Kamma (caste)
Encyclopedia
Kamma or the Kammavaru is a social group that are classed as Upper Shudra
s is found largely in the Southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh
, Tamilnadu and Karnataka
. The Kamma population was 795,732 in the year 1881. According to 1921 census they constituted about 4.8% of Andhra Pradesh population and in significant numbers in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. 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
.
Buddhist origin
The theory is that the people who lived in the Krishna
river valley, where Buddhism
prevailed, got the name from the Theravada
Buddhist concept of Kamma
(in Pali
) or Karma
(in Sanskrit
). This region was once known as Kammarashtram / Kammarattam / Kammanadu
, which was under the control of the Pallava
s, Eastern Chalukyas
and Cholas. Inscriptions mentioning Kammanadu
are available since 3rd century C.E. According to some historians the Kammas existed since the time of the Mauryas.
Kurmi
origin
Another plausible theory similar to the previous account is: Buddhist Kurmi
s from the Gangetic plains migrated to the Krishna
river delta in large numbers to escape the persecution of Pushyamitra Sunga (184 BCE). 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 the Ikshvaku
King Madhariputra Purushadatta (3rd century CE). 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 CE). The subsequent inscriptions of Telugu Cholas
/Chodas and Kakatiya dynasty mentioned ‘Kammanadu’. This region is also known as Pallavanadu/Palanadu/Palnadu
due to Pallava
rule.
belong to the haplogroup R2 (M124) with remaining contributions coming from haplogroups L1 (M27), R1a1(M17) and Q*(M242).
started using the title Nayaka/Nayakudu from 10th century onwards as observed in many inscriptions. There are about 1200 Kamma surnames (Intiperu) which are discernible from this time. The surnames and Gothras of Kammas and Velama
s were catalogued by Badabanala Bhatta in 1068 CE. The names of the ancestral villages were adopted as Gothras. This shows that the ancestors of Kammas and Velamas were either Buddhists or Jains who did not follow Gothra 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. The inscriptions of many Kamma Nayakas mentioned that they belong to Durjaya clan (Vamsa). 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. 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. 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. It is worth mentioning here that many of the martial clans of Kammas belong to Vallutla Gothra. 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. The Vasireddy Clan
had a title “Chalukya Narayana”. Historians surmised that by the end of 10th century Durjayas, Chodas, few sections of Chalukyas and Haihayas of Kammanadu
merged into Kammas.
king Rudra I (1158-1195 CE). According to Velugotivari Vamsavali and Padmanayakacharitra, texts written in medieval times, farmers (Kapus) became Kammas and Velamas. In medieval times the term 'Kapu' meant a farmer or protector.
"...kaalachoditamuna kaakateevarugolchi kaapulella velama kammalairi"
(Telugu
: "....కాలచోదితమున కాకతీవరుగొల్చి కాపులెల్ల వెలమ, కమ్మలైరి")
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
/Chodas 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
. However, there was some controversy regarding the origin of Kota kings. 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
. 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.
Famous Telugu
poet Srinatha (14th century CE), while describing the social divisions during his time, categorized Padmanayaka, Velama and Kamma in his Bhimeswara Puranamu.
".....andu padmanayakulana, velamalana, kammalana trimarga gangapravahambulumbole gotrambulanniyeni jagatpavitrambulai pravahimpachunda" -
). 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.
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. After the fall of Warangal they united the Nayaka chieftains, wrested Warangal from the Delhi Sultanate and ruled for 50 years. (Musunuri Nayaks
)
kingdom. During the reign of Sri Krishnadevaraya Kammas belonging to thirty seven Gothras were living in the city of Vijayanagar
. Kamma Nayaks formed the bulwark of Vijayanagara
army and were appointed as governor
s in many areas of Tamil Nadu
. Their role in protecting the last great Hindu
kingdom of India
was significant. Some of the prominent commanders who achieved fame were:
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, Kodali, Sammeta, Choda/Chode, Dasari, Alamandala, Adapa, Suryadevara, Nadendla, Sakhamuri etc. The most prominent Kamma commanders in Krishnadevaraya’s army belonged to Suryadevara, Vasireddy, Pemmasani, Ravella and Sayapaneni clans.
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. Gangappa Nayudu, Venkatadri Nayudu and Rangappa Nayudu were famous among them. Ibrahim Qutb Shah captured Kondavidu in 1579. Rayarao, his Maratha
commander, appointed Deshmukhs and Chowdarys in 497 villages. The usage of the title ‘Chowdary’ in coastal Andhra Pradesh
commenced at this time.
Vasireddy Sadasiva Nayudu ruled Nandigama
paragana from 1550 to 1581. 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. 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. (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.
had consolidated their rule in Andhra. The armies of Zamindars and Deshmukhs were dismantled and only the power of tax collection was left intact. The well-known Kamma Zamindaris under the British rule were Muktyala, Chintapalli (Amaravati), Challapalli, Devarakota, Kapileswarapuram etc. These Zamindars encouraged modern education by establishing many schools and libraries.
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.
For example:
English historians like Edgar Thurston and noted agricultural scientists like M. S. Randhawa eulogized the spirit of Kamma farmers. The emotional attachment of Kamma farmers to the land and soil was poignantly depicted by Tripuraneni Gopichand
in a short story Mamakaram.
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. The money was put to good use by establishing numerous schools and libraries and encouraging their children to take up modern education. Over a period of 10 years, in Guntur District
alone, 130 High schools and hostels were established by their initiative. The zamindar
s 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.
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
. The Kammas in Northern Tamil Nadu
, (Vellore
, Tiruvannamalai
Districts) have not migrated. That is their homeland for centuries.
In the recent past, enterprising farmers migrated to other regions such as Nizamabad, Raichur
and Bellary
(Karnataka
), Raipur (Chattisgarh) and Sambalpur
(Orissa
). 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. The contribution of Kammas to the economy of the state of Andhra Pradesh
is significant.
