Telaga
Encyclopedia
Telaga is a community of Andhra and concentrated primarily in the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. The Telagas are one of the ancient Warrior Clans and Feudal Landlords of India who had links to all the major Ruling Dynasties of South India like Chalukya,Chola,Kakateeya and Vijayanagar. They have the caste titles 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...

, Dora
Dora
-Places:Australia*Lake Dora *Lake Dora United States*Dora, Alabama*Dora, Arkansas*Dora, Missouri*Dora, New MexicoOther countries*Dora, Baghdad, Iraq*Dora, Cyprus*Dora, Lebanon*Dorasan or Mount Dora, a hill in South Korea...

 which indicate their Feudal and Warrior past who are considered as the Forward Caste (O.C).

Epitomology of the Telagas

Telagas are the most ancient Warrior clan of the Deccan and South India who specialized in warfare and took to agriculture during times of peace.

The Origin of the Telagas can be traced back to the Western Chalukyan Expansion into Andhra region which happened in the 1st century A.D. The term Telaga was a derivation of the word Telingana.[4] Andhra was referred to as Telingana/Tri-Linga Desam in the ancient texts as it was the area that had three major Shivinsa-Aramas, thus was called Tri-Linga', and the people living there were called Telugus and the language spoken by the people there was called Telugu. It is easy to see from this that the Telugu warriors came to regarded as Telagas par excellence.

This is how the word Telaga was Derived.

Trilinga -> Telinga -> Telanga -> Telaga (It is a Country of Telaga People)

Trilinga -> Telangu -> Telungu -> Telugu (It is a language of Telanga People)

They ruled the Telugu country for most part of the medieval ages in the form of Telugu Chodas and were the foundation on which the Chalukyan Empire flourished. The Telagas served as Nayakulu (Governors), commanders and vassals of the Western Chalukya rulers under Pulakesin. These commanders were also called Telugu Nayakulu from which the community name Telaga have been derived.
They seem to have a connection with the Eastern Chalukyas. The vassals of Chalukyas entered into matrimonial alliances, and ultimately established the Chalukya Dynasty. They formed the bulwark of ancient armies of the Deccan and South India like Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijaynagar, Nayaks Kings etc.

Some of the ruling Dynasties are
  • Telugu Chodas
    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...


The Telugu Cholas ruled the various regions of Andhra for more than four centuries.
Important ruling Clans were:-
  • Velanati Cholulu
    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...

     of Palnadu War who supported Bramha Naidu in his war against the Nalagam Raju. They ruled over Velanadu
  • Renati 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...

     of Renadu who rules over the current Cuddapah, Prakasam and Kurnool Regions
  • Konidena 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...

     ruler from the current Guntur region.
  • Nannuru 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...

  • Nellore Chola Kings
    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...

  • Kolanu Kings ruled the area between Krishna Godavari Rivers
  • Kona Kings ruled the present Konaseema area
  • Koppula Chiefs ruled the Polunati seema present pitapuram area
  • 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...

  • Korukonda Nayaks
  • Nayak Kings of Madurai, Tanjore, Chenji, Kandy and Vijayanagar.


After the fall of the Eastern Chalukyan kingdoms and the Velanati Cholas. The Telagas served as vassals/Governors during the Kakateeyas. They were given the title Nayaka/Nayakudu and played a major role in shaping the history of modern Andhra.

After the fall of the Kakateeyas, the Telagas, under Kaapaya Nayaka and Prolaya Nayaka, led the battle against the invading Bahamanis by combining forces with the Balija, Reddy, Velama and Kamma Nayaks, and liberated the Andhra country.

Telagas had matrimonial Alliances with the Kakateeya and Vijayanagar Rulers. Araveeti Rama Raya the son in law of Krishna Devaraya and the ruler of the last dynasty of Viajayanagar was a Telaga. This family was an Eastern Chalukyan Fuedataory called the Arayeti Family which became Araveeti in due course of time.

With Vijayanagara coming into power the Telagas served under the new rulers and were dispatched off to protect the far-flung regions of the empire to Tamil Nadu and were posted as Nayaks and took up Administration as Nayaks/Nayakers. The most famous Telaga general was Viswanatha Nayaka who started the Madurai Nayak Dynasty

After the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire in the Battle of Talikota large sections of Telagas migrated towards the North and settled down in their native region of the Godavari deltas and took to agriculture while some of them went further South and settled down in the Madhurai and Tanjavur region and joined the Nayak King army.

