’ Mahadeva Bhattlu – Atryasa Gothram.

• ‘Mantra Sastram’ Kamalanbha Pandithulu – Harithasa Gothram.

• ‘Puranam’ Sridhara Dikshitlu – Bharadwajasa Gothram.

• ‘Shadangala’ Narayana Dikshitulu – Agastyasa Gothram.

• ‘Prabhakara’ Naga Vadhyulu – Kashyapasa Gothram.

• ‘Kramadhati’ Janardana Somayajulu – Kutsasa Gothram.

• ‘Dasagrandhala’ Viswanadhacharyulu – Gautamasa Gothram.

• ‘Surya Siddhantham’ Narayana Somayajulu – Mounabhargava Gothram.

• ‘Pradyotha’ Narasimha Somayajulu – Modgalyasa Gothram.

• ‘Kanadam’ Vishnu Vardhana Bhattlu – Veetha Havyasa Gothram

A close study of the names of the recipients will reveal that they were men of high caliber and attainments. They appear to have been authorities in their own fields and faculties with which their very names are associated, Folloing the same order of names of the recipients, ‘Tarkasastram’ Mahadeva Bhattlu appears to have been an authority on Logic. ‘Vaiseshikam’, the later branch of Logic which is said to haven the field of Vishnuvaardhana Bhattlu. ‘Mahabhashyam’ Maahadeva Bhattlu was an authority in Vedic Grammar. Mantrasastram’ Kamalanabha Pandithulu, as the name implies, appears to have been an authority on the Science of Mantras (Hymns). Likewise, ‘puranam’ Sridhara Dikshitulu was an authority on Epics, like the ‘Ramayana’ and the ‘Mahabharata’, Shadangala’ Narayana Dikshitulu was an authority on the six systems of Indian Philosophy. ‘Prabhakara’ Naga Vadhyulu was an authority on Poorva Mimamsa-Philosophy of rituals and Sacrifices. ‘Kramadhati’ Janardhana Somayajulu was a disciplinarian in the reaction of the Vedas. As an example, the Character role of ‘Shankara Sastry’ in that exquisite Telugu movie of recent times ‘Shankarabharanamu’ superbly enacted by Sri Somayajulu (!) may perhaps be considered to be that of a ‘Kramadhati’ in the rendering of Carnatic music. ‘Dasagrandhala’ Viswanathadwarya was an authority on the ten main Upanishads. ‘Pradyotha’ Nursimha Somayajulu was similarly an authority on the observance and performance of rituals. ‘Kanadam’ Vishnuvardhana Bhattlu was an authority of the earlier branch of Logic known as ‘Vaiseshikam’. As one of the receipents was known as ‘Vaiseshikam’ Vishnu Vardhana Bhattlu (items 3 in the list above) and as ‘Vaiseshikam’ (known to be the Atomic system of the philosophy) is believed to have emerged around the 16th Century, there is perhaps scope for further careful study and deliberation to deliberation to determine the period of reign of Nandana and the year of grant of ‘Anandavarapuram’ to the Nandavariks. The team of thirteen recipients as seen above is galaxy of scholars, Logicians, Grammarians, writers and Scientists-a glorious teem indeed! No wonder the Deity ‘Sri Chodeshwari’ had conscended from Banares to Nandavaram in response to their prayer as a witness as believed by the devotees, in consideration of their extraordinary prowess.

The suffixes to the names of the ‘Moola Purushas’ are given as ‘Bhattlu’, ‘Pandithulu’, Dikshitulu’, Vadhyulu’, ‘Somayajulu’, and Adhvaryul’, and these have to be considered carefully. These suffixes con note that the ‘Moola Purushas’ were all essently ‘Vadikis’. A ‘Vaidiki’ is commonly known to be one who has studied the Vedas and the Nandavarik Brahmins must have also, as other Brahmins, taken to the study of the Vedas and the Sastras in olden times. The five hundred families of Nandavariks are said to be the descendants of the thirteen “Moola Purushas” of the thirteen Gothrams. By the efflux of time and their eventual migration to the different parts of the country, the occupations they held, their employment in the positions other than those pertaining to the study or propagation of the Vedas and the Sastras, they came to be gradually denominated as ‘Neogis’ as distinguished from ‘Vaidikis’. A ‘Neogi’ is one who is engaged for a post or a situation or entrusted with a job on wages. The Nandavarik Brahmins, before their migration, supposedly from ‘Kashi’ according to the legend are believed to have been known as ‘Badaganadu’ Kannadia Brahmins’ according to ‘Kamalapuri’, Venkata Subba Sarma, as seen from the book ‘Sri Chowdeswari valisamu, he published as long as 1891 A.D. One might agree with this view to the extent that ‘Badagandu’ is said to mean ‘Northern Region’ as the Nandavarik Brahmins are stated to have migrated from ‘Kashi’ or Benares, which is located in the North, ‘Kamalapuri’ Venkata Subba Sarma’s, view that the Nandavariks were Badaganadu Kannadigas’, however, is not obviously quite acceptable and must be considered to have been his personal view as he happened to live in Bellary amidst Kannadigas and their influence and environment. It is not in ended to raise any controversy in this matter, but it is mentioned only to serve as a study of academic interest and enlightenment to the community.