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
.
, Kammas are predominantly found in Khammam
, Guntur
, Prakasam and Krishna district
s. 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
.
and Tamil Nadu
are:
, 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.
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
. Nara Chandrababu Naidu gave a progressive direction to Andhra Pradesh
and won global recognition to the state. In TamilNadu, famous Kamma politicians are Vaiko (vaigo) and Arcot N. Veeraswami
.
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.
Shudra
Shudra is the fourth Varna, as prescribed in the Purusha Sukta of the Rig veda, which constitutes society into four varnas or Chaturvarna. The other three varnas are Brahmans - priests, Kshatriya - those with governing functions, Vaishya - agriculturalists, cattle rearers and traders...
s is found largely in the Southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
, Tamilnadu and Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
. The Kamma population was 795,732 in the year 1881. According to 1921 census they constituted about 4.8% of Andhra Pradesh population and in significant numbers in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In the last decades of the previous century, a sizable number emigrated to other parts of the world, particularly to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
.
Origin
There are many theories about the origins of the word "Kamma" and the social group known as the Kammas. The most accepted theories are:Buddhist origin
The theory is that the people who lived in the Krishna
Krishna
Krishna is a central figure of Hinduism and is traditionally attributed the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita. He is the supreme Being and considered in some monotheistic traditions as an Avatar of Vishnu...
river valley, where Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
prevailed, got the name from the Theravada
Theravada
Theravada ; literally, "the Teaching of the Elders" or "the Ancient Teaching", is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. It was founded in India...
Buddhist concept of Kamma
Karma
Karma in Indian religions is the concept of "action" or "deed", understood as that which causes the entire cycle of cause and effect originating in ancient India and treated in Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh philosophies....
(in Pali
Páli
- External links :* *...
) or Karma
Karma
Karma in Indian religions is the concept of "action" or "deed", understood as that which causes the entire cycle of cause and effect originating in ancient India and treated in Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh philosophies....
(in Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
). This region was once known as Kammarashtram / Kammarattam / Kammanadu
Kammanadu
Kammanadu is an ancient geographical region in the present day South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh in India.- Geography :The region straddled from the southern bank of Krishna river up to Kandukur . The word Kammanadu is derived from Karmarashtram or Kammaratham . Buddhism flourished in this...
, which was under the control of the Pallava
Pallava
The Pallava dynasty was a Tamil dynasty which ruled the northern Tamil Nadu region and the southern Andhra Pradesh region with their capital at Kanchipuram...
s, Eastern Chalukyas
Eastern Chalukyas
Eastern Chalukyas were a South Indian dynasty whose kingdom was located in the present day Andhra Pradesh. Their capital was Vengi and their dynasty lasted for around 500 years from the 7th century until c. 1130 C.E. when the Vengi kingdom merged with the Chola empire...
and Cholas. Inscriptions mentioning Kammanadu
Kammanadu
Kammanadu is an ancient geographical region in the present day South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh in India.- Geography :The region straddled from the southern bank of Krishna river up to Kandukur . The word Kammanadu is derived from Karmarashtram or Kammaratham . Buddhism flourished in this...
are available since 3rd century C.E. According to some historians the Kammas existed since the time of the Mauryas.
Kurmi
Kurmi
The Kurmi are a Hindu agricultural Jāti in India.The group has been associated with the Kunbi, though scholars differ as to whether the terms are synonymous. In 2006, the Indian government announced that Kurmi was considered synonymous with the Kunbi and Yellam castes in Maharashtra...
origin
Another plausible theory similar to the previous account is: Buddhist Kurmi
Kurmi
The Kurmi are a Hindu agricultural Jāti in India.The group has been associated with the Kunbi, though scholars differ as to whether the terms are synonymous. In 2006, the Indian government announced that Kurmi was considered synonymous with the Kunbi and Yellam castes in Maharashtra...
s from the Gangetic plains migrated to the Krishna
Krishna
Krishna is a central figure of Hinduism and is traditionally attributed the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita. He is the supreme Being and considered in some monotheistic traditions as an Avatar of Vishnu...
river delta in large numbers to escape the persecution of Pushyamitra Sunga (184 BCE). Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
was already flourishing in Dharanikota
Dharanikota
Dharanikota or Dhanyakatakam or Palden Drepung is a town near Amaravati in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh in India, which means a town of rice or paddy.- Location :...
, Bhattiprolu
Bhattiprolu
Bhattiprolu is a small village in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh State in Southern India.-History:The original name of Bhattiprolu was Pratipalapura, a flourishing Buddhist town in the ancient Sala kingdom that predated Andhra Satavahanas. From available inscriptional evidence, King Kuberaka...
, Chandavolu etc., in this fertile area. Historians surmised that the Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
word Kurmi
Kurmi
The Kurmi are a Hindu agricultural Jāti in India.The group has been associated with the Kunbi, though scholars differ as to whether the terms are synonymous. In 2006, the Indian government announced that Kurmi was considered synonymous with the Kunbi and Yellam castes in Maharashtra...
/Kurma became Kamma in later years. The first records of the word Kammarashtram appeared in the Jaggayyapeta
Jaggayyapeta
Jaggaiahpeta is an ancient town and now a municipality in Krishna district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This town is located on the banks of a river called Paleru which is a tributary of the Krishna River.- Demographics :...
inscription of the Ikshvaku
Ikshvaku
Ikshvaku pāli: Okkāka) was the first king of the Ikshvaku dynasty and founder of the Solar Dynasty of Kshatriyas in Vedic civilization in ancient India.-In Hinduism:He is remembered in Hindu scriptures as a righteous and glorious king...
King Madhariputra Purushadatta (3rd century CE). Kammarashtram extended from the Krishna River
Krishna River
The Krishna River , is one of the longest rivers in central-southern India, about . It is also referred to as Krishnaveni in its original nomenclature...
to Kandukur
Kandukur
Kandukur is a town, mandal and a municipality in Prakasam district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.-Geography:Kandukur is located at . It has an average elevation of .-Demographics:...