Telaga Bravery

Telagas are known for their bravery and fearlessness aptly put by a famous Telugu saying describing the community "Teginche vade Telaga" which means "One who dares is a Telaga". Even now, one can find swords, armour and weapons with some of the Telaga families in Rajamundry. All of these people are Vaishnavas and have Sri Venugopala Swami as their family deity. Most of their surnames represents the names of weapons used by this warrior community.
  • The Palnadu Battle also called the Andhra Mahabharatam played a pivotal role in shaping Andhras History Palnati Bramha Naidu

a Velama who was ousted from his Kingdom had to reli bed on the Telagas the Velanati Chodas who formed the bulwark in his battle against Nagamma's forces. The bravery exhibited in Palnadu battle is part of Andhra folklore and is still sung as Ballads.
  • After the fall of the Kakateeyas, the Telagas Kaapaya Nayaka and Prolaya Nayaka along with Koppla Prolaya Nayaka of Pithapuram, led the battle against the invading Bahamanis by combining forces with the Reddy, Velama Nayaks, and liberated the Andhra Country and Orugallu from tyranny and destruction of the invaders."

  • A legendary instance of Telaga bravery was exhibited during the Bobbili War, fought between the Velama Kingdom and the Vizianagaram Kingdom, led by Vijayaram Raju. Telagas warriors are the principal combatants of the Bobbilli war. When all seemed lost for the Bobbilli, Ranga Rayudu, the Bobbili king, before riding out to war, in no mood to submit the honour and the dignity of the Royal House, ordered all of his commanders to execute their families before riding out to meet their fate. Accordingly the Telaga and Velama commanders and soldiers executed their families before proceeding out to war. King Vijayaramaraju was laid to rest by a valiant Telaga commanders Miriyala Sitanna, padala ramudu along with Papa Rayudu.

  • Pulakesin II's brother, Kubja Vishnu Vardhana, founded the Eastern Chalukya Empire after he was appointed Viceroy of Vengi, and gave many of his trusted generals fiefdoms to rule over as his vassals, and took up reign as Telaga Nayakulu (Governors). Most of the Telagas are feudal landlords concentrated mainly in the coastal areas of Andhra. Because of their warrior past and valiant fighting nature most Telagas were recruited in the British army as Major, Nayak Subhedars, Naikers etc. before India's independence. Telagas are very prominent in the Madras Regiment of British India army. Even now the Police and Indian Army recruits Telagas in large numbers from rural areas.

Popular Telagas

  • Padma Bhushan Colnal C. K. Naidu (Cottari Kanakaiah Naidu) was the First captain of India Cricket team is a Telaga. C K Nayudu was tall right-handed batsman and a useful change bowler. He was a batsman who could hit the ball tremendously hard and as a leader he has become famous. He was the first cricketer to be honored with the Padma Bhushan.

  • The famous social reformer ( 19th-20th century) Raghupathi Venkata Ratnam Naidu belongs to Telaga community. He also pioneered the Telugu movie industry.

  • Rao Bahaddur Dr Sir Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu former Chief Minister and Governor of the Madras Presidency during the British Rule is a prominent Telaga.

Social reformers

  • Kaneganti Hanumanthu
    Kaneganti Hanumanthu
    Kaneganti Hanumanthu is a well known freedom fighter who rebelled against British Rule and started the Palnadu Rebellion against tax. He was shot by a General Rutherford.-References:*Social Changes among Balijas - Sepuri Bhaskar...

     — started the Palandu Rebellion against British General Rutherford
  • Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty
    Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty
    Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty CSI was an Indian merchant, Indian independence activist and political activist who founded the Madras Native Association and the first Indian-owned newspaper, The Crescent....

    — Social reformer,
  • Salem Pagadala Narasimhalu Naidu
    Salem Pagadala Narasimhalu Naidu
    Salem Pagadala Narasimhalu Naidu was a Tamil Congressman, social worker, publisher and the first person to have written travelogues in Tamil...

     — Writer and industrialist social reformer, Coimbattore
  • Ray Bahaddur Sir Sri Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu
    Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu
    Rao Bahadur Sir Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu KCSI was an Indian lawyer, professor, politician and Justice Party leader who served as the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency from April 1, 1937 to July 14, 1937...