Surnames (Family Names) of Niyogi Brahmins

Niyogi Brahmins:

Adaalatu
Adukuri
Ainaparti
Ainamprolu
Akhandam
Akkiraju
Alapattu
Aleti
Alladi
Ambadasu
Ambarukhana
Amruthavakkula
Anantavarapu
Andukuru
Annapragada
Anipeddi
Annavarpu
Anumarlapudi
Attota
Ayinambrolu
Ayinpura
Ayyagari
Bendapudi
Bhavaraju
Birudavolu
Bodapati
Boddapati
Bommaraju
Bollapragada
Bharatam
Bhimavarapu
Budamagunta
Budharaju
Chaganty
Challa
Chakilam
Cheruku
Chillara
Chitrapu
Chevendra
Chittem
Chodavarapu
Daliparthi
Dubagunta
Durgaraju
Damerla
Davuluri
Desaraju
Devalraju
Devarabotla
Edlapalli
Eedupalli
Errapatruni
Errapragada
Gangaravula
Gampa
Gatraju
Gaddapalli
Gadidasu
Ganapatiraju
Ganugapati
Gajulapalli
Gadicharla
Ghali
Ghantasala
Gorijavolu
Gundlapalli
Guntupalli
Ikkurthy
Ikkurty
Ikkurthi
Illandula
Illendula
Illindala
Indurthi
Inapurapu (or Ayenapurapu)
Jeedigunta
Josyula
Kagupati
Kagollu
Kanchikacharala
Kanchugantala
Kathari
Kanakabhattula
Kandhibanda
Kankipati
Kavulu
Kavuluri
Kakarlapudi
Kakarlamudi
Kamaraju
Kanukollu
KAPAVARAPU(HARITHASA GOTHRAM)
Karinapati
Karlapudi
Kasarabada
Kesharaju
Kona
Koochi
Kotamraju
Koduri
Komaravolu
Korlimarla
Kuppila
Khandaladinne
Lakkaraju
Lingamgunta
Malyala
Mandapaka
Madiraju
Mallapragada
Marella
Morparthi
Mannava
Matukumalli
Mattigunta
Mocherla
Modukuru
Mukkamala
Munimanikyam
Mukkapati
Mylavarapu
Neelamraju
Nadimpalli
Nedunuri
Nissankala
Pamidimukkala
PINDIPROLI/PINDIPROLU
Palepu
Pamarthi
Parimi
Parupudi
Patibanda
Penamakuri
Potula
Poruri
Rayaprolu
Regadamilli
Rayabharam
Rupanagunta
Rudravarapu
Salapaka
Srikaram
Sandepudi
Sampatam
Sambaraju
Sambatur
Sattenapalli
Satram
Sannikandlapadu
Samudram
Saripalli
Savidi
Singaraju
Somaasi
Somaraju
Sthaanam
Tammera
Toleti
Torthi
Tumu (Bhadrachalam)
Turlapati
Twarakavi
Udayagiri
Ullaganti
Unnava
Uppala
Urakaranam
Uta
Uttaralingamakuntla
Vaddadi
Vaddiraju
Vadduri
Vadlamudi
Vaduri
Vahi
Vallambhatla
Valluri
Vanam
Vangipurapu
Vankamamidi
Vankeswarapu
Varagani
Varahagiri
Vareswaram
Varkhola
Vasa
Vasiraju
Veladi
Velagapudi
Vepachedu
Vissamraju, etc.
Yedida

Most of these families belong to "Kanva" or "Kanveeya" branch of Pradhamasakha. Many of these family names are unique to Pradhamasakha, and you may not find the same names in any other Brahmin caste, but some family names are found in various other Brahmin groups as well. Also, some of these family names may be found in non-Brahmin castes due to the fact that many of the family names are derived from the village names and/or due to inter-caste-mixing^[2].

