or the Velama Doralu(Lord)
is a social group found mainly in Andhra Pradesh
. Velamas are classed as "Upper Shudras". The history of Velama's is as old as Telugu bravery. Military exploits of Velamas form an important part of Telugu tradition, history and folklore. The battles of Palnadu, Bobbili and their battles on behalf of Kakatiya and Vijaynagar empires speak volumes about their chivilary and martial spirit. According to Edgar Thurston, Russel etc., the martial social groups of Velama and Kamma share a common ancestry but got separated in the early medieval times. The earliest occurrence of ‘Velama’ in inscriptions dates from Mid-Fifteenth century. According to few historians, the warriors who migrated from Velanadu (part of present day Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh) to Kakatiya empire in 11th century came to be called as ‘Velama’.
The division of warrior clans of Telugu land into many social groups commenced during the time of Kakatiya
king Rudra I (1158-1195 CE). According to Velugotivari Vamsavali
, texts written in medieval times, farmers (Kapus) became Kammas and VelamasVelugotivari Vamsavali
, English Translation by N. VenkataramanaiahPadmanayakacharitra
, Sarvajna Singabhupala (in Telugu). In medieval... Read More