     — Social reformer, Former Chief Minister of Madras, President of Koormapuram, near Kakinada
  • Brahmarshi Sir Dr. Rao Bahaddur Sri Raghupathi Venkataratnam Naidu
    Raghupathi Venkataratnam Naidu
    Sir Dr. Rao Bahaddoor Sri Raghupati Venkataratnam Nayudu was an Indian social reformer who hailed from a Telaga Naidu family from Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh in India. His father Appayya Naidu worked as a subedar in telaga regiment in Madras Army. Their forefathers served as commanders in...

     — Social reformer and educationalist.

Kingdoms and dynasties

  • Telugu Chodas
    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...

  • Kona Chiefs
  • Koppula Chiefs, Pithapuram
  • Korukonda Nayaks
  • Madurai Nayaks
  • Tanjavur Nayaks
  • Kandy Nayaks who ruled Sri Lanka
  • Gingee
    Gingee
    Gingee is a panchayat town in Viluppuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The nearest town with a railway station is Tindivanam, 28 km away....

     Nayaks / Chenchi Nayaks, Thundeera
  • Channapatna
    Channapatna
    Channapatna is a small city located 60 km south-west of Bangalore, India on Bangalore-Mysore state highway.The city is famous for its wooden toys and lacquerware. In the native language , Channapatna is also called as "goMbegaLa ooru" meaning toys town in English. These toys are manufactured...

     Rayas who ruled Bangalore area
  • Penukonda
    Penukonda
    Penukonda or Penu Konda is a small town in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is 70 km away from Anantapur town.-Geography:Penukonda is located at...

  • Kalyandurg
    Kalyandurg
    Kalyandurg or Kalyandurgam is a census town located in the Anantapur district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.-Geography:Kalyandurg is located at . It has an average elevation of 591 metres .-History:...

  • Rayadurgam
  • Chandragiri
    Chandragiri
    Chandragiri , is a suburb of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, India. Recently it is included under Municipal Corporation limits of Tirupati...

    :Kasturi Nayadu and Peda Koneti Nayudu of the Vasarasi family belonged to the Balija caste.
  • Udayagiri
    Udayagiri
    Udayagiri is the name of many places in India, among them:*Udayagiri Fort, one in Tamil Nadu and the other in Andhra Pradesh...

  • 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...

  • Poligars: Some of the tax collectors of Tamil Nadu were of Balija origin, notably Veerapandiya Kattabomman
    Veerapandiya Kattabomman
    Veerapandiya Kattabomman also known as Kattabomman was an 18th century Palayakarrar chieftain from Panchalankurichi of Tamil Nadu, India and the 47th King of Panchalankurichi who fought the British. His ancestors migrated to Tamil Nadu from areas in present day Andhra Pradesh during the...

    .
  • Metla Rajulu
    Metla Rajulu
    Metla Rajulu, also called Metlu Rajas, ruled in Cuddapah. They were the last princely state to be captured by the British when Rayalaseema was ceded to them by the Nizam after laying seize to the fort for a couple of months...

  • Rana of Baramal

Chief Ministers

  • Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu
    Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu
    Rao Bahadur Sir Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu KCSI was an Indian lawyer, professor, politician and Justice Party leader who served as the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency from April 1, 1937 to July 14, 1937...

     (Rao Bahaddur Sir) — Governor Madras Presidency (1936–1937) Chief Minister of Madras Presidency (1937)

Writers

  • Tapi Dharma Rao
    Tapi Dharma Rao
    Thapi Dharma Rao Naidu B.A. was a Telugu writer, lyricist and social reformer. He wrote dialogues and lyrics for the films like Mala Pilla, Drohi, Thathaji, Bhishma, and Patni. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for Indian Literature...

     - Telugu writer
  • Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao B.A. is a politician, film director, and film producer. Narayana Rao directed about 150 films, produced 53 films and worked in more than 250 films as a dialogue writer and as a lyricist.Beside graduating with a BA degree, he used to take part in scores of drama competitions...

     - Writer, director, actor, producer
  • A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam is a film producer of South Indian cinema from the town Buchi Reddy Palem of nellore Dt, Andhra Pradesh. He has produced several blockbusters under Sri Surya Movies, such as Indian, Kushi, Run, Boys, Enakku 20 Unakku 18, Dhool, Ghilli and 7/G Rainbow Colony, Bangaram. He also...