(Prakasam Dt.). The next record was that of Pallava
Pallava
The Pallava dynasty was a Tamil dynasty which ruled the northern Tamil Nadu region and the southern Andhra Pradesh region with their capital at Kanchipuram...
King Kumara Vishnu II followed by that of Eastern Chalukya king Mangi Yuvaraja (627-696 CE). The subsequent inscriptions of Telugu Cholas
Telugu Cholas
Many Telugu Choda kingdoms ruled over many regions including the cities on the banks of Krishna River in the period between the seventh and the thirteenth century. It is not known much about these family origins. Some of them claimed descent from the legendary Tamil Karikala Chola . Telugu Cholas...
/Chodas and Kakatiya dynasty mentioned ‘Kammanadu’. This region is also known as Pallavanadu/Palanadu/Palnadu
Palnadu
Palnadu is the northern region of Guntur District in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Pallava Nadu, it occupies an important place in Telugu history. After the decline of the Satavahana dynasty, the Pallavas became independent in Krishna river valley. The region is known as...
due to Pallava
Pallava
The Pallava dynasty was a Tamil dynasty which ruled the northern Tamil Nadu region and the southern Andhra Pradesh region with their capital at Kanchipuram...
rule.
Genetics
In a sample size of 15 Kamma individuals, 73.3% were found tobelong to the haplogroup R2 (M124) with remaining contributions coming from haplogroups L1 (M27), R1a1(M17) and Q*(M242).
Ancestry
The kings and military persona of KammanaduKammanadu
Kammanadu is an ancient geographical region in the present day South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh in India.- Geography :The region straddled from the southern bank of Krishna river up to Kandukur . The word Kammanadu is derived from Karmarashtram or Kammaratham . Buddhism flourished in this...
started using the title Nayaka/Nayakudu from 10th century onwards as observed in many inscriptions. There are about 1200 Kamma surnames (Intiperu) which are discernible from this time. The surnames and Gothras of Kammas and Velama
Velama
Velama or the Velama Doralu 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...
s were catalogued by Badabanala Bhatta in 1068 CE. The names of the ancestral villages were adopted as Gothras. This shows that the ancestors of Kammas and Velamas were either Buddhists or Jains who did not follow Gothra 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. The inscriptions of many Kamma Nayakas mentioned that they belong to Durjaya clan (Vamsa). 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. 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. 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. It is worth mentioning here that many of the martial clans of Kammas belong to Vallutla Gothra. Many of the Telugu Chodas of Kammanadu
Kammanadu
Kammanadu is an ancient geographical region in the present day South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh in India.- Geography :The region straddled from the southern bank of Krishna river up to Kandukur . The word Kammanadu is derived from Karmarashtram or Kammaratham . Buddhism flourished in this...
had relations with Eastern Chalukyas and later with Kakatiya
Kakatiya
The Kakatiya dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled most parts of what is now Andhra Pradesh, India from 1083 CE to 1323 CE, with Orugallu , now Warangal , as its capital. Orugallu is also called 'Eka Sila Nagaram'...
s. According to many inscriptions and “Velugotivari Vamsavali” Kammas with surnames such as Yalampati, Sammeta, Maccha, Choda, Vasireddy, Katta, Adapa etc., belong to Choda
Choda
Choda, Chaudra or Koda is an ancient Indian tribal group described in the Manusmriti, which says that, because of the omission of sacred Brahmanical rituals/codes and of their not heeding to the Brahmins, some noble Kshatriyas have gradually degenerated...
-Chalukya ancestry. The Vasireddy Clan
Vasireddy Clan
-History:The first historical record of the Vasireddy clan can be traced from 1413 CE inscription of Pothineedu at Pithapuram in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. Pothineedu ruled A small region around Pithapuram subsequent to the downfall of Musunuri Nayaks at Warangal. Pothineedu constructed...
had a title “Chalukya Narayana”. Historians surmised that by the end of 10th century Durjayas, Chodas, few sections of Chalukyas and Haihayas of Kammanadu
Kammanadu
Kammanadu is an ancient geographical region in the present day South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh in India.- Geography :The region straddled from the southern bank of Krishna river up to Kandukur . The word Kammanadu is derived from Karmarashtram or Kammaratham . Buddhism flourished in this...
merged into Kammas.
Identity
The division of warrior class into many castes and their consolidation commenced during the time of KakatiyaKakatiya
The Kakatiya dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled most parts of what is now Andhra Pradesh, India from 1083 CE to 1323 CE, with Orugallu , now Warangal , as its capital. Orugallu is also called 'Eka Sila Nagaram'...
king Rudra I (1158-1195 CE). According to Velugotivari Vamsavali and Padmanayakacharitra, texts written in medieval times, farmers (Kapus) became Kammas and Velamas. In medieval times the term 'Kapu' meant a farmer or protector.
"...kaalachoditamuna kaakateevarugolchi kaapulella velama kammalairi"
(Telugu
Telugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
: "....కాలచోదితమున కాకతీవరుగొల్చి కాపులెల్ల వెలమ, కమ్మలైరి")
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
Telugu Cholas
Many Telugu Choda kingdoms ruled over many regions including the cities on the banks of Krishna River in the period between the seventh and the thirteenth century. It is not known much about these family origins. Some of them claimed descent from the legendary Tamil Karikala Chola . Telugu Cholas...
/Chodas of Velanadu starting from Gonka I (1075-1115 CE), found in many places in Kammanadu
Kammanadu
Kammanadu is an ancient geographical region in the present day South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh in India.- Geography :The region straddled from the southern bank of Krishna river up to Kandukur . The word Kammanadu is derived from Karmarashtram or Kammaratham . Buddhism flourished in this...