Aruvela Niyogi and Other Niyogi Brahmins

Abburi
Abbaraju
Achanta
Addanki
Adidamu
Adimulam
Adipudi
Adiraju
Aditham
Adivi
Aduri
Ajjarapu
Akkanapragada / Akkinapragada / Akkenapragada (all are same - as they are proper nouns)
AkkaRaju
Akkinepalli
Akkiraju
Akunuri
Aluru
Amancherla
Amperayani
Ammanabrolu
Andukuri
Annapragada
Annamraju
Annavaram
Apparaju (Parasara Gotram (tryo-rishi pravara Vasishta-Sakti-Parasara)in Aruvela Niyogi)
Apparaju (also exists in Nandavareeka Niyogi & Pradhama Sakha Niyogi)
Aradhyula
Arjarapu
Atluri
Atreyapurapu
Avasarala
Avatapalli
Avva
Ayyadevara
Ayyagari
Ayyalaraju
Bakaraju
Balabhadrapatruni
Balanthrapu
Balemarthy
Balivada
Ballijepalli
Bandhakavi
Banda -----
Bapatla
Basavaraju
Bhadriraju
Bhamidipati
Bharatham
Bhattiprolu
Bhavaraju
Bheemaraju/Bhimaraju
Bhogaraju
Bhograj
Bhupatiraju
Bitragunta
Bodapati
Bollapragada
Bommaraju
Bommakanti
Bommireddipalli
Bondalapati
Boyinepalli
Botlaguduru
Buddhavarapu
Budhiraju
Budaraju
Buyyanapragada
Chadalawada
Chaganti
Chakilam
Challa
Challapally
Chamarthy
Chandramouli
Chandarlapati
Chatrathi
Chamaraju
Cheemalamarri
Chennapragada
Cherukupalli(Its the name of a village in Guntur district.. They actually belong to Yallapragada)
Cherukuvada
Chilakalapudi
Chimakurthy
Chinta
chintagunta
Chintapalli
Chintalapudi
Chittamuri
Chittapragada
choragudi
Chitrapu
Chitturi
Chodavarapu
Daliparthy
Damaraju
Dammalapati
Danam
Davuluri
Desabhatla
Desabhatla
Desaraju
Desiraju
Devarabhotla
Devalraju
Devulapalli
Dhanyamraju
Dharmavarapu
Dinavahi
Dittakavi
Doddavarapu
Dontaraju
Dronamraju
Duggaraju
Duggirala
Dhurjati
Duttaluru
Eadara
Elchuri
Enjeti
Eeswarapragada
Gade
Gadiraju
Gaddamanugu
Gady
Gandavarapu
Gangavarapu
Gangaraju
Ganjam
Ghantasala
Gollamudi
Gollapudi
Goparaju
Goteti
Govindaraju
Gudipati
Gudladona
Gudlavalleti
Gullapalli
Gundimeda
Gundlapalli
Gundamaraju
Gunnikuntla
Gurazada
Iduri
Illandula
Illendula
Illindala
Indupalli
Inamanamelluri
Inugurthi
Inumella
Ippagunta
Iragavarapu
Ivaturi
Jakkaraju
Jeedigunta
Jillellamudi
Jonnalagadda
Jayagiri
Jayanthi
Kaasiraju
Kalley
Kalapatapu
Kaligotla
Kalugotla
Kadambari
kalavacharla
Kamakolanu
Kamaraju gadda
Kambhammettu
Kanakagiri
Kanala
Kanchnepalli
Kandukuri
Kanukollu
Kanukolanu
Kanuparthy
kapavarapu
Karavadi
Karanam
Kasavaraju
kesapragada
Kasturi
Kasukurthi
kesaanapalli
Katuri
Kavi
Kallakuri
Kalvakurthi
Kesinapalli
Khambhammettu
Kocherlakota
Koduri
Koka
Kolanu
Kalluri
Koduru
Kommaraju (Haritasa Gotram)
Komaravolu
Komarraju
Kona
Konda
Kondepudi
Kondapally
Konduri
Konduru
Konidena
Kopparapu
Korimilli
Korrapati
Korupolu
Kotamraju
Kotamarthi
Kotaru
Kotharu
Kotichintala
Kovuru
Krovvidi
Kummamuru
Kuchimanchi