     — Producer, lyricist
  • Meher Ramesh
    Meher Ramesh
    Meher Ramesh is a film writer and director. He is the cousin of actor chiranjeevi.- Director :*2011 - Shakti *2009 - Billa *2008 - Kantri *2006 - Ajay *2004 - Veera Kannadiga...

    - Director, writer
  • Ananth Sreeram — Lyricist


Athletics, sports

  • Col. C. K. Naidu
    C. K. Nayudu
    Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu , also known as CK, was an Indian cricketer who served as India's first Test captain. He was born in Nagpur, Maharashtra and died in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. He played first-class cricket regularly till 1958, and returned for one last time in 1963 at the age of 68...

    , Former Captain of Indian Cricket
    Cricket
    Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...

    .
  • Buchi Babu Naidu
    Buchi Babu Naidu
    Buchi Babu Nayudu was an Indian Cricketer, known as the Father of Chennai Cricket, who established the Madras Presidency Matches.- Early life :...

    , Father of Indian Cricket
    Cricket
    Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...

     in 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...

    .
  • Cotah Ramaswami
    Cotah Ramaswami
    Cotah Ramaswami - sometimes written as Cota or Cotar - was a double sports international who represented India in both cricket and tennis.-Family and early life:...

    , Double international who represented India in both cricket
    Cricket
    Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...

     and tennis
    Tennis
    Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...

    .
  • C.S. Nayudu, Indian Test cricketer,
  • Kodi Rammurthy Naidu
    Kodi Rammurthy Naidu
    Kodi Ramamurthy Naidu, also known as Prof. Rammurty, was an Indian bodybuilder who earned enormous respect for India in the field of wrestling. Prof. Rammurty worked as Physical Education Teacher in the Branch College of Vizianagaram. He got profound knowledge in Vayu Stambhana Kodi Ramamurthy...

     — Bodybuilder and wrestler
  • Venugopal Rao
    Venugopal Rao
    Yalaka Venugopal Rao is an Indian cricketer. He is a right-handed middle order batsman and right arm off-break bowler. He is the first "super sub" in ODI cricket. He represents Andhra Pradesh in first class cricket, and Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League...

     — Cricketer
  • Ambati Rayudu
    Ambati Rayudu
    Ambati Thirupathi Rayudu , is an Indian cricketer. He is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm off-break bowler. He was banned from Indian cricket due to his signing with the rebel ICL. Subsequently Rayudu left the ICL and, following an amnesty offer from BCCI, returned to Indian domestic...

    — Cricketer
  • Tirumalasetti Suman
    Tirumalasetti Suman
    Tirumalasetti Laxminarayana Suman is an Indian first class cricketer. He made his debut in first class cricket for hyderabad He is a right-handed opening or middle order batsman. In the second season of the Indian Premier League in 2009, Suman represented Deccan Chargers with success. In the 3rd...

    — Cricketer
  • Achanta Sharath Kamal, Table Tennis Champion


Industrialists and entrepreneurs

  • Allu Aravind  — Cine Producer in Telugu Hindhi industralist
  • Vikram Akula
    Vikram Akula
    Vikram Akula is the founder and former chairperson of SKS Microfinance, an organization that offers microloans and insurance to poor women in impoverished areas of India. He stepped down as the SKS chief in November 2011.-Early life:...

     — Founder of SKS Microfinance and Time's Top 100 persons in world 2006
  • D. K. Audikesavulu Naidu — Industralist & Ex.M.P.
  • Srini Kopollu — MD, Microsoft India


Painters

  • Chandra
    Chandra
    In Hinduism, Chandra is a lunar deity and a Graha. Chandra is also identified with the Vedic Lunar deity Soma . The Soma name refers particularly to the juice of sap in the plants and thus makes the Moon the lord of plants and vegetation. He is described as young, beautiful, fair; two-armed and...

     —-Kala Ratna
  • Nandikolla Gopala Rao
    Nandikolla Gopala Rao
    Nandikolla Gopala Rao was a Indian painter of Andhra Pradesh and is known as the Father of Modern Contemporary Art in Andhra Pradesh. He was a painter during British rule in south India, who achieved recognition for his paintings on Hindu epics, landscapes, portraits of maharajahs and maharanis of...

     —-Father of modern contemporary artist in A.P

Producers

  • Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu  — Father of Telugu Film Industry
  • S. V. Ranga Rao
    S. V. Ranga Rao
    Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao Popularly Known as S.V.R. was an Indian Theater actor, Tollywood actor, director and producer...