. The Dharanikota
Dharanikota
Dharanikota or Dhanyakatakam or Palden Drepung is a town near Amaravati in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh in India, which means a town of rice or paddy.- Location :...
kings (1130-1251 CE) who belonged to Kota clan of Kammas and Durjaya ancestry had marital alliances with Telugu Cholas
Telugu Cholas
Many Telugu Choda kingdoms ruled over many regions including the cities on the banks of Krishna River in the period between the seventh and the thirteenth century. It is not known much about these family origins. Some of them claimed descent from the legendary Tamil Karikala Chola . Telugu Cholas...
. However, there was some controversy regarding the origin of Kota kings. 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
Jayapa Nayudu
Jayapa Nayudu or Jayapa Senani was the military commander under Ganapatideva, the Kakatiya king who ruled Andhra Pradesh during the medieval period from his seat in Warangal....
Senani, a warrior hailing from Diviseema
Diviseema
Diviseema is a small and fertile island in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India.-Geography:Diviseema is located in the delta area formed at Puligadda , where the Krishna River is divided into two before merging into the Bay of Bengal...
. Jayapa Nayudu
Jayapa Nayudu
Jayapa Nayudu or Jayapa Senani was the military commander under Ganapatideva, the Kakatiya king who ruled Andhra Pradesh during the medieval period from his seat in Warangal....
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
Kakatiya
The Kakatiya dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled most parts of what is now Andhra Pradesh, India from 1083 CE to 1323 CE, with Orugallu , now Warangal , as its capital. Orugallu is also called 'Eka Sila Nagaram'...
army. Around this time many warriors from Kammanadu
Kammanadu
Kammanadu is an ancient geographical region in the present day South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh in India.- Geography :The region straddled from the southern bank of Krishna river up to Kandukur . The word Kammanadu is derived from Karmarashtram or Kammaratham . Buddhism flourished in this...
joined the forces of the Kakatiya dynasty. In Warangal
Warangal
Warangal is a city and a municipal corporation in Warangal district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Warangal is located northeast of the state capital of Hyderabad and is the administrative headquarters of Warangal District. This district is a combination of three cities: Warangal,...
region Kammas are called Kamma Kapus.
Famous Telugu
Telugu literature
The Telugu literature or Telugu Sahityam is one of the most precious possessions of the literary products of India. Telugu literature is rich reserve of poems, stories, dramas and puranas. It flowered in the early 16th century under the Vijayanagar empire, of which Telugu was one of the court...
poet Srinatha (14th century CE), while describing the social divisions during his time, categorized Padmanayaka, Velama and Kamma in his Bhimeswara Puranamu.
".....andu padmanayakulana, velamalana, kammalana trimarga gangapravahambulumbole gotrambulanniyeni jagatpavitrambulai pravahimpachunda" -
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. 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. Subsequently, he rose to the exalted position of 'Wazir' in Delhi durbar and was sent to rule Punjab. Poet Maarana dedicated his Markandeya Puranam to Ganna (Malik MaqbulMalik Maqbul
Malik Maqbul or Khan-i-Jahan Maqbul Tilangani, was the Wazir or Prime Minister of the Delhi Sultanate, in the government of Feroz Shah Tughlaq , in the Indian sub-continent...
). 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
Samanta
Samanta was a title and position used by the Indian nobility. The institution of Samanta finds mention for the first time in epigraphs of northern India dating to the 6th century...
Vishti Vamsa, a feudatory family from among the Buddhist peasants.
In prolonged battles with Muslims between 1296 and 1323 CE. thousands of Kamma Nayakas perished along with others, in the defense of Warangal
Warangal
Warangal is a city and a municipal corporation in Warangal district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Warangal is located northeast of the state capital of Hyderabad and is the administrative headquarters of Warangal District. This district is a combination of three cities: 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. After the fall of Warangal they united the Nayaka chieftains, wrested Warangal from the Delhi Sultanate and ruled for 50 years. (Musunuri Nayaks
Musunuri Nayaks
The Musunuri Nayaks were Kamma warrior chieftains in the Kakatiya army, who regained Andhradesa in 1326 from the Delhi Sultanate in the aftermath of the Kakatiya defeat...
)
Vijayanagara period
Subsequent to the martyrdom of Kaapaaneedu (Musunuri Kapaya Nayaka) many Kammas migrated to the VijayanagaraVijayanagara
Vijayanagara is in Bellary District, northern Karnataka. It is the name of the now-ruined capital city "which was regarded as the second Rome" that surrounds modern-day Hampi, of the historic Vijayanagara empire which extended over the southern part of India....
kingdom. During the reign of Sri Krishnadevaraya Kammas belonging to thirty seven Gothras were living in the city of Vijayanagar
Vijayanagara
Vijayanagara is in Bellary District, northern Karnataka. It is the name of the now-ruined capital city "which was regarded as the second Rome" that surrounds modern-day Hampi, of the historic Vijayanagara empire which extended over the southern part of India....
. Kamma Nayaks formed the bulwark of Vijayanagara
Vijayanagara
Vijayanagara is in Bellary District, northern Karnataka. It is the name of the now-ruined capital city "which was regarded as the second Rome" that surrounds modern-day Hampi, of the historic Vijayanagara empire which extended over the southern part of India....
army and were appointed as governor
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
s in many areas of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
. Their role in protecting the last great Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
kingdom of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
was significant. Some of the prominent commanders who achieved fame were:
- Pemmasani Thimma Nayudu was the commander of VijayanagaraVijayanagaraVijayanagara is in Bellary District, northern Karnataka. It is the name of the now-ruined capital city "which was regarded as the second Rome" that surrounds modern-day Hampi, of the historic Vijayanagara empire which extended over the southern part of India....
army which fought and won the battle of GulbargaGulbargaGulbarga is a city in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the administrative headquarters of Gulbarga District. It was formerly part of Nizam's Hyderabad state...