Kuntamukkala
Kunderu
Kurapati
Lakkapragada
Lakkaraju
Lakkavajjula
Lingamgunta
Machavaram
Machiraju
Maddali
Madiraju
Malkapuram
Mallampalli
Mallapragada
Malyala
Manapragada
Manchikalapati
Manchikanti
Manchiraju
Mandapaka
Mandapati
Mangu
Mannava
Mannepalli
Mantri
Mantripragada
Maramraju
Marella
Marripati
Mattigunta
Matukumalli
Medikonduru
Medukonduru
Mittagunta
Modukuru
Mooparti
Moorthiraju
Mopidevi
mudunuru
Mukkamala
Muktevi
Mulakaluri
Mulugu
Mulpur
Mulpuri
Mutharaju
Munagamuri
Munimanikyam
Munipalle
Muppalla
Muvva (Movva)
Mynampati
Mylavarapu
Nadela
Namavarapu
Namburi
Nandanavanam
Nandigama
Nandiraju
Nandiwada
Nanduri
Naraparaju
Nadimpalli
Navuluri
Neelamraju
Nemalikanti
Nellutla
Nemalikanti
Nidamarthi
Nidumolu
Nadupalli
Nimushakavi/Nimishakavi
Nissankala
Pabbaraju
Pagolu
Paidipati
Palakodety
Palivela
Palutla
Pamulaparthi
Pamulapati
Panamgipalli
Panchalavarapu
Pandrangi
Pandravada
Panguluri
Panthangi
Paramatmuni/Paramathmuni
Paramkusham
Parimi
Paaturi
Pathapati
Patibanda
Pattamatta
Pegatraju
Pathikonda
Pelluri
Pemmaraju
Penamakuru
Penumudi
Perala
Petluri
Pingali
Piduru
Pindiprolu
Pochiraju
Poduri
Pogalore
Poolla
Polamraju
Polapragada
Polavaram
Poluri
Ponduri
Ponnada
Ponnekanti
Poruri
Pothapragada
Potharaju
Potturi
Pragada
Pragadaraju
Pulijala
Pulikanti
Pulipaka
Pullamaraju
puligurtha
Punyamurthula
Putrevu
Puttabakula
Puvvada
Rachapudi
Racherla
Ramapragada
Rajasekharuni
Ramachandruni(Koundinyasa Gotram)
Ramaraju
Rangaraju
Ravela (This is name of a village in Guntur District)
Ravinutala
Ravipati
Ravula
Ravulaparti
Ravuri
Rupanagunta
Sambharaju
Sandepudi
Sangaraju
Sanka
Sankhamraju
Santapur
Sambatur
Sarraju
Sarikonda
Sarvepalli
Sathuluri
Sattiraju
Saathamraju
Satyavolu
Seethamraju
Seethanraju
Seethimraju
Siddiraju
Singam
Singampalli
Singaraju
Siripurapu
Srikantham
Sunkaranam
Suraparaju
Surampudi
Tadanki
Tadakamalla
Tadikonda
Tallapragada
Tallamraju
Talluri
Tanuku
Tamvada
Tanguturi
Tatavarthy
Tadakamalla
Tadinada
Tadimalla
Tadimeti
Tamirisa
Tatavarthy
Tatiraju
Telidevara
Tenneti
Tetali
Thungathurthi
Tummurugoti
Timmaraju
Tummalacheruv
Turaga / Tvarakavi
Turlapati / Turlapaty
Unnava
Uppaluri
Uppugunduri
Vaddadi
Vaddiparthi
Vadlamannati
Vadrevu
Valluri
Vajja
Vakkalanka
Vamaraju
Vangipurapu
Vankamamidi
Varanasi
Varahagiri
Vedagiri
Vedururu
Veladi
Velagapudi
Velaparti
Veldurthy
Velichety
Vempati
Vemuganti
Vemula
Vemulakonda
Vemuri
Ventrapragada
Venuturupalle
Vepakomma
Viriyala
Vissapragada
Volety
Voore
Vurakaranam
Wuriti
Yabaluri
Yallapragada
Yandapalli / Yandapally
Yarrapragada
Yedida
Yendluri
Yerramilli
Yerrapragada
Yeddanapudi
Wuppalapati / Uppalapati
Varigonda
Vajja
Vajjala
Valluru
vallury