     (Viswa Nata Chakravarti, Nata Sarvabhouma, Nata Sekhara, Nata Simha) — Actor
  • Edida Nageshwara Rao
    Edida Nageshwara Rao
    Edida Nageswara Rao is an Indian film producer in Telugu Cinema. He owns the 30 yr old film production house Poornodaya Movie Creations in Tollywood.-Career:...

     — Producer
  • P. Pullaiah
    P. Pullaiah
    P. Pullaiah or P. Pullayya B.A. is a Telugu film director and producer. He was recipient of Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for his contributions to Telugu cinema. He married veteran actress P. Santha Kumari in 1937...

    — Producer and director
  • B. A. Subba Rao
    B. A. Subba Rao
    Bugata Venkata Subba Rao better known as B. A. Subba Rao is a Telugu film producer and director. He is recipient of Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for his lifetime contribution of Telugu cinema....

     — Producer and director
  • Krishnaveni (actress)
    Krishnaveni (actress)
    Mrs Krishnaveni is a veteran Telugu actress, singer and producer. She is also known as C. Krishnaveni and M. Krishnaveni.- Biography :...

     — Producer, actress, singer
  • Santha Kumari
    Santha Kumari
    Vellaala Subbamma is an Indian musical artist and film actress. Santhakumari is the wife of the famous yesteryear Telugu Director and Producer P. Pullaiah.-Early years:...

    — Producer, actress
  • Pasupuleti Kannamba — Producer, Telugu and Tamil
  • A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam is a film producer of South Indian cinema from the town Buchi Reddy Palem of nellore Dt, Andhra Pradesh. He has produced several blockbusters under Sri Surya Movies, such as Indian, Kushi, Run, Boys, Enakku 20 Unakku 18, Dhool, Ghilli and 7/G Rainbow Colony, Bangaram. He also...

     — Producer
  • Naga Babu
    Nagendra Babu
    Nagendra Babu Konidela is a Telugu film actor and producer. He acts mainly in supporting character roles and villain roles, though he has also played the hero in some films. He recently acted in 143, Anji, Shock , Sri Ramadasu , Chandamama and Orange...

     — Producer
  • Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao B.A. is a politician, film director, and film producer. Narayana Rao directed about 150 films, produced 53 films and worked in more than 250 films as a dialogue writer and as a lyricist.Beside graduating with a BA degree, he used to take part in scores of drama competitions...

     — Telugu director and producer
  • M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana is a comedian and director in Tollywood, the Telugu film industry, in south India. He has acted in more than 500 films.-Actor:-External links:* at **...

     — Producer and actor
  • Chegondi Venkata Harirama Jogaiah
    Chegondi Venkata Harirama Jogaiah
    Chegondi Venkata Harirama Jogaiah is a member of the 14th Lok Sabha of India. He represents the Narasapur constituency of Andhra Pradesh and is a member of the Indian National Congress....

     — PRP leader, cinema producer
  • Savitri (actress) — Telugu and Tamil actress, producer:
  • Srihari
    Srihari
    Raghumudri Sri Hari, better known as Srihari , is an award-winning actor in Tollywood. He started out in Telugu cinema as the antagonist and subsequently went on to do some notable lead roles.-As lead actor:...

    — Producer and actor

Actors

  • S. V. Ranga Rao
    S. V. Ranga Rao
    Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao Popularly Known as S.V.R. was an Indian Theater actor, Tollywood actor, director and producer...

      (Viswa Nata Chakravarti, Nata Sarvabhouma, Nata Sekhara, Nata Simha) —Famous Actor
  • Savitri Kommareddy
    Savitri Kommareddy
    Kommareddy Savitri or Savitri Ganesh , was an Indian actress, director and producer. She had appeared in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi languages...

     — Mahanati
  • Allu Rama Lingaiah
    Allu Rama Lingaiah
    Allu Rama Lingaiah , commonly known as Allu, was an Indian Telugu language comedic actor from Palakollou, India who appeared in over one thousand Tollywood films.- Film career :...

     — actor and freedom fighter
  • Chiranjeevi
    Chiranjeevi
    Chiranjeevi is a Telugu film actor and a politician. He has appeared primarily in Telugu Cinema along with a few Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films. He made his acting debut in Punadhirallu . However, Pranam Khareedu released at the box office earlier...