(Kalubarige) in 1422 CE. The king Devaraya II made him the governorGovernorA governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
of GandikotaGandikotaGandikota is a small village on the right bank of the river Pennar, 15 km from Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh in India. Gandikota was founded in 1123 by Kapa Raja of nearby Bommanapalle village and a subordinate of Ahavamalla Someswara I, the Western Chalukyan king of Kalyana...
(Cuddapah). Thimma Nayudu constructed a large number of temples and tanks in the RayalaseemaRayalaseemaRayalaseema is a geographic region in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. It includes the districts of Anantapur, Chittoor, Kadapa, Kurnool. These Telugu speaking districts were part of Madras Presidency until 1953 when Telugu speaking districts of Madras presidency were carved out to form...
region. The GandikotaGandikotaGandikota is a small village on the right bank of the river Pennar, 15 km from Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh in India. Gandikota was founded in 1123 by Kapa Raja of nearby Bommanapalle village and a subordinate of Ahavamalla Someswara I, the Western Chalukyan king of Kalyana...
Kammas kept the MuslimMuslimA Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
rulers like the BahmanisBahmani SultanateThe Bahmani Sultanate was a Muslim state of the Deccan in southern India and one of the great medieval Indian kingdoms...
at bay and protected Telugu land for a long time to come.
- Pemmasani Ramalinga Nayudu was the chief commander of Sri Krishna Deva Raya. The battle of RaichurThe battle of RaichurRaichur is a small city in the south Indian state of Karnataka. The city had a hoary past and was a witness to many a battle between the kings of Vijayanagar empire and the muslim kings ruling from Bijapur and Gulbarga. The city is located in a doab flanked by the rivers Krishna and Tungabhadra,...
was won by Ramalinga . PortuguesePortugalPortugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
historian Nuniz referred Ramalinga as ‘Camanayque’ in his writings. (Pemmasani NayaksPemmasani NayaksPemmasani Nayaks were a martial clan in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. They came into prominence during Vijayanagar times as rulers of Gandikota...
).
- Kammas controlled large swathes of southern and northern Tamil NaduTamil NaduTamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
for several years under the title of Nayacker or Naicker or Naidu, which was a legacy of the Vijayanagara EmpireVijayanagara EmpireThe Vijayanagara Empire , referred as the Kingdom of Bisnaga by the Portuguese, was an empire based in South Indian in the Deccan Plateau region. It was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I of the Yadava lineage. The empire rose to prominence as a culmination of attempts...
. The Zamindaris of Ilaiyarasanadal and Kurivikulam in Tamil NaduTamil NaduTamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
belong to Pemmasani families
Martial clans: Many clans belonging to Kamma social group figure prominently in the battles during Vijayanagara
Vijayanagara
Vijayanagara is in Bellary District, northern Karnataka. It is the name of the now-ruined capital city "which was regarded as the second Rome" that surrounds modern-day Hampi, of the historic Vijayanagara empire which extended over the southern part of India....
era and in the subsequent years. Some of these clans include Pemmasani, Matcha, Vasireddy, Kodali, Sammeta, Choda/Chode, Dasari, Alamandala, Adapa, Suryadevara, Nadendla, Sakhamuri etc. The most prominent Kamma commanders in Krishnadevaraya’s army belonged to Suryadevara, Vasireddy, Pemmasani, Ravella and Sayapaneni clans.
Golkonda period
VijayanagaraVijayanagara
Vijayanagara is in Bellary District, northern Karnataka. It is the name of the now-ruined capital city "which was regarded as the second Rome" that surrounds modern-day Hampi, of the historic Vijayanagara empire which extended over the southern part of India....
kingdom underwent very difficult times after the battle of Tallikota
Battle of Talikota
The Battle of Talikota , a watershed battle fought between the Vijayanagara Empire and the Deccan sultanates, resulted in a rout of Vijayanagara, and ended the last great Hindu kingdom in South India...
in 1565. Pemmasani Nayaks
Pemmasani Nayaks
Pemmasani Nayaks were a martial clan in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. They came into prominence during Vijayanagar times as rulers of Gandikota...
, Ravella Nayaks
Ravella Nayaks
The independence of Telugu land came to an end in fifty years with the martyrdom of Musunuri Kaapaaneedu,a prominent Kamma warrior in 1370 CE at the hands of Recherla Velamas who collaborated with Bahmani sultan...
and Sayapaneni Nayaks
Sayapaneni Nayaks
Sayapaneni Nayaks a Kamma clan ruled a small region of Telugu country called Dupati Seema during the transition period between Aravidu dynasty of Vijayanagar kingdom and Golkonda regime. Many Kamma clans worked as military commanders in Vijayanagar kingdom...
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
Gandikota
Gandikota is a small village on the right bank of the river Pennar, 15 km from Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh in India. Gandikota was founded in 1123 by Kapa Raja of nearby Bommanapalle village and a subordinate of Ahavamalla Someswara I, the Western Chalukyan king of Kalyana...
in 1652. Kamma nayaks migrated in large numbers to the Tamil
Ancient Tamil country
The Sangam period is the classical period in the history of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and other parts of South India, spanning about the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE...
region. During the Golkonda
Golkonda
Golkonda or Golla konda a ruined city of south-central India and capital of ancient Kingdom of Golkonda , is situated 11 km west of Hyderabad.The most important builder of Golkonda was a Hindu Kakatiya King...
period, the Sayapaneni Nayaks
Sayapaneni Nayaks
Sayapaneni Nayaks a Kamma clan ruled a small region of Telugu country called Dupati Seema during the transition period between Aravidu dynasty of Vijayanagar kingdom and Golkonda regime. Many Kamma clans worked as military commanders in Vijayanagar kingdom...