Niyogis today

Niyogis are those brahmins, who took up various secular vocations including military ones like their counterparts in other states such as Chitpavans in Maharashtra, Mohyals in the Punjab, Tyagis and Bhumihar Brahmins in most parts of Northern India and the Pushpaka Brahmins of Kerala. For this many of them gave up religious occupations such as priesthood. Today you can see only hand-full of niyogi priests working in some temples. But still as brahmins, they are committed to follow individual/family level rituals required to be followed at their homes, even though they don't choose that as career outside. Hence, the Niyogis never either accept a religious gift or partake of Shraadha food (food given to Brahmins during death related rituals). In spite of living in modern age, most of them never give up their consciousness regarding their vedic heritage, but rather try to follow or understand them radically.

Niyogis depend and emphasize on modern education, administration (Niyogis have traditionally been well represented in the lower cadres of local administration in Andhra Pradesh), management etc. In the past, they were Zamindars, Talukdars, Munsabs, Minor kings, Ministers in the courts of kings and feudatories. Many of them were village accountants/clerks, Karanams (in Andhra) or Patwaris (in Telangana), until recently. A famous saying goes Yendu Niyogimpavalenanna Niyogimpadagina vaadu Niyogi - He who can be trusted for successful completion of task is a Niyogi.

Many of them were village accountants/clerks, karanams (Andhra) or patwaris (Telangana), until recently, as a heritage. However, these positions were abolished by the Telugu Desam Party Government during 1980s. As a result of this and other populist programs such as reservations and quotas for selected castes and tribes, Niyogi Brahmins had become economically weak till a generation back because of the sudden end to their vocation. Things have now changed for much better with the community members doing well and occupying senior positions in private sector and even have their own business establishments.

Valluru Venkateswarlu S/o.Valluru Vissumraju Panthulu garu, Valluru, Guntur Dist. was born in November,1910.A first class Graduate of Arts from AC College, Guntur and also Law migrated to Hyderabad in 1950 along with his 5 younger brothers from Bapatla, Guntur Dist. He was a well known Supreme Court Advocate in the legal fraternity in AP. Besides that, a great Sanskrit scholor, musician of Veena, eminent philosopher of ADVAITA and an artist also. Renounced the world in 1976 and was made the Peethadhipathi designate of Sri Siddeshwari Peetham, Couruttalam(TN). Authored several books like DHAATU PRAKRIYA(for Sanskrit students), CHATUSSUTHRI, MAANDUKYOPANISHAD,VIVEKA CHUDAMANI etc., Attained Siddhi in January,1985, in Vijayawada.