     — Padmabhushan, Megastar, doctorate holder, PRP Founder.
  • Rajanala Kaleswara Rao — Actor
  • Santha Kumari
    Santha Kumari
    Vellaala Subbamma is an Indian musical artist and film actress. Santhakumari is the wife of the famous yesteryear Telugu Director and Producer P. Pullaiah.-Early years:...

    — Producer, actress
  • Pasupuleti Kannamba — Telugu and Tamil actress and producer
  • Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao B.A. is a politician, film director, and film producer. Narayana Rao directed about 150 films, produced 53 films and worked in more than 250 films as a dialogue writer and as a lyricist.Beside graduating with a BA degree, he used to take part in scores of drama competitions...

     — Telugu director, actor and producer
  • Kaikala Satyanarayana
    Kaikala Satyanarayana
    Kaikala Satyanarayana , a versatile Telugu cine actor, was born on 25 July 1935 to Kaikala Laxmi Narayana couple at Kautaram village in Krishna district. Having completed his primary and intermediate education in Gudivada and Vijayawada, Satyanarayana graduated from Gudivada College...

     — Actor
  • Nagendra Babu
    Nagendra Babu
    Nagendra Babu Konidela is a Telugu film actor and producer. He acts mainly in supporting character roles and villain roles, though he has also played the hero in some films. He recently acted in 143, Anji, Shock , Sri Ramadasu , Chandamama and Orange...

     — actor and producer
  • Pawan Kalyan
    Pawan Kalyan
    Pawan Kalyan ; is an Indian film Actor, Director, Screenwriter and Action choreographer in Telugu cinema...

     — Actor, Director, Comman Man Protection force(C.M.P.F) founder
  • Ram Charan Teja
    Ram Charan Teja
    Ram Charan Teja Konidala is an Indian film actor. He is the son of Telugu actor Chiranjeevi. He made his debut as lead actor with the film Chirutha in 2007. He currently serves on the board of directors for MAA TV. He was the brand ambassador for Pepsi and Airtel in Andhra Pradesh for sometime...

     — Actor
  • Allu Arjun
    Allu Arjun
    Allu Arjun is an Indian film actor known for his work in Telugu cinema. He has won two Nandi, two Filmfare and a CineMAA Award for his performances in Arya, Parugu and Vedam.-Personal life:...

     — actor
  • Navdeep
    Navdeep
    Navdeep is a regional Indian actor.Navdeep has appeared in both Telugu and Tamil films in his career, portraying diverse characters.Navdeep's first major film appearance was in the 2004 Telugu romantic film, Jai, in which he played an Indian boxer fighting against Laskar-E-Taiba terrorists...

    ; actor
  • Devika
    Devika
    Devika or Prameela Devi was a popular Tamil and Telugu actress. She is regarded as a versatile and graceful heroine of her era. She was known for her natural beauty which was the key in her casting in mythological films like Karnan, thiruvilaiyadal...

     — Actress http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2002/05/10/stories/2002051000830500.htm
  • Nirmalamma
    Nirmalamma
    Nirmalamma was one of the most versatile and natural character artists in the Telugu film industry of India. She has acted in more than 800 films. She was well known for her grandmother roles in several films.-Film career:...

    — Actress
  • Roja Ramani
    Roja Ramani
    Roja Ramani is a South Indian movie actress who predominantly worked in Telugu cinema. She was a child star in her debut movie Bhakta Prahlada , and was popular during the 1970s and early 1980s. She has acted in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam movies...

     — Actress
  • M. R. Radha (Mohan Rajagopala Radhakrishnan Naidu) — Tamil actor
  • Raadhika Sarathkumar
    Raadhika Sarathkumar
    Radhika Sarathkumar is a Tamil television and film actress, successful entrepreneur and producer. She is the founder of Radaan Mediaworks, which has produced the successful serials Chithi, Annamalai, Selvi, Arasi, and Idi Katha Kadu . She is currently acting in the serial Chellamay for Sun TV...

     — Tamil and Telugu actress and producer
  • Radha Ravi
    Radha Ravi
    Radha Ravi is a Tamil film and television actor, who played supporting roles throughout his career. He is the son of yesteryear actor, M. R. Radha and the uncle of Vasu Vikram and halfbrother of Raadhika Sarathkumar. He is a chief member of the South Indian Film Artistes' Association...