(1626–1802) ruled Dupadu region as vassals of the Golkonda
Golkonda
Golkonda or Golla konda a ruined city of south-central India and capital of ancient Kingdom of Golkonda , is situated 11 km west of Hyderabad.The most important builder of Golkonda was a Hindu Kakatiya King...
sultans. Gangappa Nayudu, Venkatadri Nayudu and Rangappa Nayudu were famous among them. Ibrahim Qutb Shah captured Kondavidu in 1579. Rayarao, his Maratha
Maratha
The Maratha are an Indian caste, predominantly in the state of Maharashtra. The term Marāthā has three related usages: within the Marathi speaking region it describes the dominant Maratha caste; outside Maharashtra it can refer to the entire regional population of Marathi-speaking people;...
commander, appointed Deshmukhs and Chowdarys in 497 villages. The usage of the title ‘Chowdary’ in coastal Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
commenced at this time.
Vasireddy Sadasiva Nayudu ruled Nandigama
Nandigama
Nandigama is one of the Big Towns and a Mandal in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Nandigama is famous for the temples which had a great history for years. The mukkoti ekadasi is celebrated every year grandly in Nandigama....
paragana from 1550 to 1581. He was granted the paragana by Ibrahim Qutb Shah of Golkonda
Golkonda
Golkonda or Golla konda a ruined city of south-central India and capital of ancient Kingdom of Golkonda , is situated 11 km west of Hyderabad.The most important builder of Golkonda was a Hindu Kakatiya King...
. 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. He built a fort at Chintapalli and ruled it until 1710 CE. His successors ruled until 1760. During this period the French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
and the British
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
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
Golkonda
Golkonda or Golla konda a ruined city of south-central India and capital of ancient Kingdom of Golkonda , is situated 11 km west of Hyderabad.The most important builder of Golkonda was a Hindu Kakatiya King...
Nawab in 1771. Jaggayya’s wife Acchamma committed Sati
Sati (practice)
For other uses, see Sati .Satī was a religious funeral practice among some Indian communities in which a recently widowed woman either voluntarily or by use of force and coercion would have immolated herself on her husband’s funeral pyre...
. Jaggayya’s son Venkatadri recovered Chintapalii in 1777 and earned fame as a benevolent and illustrious ruler. (Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu
Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu
Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu was the last king of the Vasireddy Clan that ruled parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh from 1413 until the advent of the British. He was popularly known as the first king who revolted against British in India. The original seat of power was Chintapalli in present-day...
and Vasireddy Clan
Vasireddy Clan
-History:The first historical record of the Vasireddy clan can be traced from 1413 CE inscription of Pothineedu at Pithapuram in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. Pothineedu ruled A small region around Pithapuram subsequent to the downfall of Musunuri Nayaks at Warangal. Pothineedu constructed...
). The British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
gained control of Andhra by 1788 from Golkonda
Golkonda
Golkonda or Golla konda a ruined city of south-central India and capital of ancient Kingdom of Golkonda , is situated 11 km west of Hyderabad.The most important builder of Golkonda was a Hindu Kakatiya King...
Nawabs. Another Kamma principality during Golkonda
Golkonda
Golkonda or Golla konda a ruined city of south-central India and capital of ancient Kingdom of Golkonda , is situated 11 km west of Hyderabad.The most important builder of Golkonda was a Hindu Kakatiya King...
period was Devarakota with Challapalli as its capital. Its ruler, Yarlagadda Guruvarayudu was subdued by Abdullah Qutb Shah
Abdullah Qutb Shah
Abdullah Qutb Shah was the seventh ruler of the kingdom of Golconda in southern India under the Qutb Shahi dynasty. He ruled from 1625 to 1672....
in 1576. His successors ruled as vassals of Golkonda
Golkonda
Golkonda or Golla konda a ruined city of south-central India and capital of ancient Kingdom of Golkonda , is situated 11 km west of Hyderabad.The most important builder of Golkonda was a Hindu Kakatiya King...
till the French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
took over in 1751 and later the British in 1765.
British period
By the end of 18th century the British East India CompanyBritish East India Company
The East India Company was an early English joint-stock company that was formed initially for pursuing trade with the East Indies, but that ended up trading mainly with the Indian subcontinent and China...
had consolidated their rule in Andhra. The armies of Zamindars and Deshmukhs were dismantled and only the power of tax collection was left intact. The well-known Kamma Zamindaris under the British rule were Muktyala, Chintapalli (Amaravati), Challapalli, Devarakota, Kapileswarapuram etc. These Zamindars encouraged modern education by establishing many schools and libraries.
Modern history
After the decline of major kingdoms, Kammas controlled large fertile areas in Andhra PradeshAndhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
and Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
, as a legacy of their martial past. The British
British Raj
British Raj was the British rule in the Indian subcontinent between 1858 and 1947; The term can also refer to the period of dominion...
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
Agriculture
Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the...
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
Telugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
which speak of the Kammas’ adeptness in agriculture and their emotional attachment to the soil.
For example:
- Kammavani Chetulu Kattinaa Nilavadu (Though you tie Kamma's hands he will not be quiet)
- Kammavaariki Bhumi Bhayapaduthundi (The earth fears Kammas).
English historians like Edgar Thurston and noted agricultural scientists like M. S. Randhawa eulogized the spirit of Kamma farmers. The emotional attachment of Kamma farmers to the land and soil was poignantly depicted by Tripuraneni Gopichand
Tripuraneni Gopichand
Tripuraneni Gopichand was a Telugu short story writer, novelist, editor, essayist, playwright and film director. Gopichand's writings are remarkable for interplay of values, ideas and 'isms' - materialism, rationalism, existentialism, realism and humanism...
in a short story Mamakaram.