Akkanna and Madanna , the ministers with Golconda nawabs
GOD Garu, Vijayadurga Peethadipathi, Vedurupaka,
Dr Tatavarthy Bharatham Shashidhar the famous ENT surgeon who selflessly helped the poor patients of northern india.
Kancharla Gopanna (Bhakta Ramdass)
Mahamanthri Timmarusu
Tenali Ramakrishnudu
BAPU - Sattiraju Lakshminarayana
Illindala Saraswathi- Famous Telugu Writer
Amruthavakkula Sesha Kumar
Nanduri Subbarao- a famous poet who authored Yenki paatalu
Nanduri Prasada Rao- a famous freedom fighter
Gandavarapu Laxman Narayana- a famous freedom fighter from Poondla
Mangal Pandey
Swami Sahajanand Saraswati
Swami Sundaracharya Saraswathi,Founder of Sarva Siddhi Peeta and Sarva Siddhi Meditation
Adivi Bapiraju
Mahapandit Rahul Sankrityayan
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
V V Giri
Polapragada Venkata Murali Krishna Rao. (CMD SL Diagnostics Pvt Ltd and former Director Bharat Dymanics Limited and Managing Trustee of Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Polapragada Charitable Trust
Damaraju Nageswararao
Desaraju Suneeta Rao, a famous contemporary Hindi singer
Duttaluru Radhakrishna Murthy, a famous Civil Engineer
Basawon Singh (Sinha)
Yogendra Shukla
Siva Rama Prasad Korlimarla - Executive Director, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited.
Sri Krishna Sinha First Chief Minister of the province of Bihar.
P V Narasimha Rao - Former Prime Minister of India
Kona Prabhakara Rao - Finance minister, Speaker of AP Assembly , PCC President, Governor of Pondichery, Sikkim and Maharashtra.
Sheel Bhadra Yajee
Raya Mantri
Bendapudi Annamantri [General and Administrative Minister in Kakatiya Kingdom]
Turaga venkata kavi
Kandukuri Veeresalingam
Ramdhari Singh Dinkar
K L Rao distniguished Civil engineer and Cabinet Minister
Tanguturi Prakasam
Ram Briksh Benipuri
General A.S. Rao ([O.B.E]) [1]
General K. V. Krishna Rao
P.L.N Raghukumar , Founder of SPSKC Trust,Jagathguru Magazine Co-Owner and Chartered Accountant
panchalavarapu venkata subbarao
Elchuri Subrahmanyam one of the Niagara poets
Elchuri Muralidhara Rao a scholar, classical poet and ashtavadhani
Elchuri Vijaya Raghava Rao a Grate poet, Flute Expert.
K.S.R. Prasad
K.C.Prakash
K.Uma Maheswara Rao
Komarraju Venkata Lakshmana Rao
Korlimarla Ramamurthy (1920-1997)
Korlimarla Siva Rama Prasad
Prashanth Korlimarla
Piduru Subbaiah, S/o. Audinarayana Piduru and Mangamma
Piduru Gurunadha Swamy S/o. Piduru Subbaiah & Mangamma
Piduru Venkata Subba Rao, (1922-2004), S/o. Piduru Gurunadha Swamy & Venkatalakshamma Ganapatiraju
Piduru Chalapathi, S/o. Piduru Venkata Subba Rao & Anasuyamma Sarvepalli
Piduru Guru Prasad, S/o. Piduru Venkata Subba Rao & Annapurnamma Sarvepalli
Piduru Devendra Kumar, S/o. Piduru Venkata Subba Rao & Annapurnamma Sarvepalli
Piduru Venkata Krishna Kumar, S/o. Piduru Venkata Subba Rao & Annapurnamma Sarvepalli
Piduru Madhusudana Rao, S/o. Piduru Venkata Subba Rao & Annapurnamma Sarvepalli
Piduru Videhi, D/o. Piduru Venkata Subba Rao & Annapurnamma Sarvepalli
Piduru Venkata Guru Saikiran, S/o. Piduru Devendra Kumar
Piduru Venkata Guru Sai Karthik, S/o. Piduru Devendra Kumar
Piduru Hemant Kumar, S/o. Piduru Guru Prasad & Mukhalingeswara Padmavathi Devi Poluru
Piduru Yashwant Kumar, S/o. Piduru Guru Prasad & Mukhalingeswara Padmavathi Devi Poluru
Ponnaganti Telaganarya (First Desi Telugu Poet)
Amanchanrla Gangadhar Rao, Retd. High Court Judge
Sri K Lakshmikanthananda yogi
Ram Sharan Sharma eminent historian
Prof. N.V. Subrahmanyam (Eminent Mathematician)
Prof.N.V.Subba Rao(Professor in Organic Chemistry and Dean of Science,Osmania University)
Ghali Latish Sudheer (Renowned software developer)
Abhayanand promising IPS officer in Bihar.
Mangu Sarathi Krishna
Dr. Chandreshwar Prasad Thakur
Canchupaty Venkatarao Venkasami Rao - MASTER C.V.V, the founder of new Yoga called Bhrukta Rahita Taraka Raja Yoga.
Pandit Prakash Vir Shastri eminent Parliamentarian and scholar of Sanskrit.
Rameshwar Thakur Present governor of Karnataka.
Kailashpati Mishra Former vice-president of BJP and former governor of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Raghav Sharan Sharma engineer, mountaineer, writer. Editor of Swami Sahjanand Saraswati Rachanawali published by Rajkamal Prakashan.
Vangipurapu venkata sai Laxman @ VVS Laxman- Indian cricketer (Pradhama Sakha Niyogi)