    — Tamil actor and producer http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/08/stories/2007030804780200.htm
  • Sneha — actress
  • Srihari
    Srihari
    Raghumudri Sri Hari, better known as Srihari , is an award-winning actor in Tollywood. He started out in Telugu cinema as the antagonist and subsequently went on to do some notable lead roles.-As lead actor:...

     — Actor and Producer
  • Ravi Krishna
    Ravi Krishna
    Ravi Krishna is an Indian actor who works in the Tamil and Telugu film industries. Son of noted producer A. M. Rathnam, he made his acting debut in Selvaraghavan's critically acclaimed 7G Rainbow Colony.-Early life:...

     — Actor
  • M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana is a comedian and director in Tollywood, the Telugu film industry, in south India. He has acted in more than 500 films.-Actor:-External links:* at **...

     — Actor
  • Bhanu Chander
    Bhanu Chander
    Bhanuchander or Bhanu Chander is a South Indian actor who acted in many Telugu/Tamil movies as hero and character artist. He is the son of composer Master Venu.-Filmography:*Manasaara *Rechipo *Dubai Seenu...

     — Actor and producer
  • A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam is a film producer of South Indian cinema from the town Buchi Reddy Palem of nellore Dt, Andhra Pradesh. He has produced several blockbusters under Sri Surya Movies, such as Indian, Kushi, Run, Boys, Enakku 20 Unakku 18, Dhool, Ghilli and 7/G Rainbow Colony, Bangaram. He also...

     — producer
  • Ravi Krishna
    Ravi Krishna
    Ravi Krishna is an Indian actor who works in the Tamil and Telugu film industries. Son of noted producer A. M. Rathnam, he made his acting debut in Selvaraghavan's critically acclaimed 7G Rainbow Colony.-Early life:...

    ;Actor and A.M.Ratnam's son
  • Krishnaveni
    Krishnaveni (actress)
    Mrs Krishnaveni is a veteran Telugu actress, singer and producer. She is also known as C. Krishnaveni and M. Krishnaveni.- Biography :...

     — Actress, singer, producer
  • G. Varalakshmi — Actress
  • Sarath Babu
    Sarath Babu
    Sarath Babu is an Indian film actor, who has acted in almost all the major south Indian languages - Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. He has been in the industry for nearly 37 years and has acted in more than 200 movies, most of them in a supporting role. He has acted in 80 films each in...

    ;Tamil and Telugu film actor
  • Rambha (actress)
    Rambha (actress)
    Vijaya Lakshmi , best known by her stage name Rambha, is an Indian film actress. She has acted in over 100 South Indian films and also in Bollywood films. She had done several successful films in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada, Bengali and Bhojpuri films. She paired up with popular heroes...

     — Actress

Directors

  • P. Pullaiah
    P. Pullaiah
    P. Pullaiah or P. Pullayya B.A. is a Telugu film director and producer. He was recipient of Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for his contributions to Telugu cinema. He married veteran actress P. Santha Kumari in 1937...

    — Producer and director
  • B. A. Subba Rao
    B. A. Subba Rao
    Bugata Venkata Subba Rao better known as B. A. Subba Rao is a Telugu film producer and director. He is recipient of Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for his lifetime contribution of Telugu cinema....

     — Producer and director
  • Dasari Yoganand
    Dasari Yoganand
    Dasari Yoganand shorty D. Yoganand was a famous South Indian film director.-Early life:...

      — Director
  • Tapi Chanakya
    Tapi Chanakya
    Thapi Chanakya was an Indian film director and writer. He is son of the famous writer Tapi Dharma Rao Naidu. He has worked as Radio Telegraphist for Indian Army.-Filmography:# Palletoori Pilla in Telugu...

    — Director
  • Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao B.A. is a politician, film director, and film producer. Narayana Rao directed about 150 films, produced 53 films and worked in more than 250 films as a dialogue writer and as a lyricist.Beside graduating with a BA degree, he used to take part in scores of drama competitions...

     — Telugu director/Producer, Former Union Minister of India
  • Kodi Ramakrishna
    Kodi Ramakrishna
    Kodi Ramakrishna is an Indian film director and writer principally in Andhra Pradesh. He has directed more than 100 movies in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi languages all together.-Profile:...

     — Director
  • Krishna Vamsi
    Krishna Vamsi
    Krishna Vamsi Pasupuleti is an award-winning Indian film director in Telugu Cinema.-Early life and background:...