Construction of dams and barrages and establishment of an irrigation system in Godavari
Godavari River
The Godavari is a river that runs from western to southern India and is considered to be one of the big river basins in India. With a length of 1465 km, it is the second longest river in India , that runs within the country and also the longest river in South India...
and Krishna river
Krishna River
The Krishna River , is one of the longest rivers in central-southern India, about . It is also referred to as Krishnaveni in its original nomenclature...
deltas by Sir Arthur Cotton
Arthur Cotton
General Sir Arthur Thomas Cotton KCSI was a British general and irrigation engineer.Cotton devoted his life to the construction of irrigation and navigation canals throughout the British Empire in India, however, his dream was only partially realized, but he is still honored in parts of rural...
was a great boon to the Kamma farmers. Availability of water and the natural propensity for hard work made the 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. Over a period of 10 years, in Guntur District
Guntur district
Guntur district is located in Andhra Pradesh along the east coast of Bay of Bengal. The district has a coastline of around 100 kilometers. Guntur City is the largest city in the district and administrative center of Guntur District. The district is a major center for learning.-Etymology:There are...
alone, 130 High schools and hostels were established by their initiative. The zamindar
Zamindar
A Zamindar or zemindar , was an aristocrat, typically hereditary, who held enormous tracts of land and ruled over and taxed the bhikaaris who lived on batavaslam. Over time, they took princely and royal titles such as Maharaja , Raja , Nawab , and Mirza , Chowdhury , among others...
s 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.
The Kammas of Southern Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
who are the descendants of migrant commanders of Vijayanagara empire
Vijayanagara Empire
The Vijayanagara Empire , referred as the Kingdom of Bisnaga by the Portuguese, was an empire based in South Indian in the Deccan Plateau region. It was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I of the Yadava lineage. The empire rose to prominence as a culmination of attempts...
have also excelled in the cultivation of black cotton soils and later diversified into various industrial enterprises, particularly in Coimbatore
Coimbatore
Coimbatore , also known as Kovai , is the second largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a major commercial centre in Tamil Nadu and is known as the "Manchester of South India"....
and Kovilpatti
Kovilpatti
Kovilpatti , also known as Covilpatti, is a special grade municipality in Thoothukudi District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Belongs to Kovilpatti constituency...
. The Kammas in Northern Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
, (Vellore
Vellore
Vellore It is considered one of the oldest cities in South India and lies on the banks of the Palar river on the site of Vellore Fort. The city lies between Chennai and Bangalore and the Temple towns of Thiruvannamalai and Tirupati...
, Tiruvannamalai
Tiruvannamalai
Thiruvannamalai is a pilgrimage Temple city and special grade municipality in Thiruvannamalai district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the headquarters of the Thiruvannamalai district. Thiruvannamalai is home to the Annamalaiyar Temple located at the foot of the Annamalai hill and...
Districts) have not migrated. That is their homeland for centuries.
In the recent past, enterprising farmers migrated to other regions such as Nizamabad, Raichur
Raichur
Raichur , is a city municipal council in Raichur district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Raichur, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, is the headquarters of Raichur district. It was in the princely state of Mysore during the rule of Tipu Sultan...
and Bellary
Bellary
Bellary is a historic city in Bellary District in Karnataka state, India.-Origins of the city's name:There are several legends about how Bellary got its name....
(Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
), Raipur (Chattisgarh) and Sambalpur
Sambalpur
Sambalpur is a city in Sambalpur district in the Indian state of Orissa.It lies at a distance of 321 km from the state capital Bhubaneswar. In the year 1876, Sambalpur was established as a municipality. It is currently the headquarters and the largest city of Sambalpur district. It is also...
(Orissa
Orissa
Orissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
). In the past fifty years, the enterprise of the Kammas has profoundly influenced every aspect of social, economic and political life of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
, Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
and the country in general. The contribution of Kammas to the economy of the state of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
is significant.
With education, a large number of Kammas have migrated to the USA, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
etc. This migration is continuing in line with the many socio-cultural changes being experienced by the state of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
.
Distribution
In the state of Andhra PradeshAndhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
, Kammas are predominantly found in Khammam
Khammam
Khammam , is the headquarters of the Khammam District in Andhra Pradesh state of India and is located about east of state capital, Hyderabad...
, Guntur
Guntur
Guntur , is a city and a municipal corporation in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, located to the north and west of the Bay of Bengal. It is approximately to the south of the national capital, New Delhi and south east of state capital, Hyderabad. Guntur is the fourth largest city in Andhra...
, Prakasam and Krishna district
Krishna district
Krishna District is a district of India's Andhra Pradesh state. It is named after the Krishna River, the third longest river that flows within India, flows through the district and joins Bay of Bengal here in this district. It has a population of 4,529,009 of which 32.08% is urban as of...
s. Significant numbers are also found in the districts of West Godavari
West Godavari
West Godavari District is one of the 23 districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. Eluru, is the district headquarter...
, East Godavari
East Godavari
East Godavari District is a district situated on the northeast of the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. Its district headquarters is Kakinada. It is the second richest district in the whole country...
, Chittoor
Chittoor
Chittoor also known as Chittur, is a City and municipal corporation located in the Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is conveniently located on major highways linking the cities of Bangalore and Chennai....
, Nizamabad
Nizamabad district
Nizamabad District is located in the north-western region in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is also known as Induru. Nizamabad is the current and official name of the district....
, Hyderabad (India), Rangareddy, Anantapur
Anantapur district
Anantapur District , ) is one of the 23 districts in Andhra Pradesh, India. The district headquarters is Anantapur City. It is currently a part of the Red Corridor.- Geography :...
and Nellore
Nellore
Nellore , is a city and headquarters of Potti Sri Ramulu Nellore District, formerly Nellore district.And in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Ancient name of Nellore was "Vikrama Simhapuri"....
; Bellary
Bellary
Bellary is a historic city in Bellary District in Karnataka state, India.-Origins of the city's name:There are several legends about how Bellary got its name....
and Bangalore
Bangalore
Bengaluru , formerly called Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City and was once called a pensioner's paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city and...
districts of Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
; and Chennai
Chennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
, Madurai
Madurai
Madurai is the third largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It served as the capital city of the Pandyan Kingdom. It is the administrative headquarters of Madurai District and is famous for its temples built by Pandyan and...
, Coimbatore
Coimbatore
Coimbatore , also known as Kovai , is the second largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a major commercial centre in Tamil Nadu and is known as the "Manchester of South India"....