Pawan Kaasiraju - Chairman & Managing Director, Dhatri Advertising Private Limited
"Tantrabhaskara" Dr.Purnapragnabharathy - Eminent scholar is Languages, Reputed Translator
Prajapathy Rao Gundavarapu ( Secretary Satavahana college, Vijayawada )
"Vainika Sarvabhouma" Dr.Challapally Chitti Babu (Veena Maestro)
Anil Gandavarapu
Late Dr. D. Sivaramaiah (Erstwhile Principal of college of Technology, OU, Hyd)
Dr.Yellapragada Subbarao
Dr.Subrahmanya Siripurapu, Physician from Vizag
Bhogaraju Pattabhi SitaramayyaFreedom Fighter &(Andhra Bank Founder)
V. Rama Rao Governor of Sikkim
SP BalasubramanyamSaivulu , a great play back singer
Smt s. Janaki , a play back singer
Smt.P.Susheela, Famous playback singer
Dr.Achanta lakshmipathi
Sridhar Sunkaranam
Chakilam Muralidhar Rao, a promising IFS officer
Dr.B.V.Pattabhiram
U.Subbaraya Sarma
Valluru Sitaramiah
Gurazada Appa Rao(Kanyasulkam Writer)
Yeddanapudi Sulochanadevi(Writer)
Dammalapati Seshagiri Rao, Peetadhipathi, Bhuvaneswari Peetham, Gannvaram, Andhra Pradesh.
Rajasekharuni Dikshitulu
Mooparthi Sita Rama Rao,Sundarakanda Author(Pradhama Sakha Niyogi)
Munimanikyam Narasimha Rao(kantham kathalu)(Pradhama Sakha Niyogi)
Raj Gollamudi (Aaruvelu Niyogi)( BlueStream Ventures)
Shama Rao
Kandukuri Ramabhadra Rao - Eminent Telugu Poet & Littérateur
Dr. Turlapati A.V. Murthy ( Registrar, EFL Hyderabad )
Shri Aluru Lakshmi Narasimha Rao, Chairman & chief Executive, Heavy Water Board.
Pingali Suranna
Pingali Venkayya
Pingali Nagendrarao
Late Sri Chakilam Srinivasa Rao, Ex M.P.Nalgonda
Kodati Narayan Rao, Freedom fighter and Father of AP Library movement.
Pingali Lakshmikantam* Neelamraju Ganga Prasada Rao - Eminent Agriculture Scientist
Komaravolu Chandrasekharan - Emiritus scientist in Mathematics and natural science ( Ref-11)
Late Sri Nanduri Bapiraju -Freedom fighter and A.P High Court Advocate
Sudeep Desaraju - Eminent Lawyer, NSB and Australian Army Reserve Officer cadet
Neelamraju Krishna Kishore Well known Banker and Film Critic
varanasi venkata subba rao-majistrate,director in apcobank,
Budaraju Radhakrishna, Journalist and great telugu writer.
Varanasi Bhanu Murthy Rao(a poet and lyricist)
Mohan Goteti- Senior film journalist,Editor and Publisher of HYDERABAD JOSH
singer sunitha
sridhar--eenadu cartoonist
kota srinivas rao--actor
Kameswara Rao Pindiproli- Business Man and Philanthropist.
Dr Kameshwar Rao Neurobiologist
Kaza Sitaram Engineer
Dr Pegatraju Rajasekhar, Famous Physician in Nellore
Rayabhraam Rajinikanth Manager LIC, Bombay
Dr Grandhi Srinu (Intermediate) - CEO sonique solutions. Super Great man
Veduru Paka GOD Garu, (Vijaya Durga Peethadhi Pathi)
Rangaraju Radhika Rao
Tadakamalla Indu
Turlapati Syama Mohan Rao, Nandigama
Turlapati Venkata Markendeswar Rao, Nandigama
Tatavarthy RajaSekhar- Humorist
Dr.Madhav Rangaraju
Rangaraju Venkateshwar Rao
Rangaraju Padmaja
Rangaraju Venkata Ramana
Raghav Ranga Rao Rangaraju
Ramachandruni Venkata Subbu Chandra Sekhara Rao (Gayatri Seva Samithi, Hyderabad Mobile No : 9394036090)
Ramachandruni VENKATA RAO, Advocate, Hyderabad, Mobile No : 9394569396, E-mail id venkat360@gmail.com
Ruchi Rao Rangaraju
Ritvik Rao Rangaraju
Somaraju Purushottamdas(Wrote Bhagavatam with pen name 'Uttamam')
Somaraju Ramanuja Rao (Freedom Fighter who wrote 'Rangoon Rowdy')
Somaraju Chenchu Krishna Ramdas
Indurthi Prahlada Varada Rao
Kagollu Harsha Nanda Kumar (Hitech Sppiritual Guru)
Yedida Kameswara Rao (Radio Annayya)
Ayinapurapu Janakiramam ( Ex-director Finance NTC, Ex-President Heartland)
Ayinapurapu Uday Kumar
Ayenapurapu Chandra Mouli
Telidevara Bhanumurthy ( Eminent writer in telangana dialect )
Adiraju VR Krishna Murthy - Officer on special duty in PMO office during PV Narashima Rao and personal seceratary to PV during his tenure as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
Patibanda Raghu Ram - Secretary of Swami Ramanandha Tirtha Society.
BITRAGUNTA RAGHUPATHI RAO Garu, ONGOLE.He was a great man, known very well among the villagers for his helping nature. He worked as a Police Head Constable and was the founder of Sri Ramu Memorial School (estd : 1972)
Racherla Sreekanth, Programmer Analyst Trainee, Cognizant Technology Solutions.
Desiraju Narasimha Rao, Professor and Dean at Dept Of Biochemistry, Indian Institute Of Science, Bangalore (6 vela Niyogi)