, Tirunelveli
Tirunelveli
Tirunelveli , also known as Nellai , and historically as Tinnevelly, is a city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the headquarters of the Tirunelveli District and the sixth biggest city in Tamil Nadu...
, Tuticorin, Kovilpatti
Kovilpatti
Kovilpatti , also known as Covilpatti, is a special grade municipality in Thoothukudi District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Belongs to Kovilpatti constituency...
, Virudhunagar
Virudhunagar
Virudhunagar is a municipality in Virudhunagar district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.In the beginning of 20th century AD, Virudhupatti was one among the six important places of Ramanathapuram District. Due to the rapid growth in the field of Trade and Education, it was renamed as...
, Theni
Theni
Theni is a town in the Western Tamil Nadu state of South India. It is the headquarters of Theni District. It is known for the large-scale trading of Cardamom, Cotton, Grapes, chilli and Textiles. It hosts the second largest weekly market in Tamil Nadu and the fourth largest in South India...
, Dindigul
Dindigul
Dindigul is a town and municipality in the Tamil Nadu state of southern India. The name Dindigul comes from the Portmanteau of “Thindu” meaning pillow and “kal” meaning Rock and refers to the bare hill dominating the city’s both land and skyscape...
, North Arcot
North Arcot
The Indian District of North Arcot was split on 30-09-1989 into Tiruvannamalai-Sambuvarayar and North Arcot Ambedkar .- History :...
and South Arcot
South Arcot
South Arcot is a former district of India, located in the state of Tamil Nadu.South Arcot was the southern portion of the Mughal province of Arcot. Arcot came under the control of a local Nawab after Mughals lost control southern India in the 18th century...
districts of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
.
Zamindaris
Some of the prominent Kamma Zamindaris in the states of Andhra PradeshAndhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
and Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
are:
- Challapalli - Yarlagadda Clan
- Chintapalli/Amaravati - Vasireddy clan
- Ilayarasanendal (Tirunelvelli Dt) - Ravella clan
- Neikarapatti (Dindugal Dt) – Pemmasani clan
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, NaiduNaidu
Naidu is a title used by various social groups of the Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states of India. It is also used in Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa and Chattisgarh...
, Rao
Rao (surname)
Rao/राव/رااہ is an Indian princely title cognate with Raja. It's also a royal surname across India, Pakistan, China, Taiwan, Italy and Brazil...
Reddy
Reddy
Reddy is a social group or caste of India, predominantly inhabiting Andhra Pradesh. They are enlisted as a forward caste by the government. Traditionally, they are a high-caste community of nobility, warriors and cultivators. According to academics, they were a warrior caste in the remote past and...
and Naicker. In Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
and Southern Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
, Naidu
Naidu
Naidu is a title used by various social groups of the Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states of India. It is also used in Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa and Chattisgarh...
is commonly used. Naicker title is used in the areas south of Coimbatore
Coimbatore
Coimbatore , also known as Kovai , is the second largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a major commercial centre in Tamil Nadu and is known as the "Manchester of South India"....
districts. However, Telugu
Telugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
speaking Kapu, Velama
Velama
Velama or the Velama Doralu 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...
and other communities also use the titles Naidu and Naicker in Coastal Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
and Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
, 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). In addition, divisions such as Gandikota Kamma, Gampa Kamma and Macha Kamma also exist. In modern times these divisions have all but vanished.Politics
Kammas are politically active, in all the regions of Andhra PradeshAndhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
and parts of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
and Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
. During the twentieth century a number of leaders like Prof N.G. Ranga
N.G. Ranga
Gogineni Ranga nayukulu , better known as N. G. Ranga , was an Indian freedom fighter, parliamentarian, and kisan leader...
, Paturi Rajagopala Naidu
Paturi Rajagopala Naidu
Paturi Rajagopala Naidu , better known as Rajanna , was an Indian freedom fighter, parliamentarian, and kisan leader...
, Kotha Raghuramaiah
Kotha Raghuramaiah
Kotha Raghuramaiah M.A., L.L.B. was a famous Indian Politician and Member of Parliament.-Family:...
, Gottipati Brahmaiah
Gottipati Brahmaiah
Gottipati Brahmaiah or Gottipati Brahmayya was a freedom fighter, popularly known as Ryotu Pedda...
, Moturu Hanumantha Rao
Moturu Hanumantha Rao
Moturu Hanumantha Rao was a Communist party leader in the state of Andhra Pradesh, South India. He was the founder-Editor of the Communist newspaper Prajasakti published from Vijayawada. Prajasakti was brought out as a daily under the leadership of P. Sundarayya and editorship of Moturu Hanumantha...
and Kalluri Chandramouli
Kalluri Chandramouli
Kalluri Chandramouli was a freedom fighter, philanthropist, scholar and a great devotee of Lord Rama, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, South India....
played prominent roles in the national freedom movement. Several Kammas were also attracted to leftist ideals and joined the Communist Party
Communist party
A political party described as a Communist party includes those that advocate the application of the social principles of communism through a communist form of government...
. 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
NTR
- Organizations :* National Transcontinental Railway, a historic Canadian railway* Omroep NTR, a Dutch public service broadcaster, created in 2010 by the merger of the Nederlandse Programma Stichting, 'Teleac and RVU* NTR plc, Irish infrastructure company...
. Nara Chandrababu Naidu gave a progressive direction to Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
and won global recognition to the state. In TamilNadu, famous Kamma politicians are Vaiko (vaigo) and Arcot N. Veeraswami
Arcot N. Veeraswami
Arcot N. Veeraswami is the former minister for electricity in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. He was born in Kuppadichatham village in Tamil Nadu on 21-April-1937. He has finished his school education before he actively engaged in politics...
.
Current status
A large number of Kamma families have migrated to urban centres in IndiaIndia
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
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.
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
External links
- Kamma Velugu - A comprehensive community website (http://www.kammavelugu.org)