Please add the surnames of Modukuru and Adipudi in to 6000 niyogulu list

Valluru Basava Raju, s/o Valluru Vissumraju Panthulu garu from Valluru, Guntur Dist. was a distinguished politician from 1960 to 1982. He served as MLA from North Telangana, Revenue Minister in Kasu Brahmananda Reddy`s Cabinet, Chairman, APSRTC, Hon.Chairman, NIRD, Hyderabad.He was also Rajya Sabha MP a couple of times and was the First Gen.Secretary of AICC during Mrs.Indiara Gandhi`s time. He led the delegation to UN during Morarji`s Govt. in 1978 as Opposition Leader.

Pradhamasakha Niyogi Brahmins [2]
Andhra Viprula Gotramulu, Indla Perlu, Sakhalu, by Emmesroy Sastri.
Hindu Castes and Sects, Jogendranath Bhattacharya.
History and Culture of Andhra Pradesh, Rao PR.
Brahmins
Brahmins of Andhra Pradesh
Poverty Stricken Brahmins
Source: Vepachedu Educational Foundation Inc.
Permission

Machiraju Ramachandra Rao eminent Painter and Doctor(M.B.B.S ,M.D) 11.http://www.oeaw.ac.at/oeaw_servlet/e_PersonenDetailsGeneric?id=10924 P.Susheela and S.Janaki, Duggaraju Murali Mohan,Bandaru Venkata Pavan Kumar,Bandaru Anannya,Anitha Venkatraman Names to be added to the list of eminent Niyogis...\

Dr.T.S.S.Lakshmi - Principal & Superintendent of Osmania Medical college & General hospital, Andhra pradesh's first lady Dermatologist

Tadinada Krisha Murty - Eminent Chartered Accountant & Director Of National Film Development Corporation (NFDC),Financial advisor to the Governament of Andhra Pradesh. "Elchuri Vijaya Raghava Rao" a Grate poet, Flute Expert . "Bhimavarapu" initial is comes in to 6000 niyogulu not in pradhamashaka niyogulu

Kanta Rao Telugu Film Actor Chillara krishnamurty - noted scholar and telugu poet- he has written various satakas on lord shiva and (siddhalingeswara), lord rama and goddess Raajarajeswari.His works are equated to that of Dhurjati , one of the ashta diggajas of king Krishna devaraya, by his contemporaries.

late Tadikonda veerabhadraya- most prominent advacate high court .(ap) tadikonda subramanya prasad- govt officer, finance tadikonda sampurnanand-advacate tadikonda umakanth- ca(charter accountant) Turlapati Syama Mohan Rao, Nandigama, a great educationalist & executive

Polapragada Venkata Murali Krishna Rao. (CMD SL Diagnostics Pvt Ltd and former Director Bharat Dymanics Limited and Managing Trustee of Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Polapragada Charitable Trust

Late Dr KASTURI VENKATACHALAM, well known doctor and freedom fighter from Kakinada

References

Dr Tatavarthy Bharatham Shashidhar, the famous ENT surgeon in North of India.(6000 niyogi) yabaluri sreedhar murthi,eminent scholar in geophysics in osmania university Amperayani

Kuntamukkala venkata subramanya Rangarao retd excise offer Andhra pradesh

[1] Brahmins of Andhra Pradesh

[2] Brahmin, brahmana, caste, tribe, gotra, rishi, ritual, india, hindu, religion, Mana Sanskriti (Our Culture), Issue 69

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[2]