     Pasupuleti — Director
  • V.V. Vinayak — Director
  • Sukumar
    Sukumar
    Sukumar Bandreddi , better known by his first name, is a Tollywood film director and screenwriter. He worked as assistant director for the films Kshemanga Velli Labhanga Randi and Dil and made his directorial debut with Arya.- Background :...

     — Director
  • Meher Ramesh
    Meher Ramesh
    Meher Ramesh is a film writer and director. He is the cousin of actor chiranjeevi.- Director :*2011 - Shakti *2009 - Billa *2008 - Kantri *2006 - Ajay *2004 - Veera Kannadiga...

     — Director
  • Pawan Kalyan
    Pawan Kalyan
    Pawan Kalyan ; is an Indian film Actor, Director, Screenwriter and Action choreographer in Telugu cinema...

     - Actor, and Director
  • Nagesh Kukunoor
    Nagesh Kukunoor
    Nagesh Kukunoor is an Indian filmmaker and screenwriter. He is known for movies such as Hyderabad Blues , Rockford , 3 Deewarein and Iqbal .-Early life:...

    — Director
  • M. Raja
    M. Raja
    Raja Mohan is an Indian film director, primarily working in the Tamil film industry. As of 2011, he has directed seven films, all of them being a remake even velayutham. Notably all his five directorials in Tamil starred his brother Jayam Ravi and were produced by his father, editor Mohan under his...

     — Director
  • M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana is a comedian and director in Tollywood, the Telugu film industry, in south India. He has acted in more than 500 films.-Actor:-External links:* at **...

     — Director
  • Sekhar Kammula
    Sekhar Kammula
    Sekhar Kammula is an award-winning Indian Film director, writer and producer from Telugu cinema.-Early life:Sekhar was schooled at St. Patrick's High School, Secunderabad. He completed his intermediate studies from St...

     — Director

Musicians

  • Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu
    Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu
    Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu was one of the most important carnatic violinists of the 20th century.-Early life and background:...

      — Classical musician
  • Ramesh Naidu
    Ramesh Naidu
    Pasupuleti Ramesh Naidu was a South Indian music director. His major works were in Telugu films in the 1970s and 1980s. The music he did for the film Megha Sandesham is consideredas his best score.-Biography:...

     — Music director
  • Master Venu
    Master Venu
    Madduri Venugopal better known as Master Venu was a music composer of the Telugu and Tamil cinemas and the father of the actor Bhanu Chander...

      — Music director
  • Devi Sri Prasad
    Devi Sri Prasad
    Devi Sri Prasad is a music composer and playback singer in Telugu and Tamil films. His soundtracks have been dubbed or remade in several other languages as well.- Awards :...

    — Music director
  • Ramana Gogula
    Ramana Gogula
    Ramana Kumar Gogula is a music director in Telugu films. He formed his own rock-and-roll band in Vizag at the age of 17. Since then, he has traveled around the world as a software professional and music director. His most famous albums are the musical scores to the movies Thammudu,adavilo anna,...

     — Music director
  • Ananth Sreeram — Lyricist(Palkol,WGDt)

Singers

  • Jikki
    Jikki
    Pillavalu Gajapathi Krishnaveni aka Jikki , was a popular film playback singer from South India. She sang over nearly 10,000 songs in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and Sinhala languages.-Early life:...

     (Pillavalu Gajapathi Krishnaveni)http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/08/20/stories/2004082002330400.htm
  • Chakri (music director)
    Chakri (music director)
    Chakradhar is an Indian music composer and singer. He works for Tollywood.-Early life:Chakri was born in Warangal district, Andhra Pradesh. He has one brother and three sisters.-Career:...

  • Devi Sri Prasad
    Devi Sri Prasad
    Devi Sri Prasad is a music composer and playback singer in Telugu and Tamil films. His soundtracks have been dubbed or remade in several other languages as well.- Awards :...

  • Ramana Gogula
    Ramana Gogula
    Ramana Kumar Gogula is a music director in Telugu films. He formed his own rock-and-roll band in Vizag at the age of 17. Since then, he has traveled around the world as a software professional and music director. His most famous albums are the musical scores to the movies Thammudu,adavilo anna,...

  • Santhakumari
  • Kalyanam Raghuramaiah
    Kalyanam Raghuramaiah
    Kalyanam Raghuramaiah, popularly known as Eelapata Raghuramaiah is famous Telugu drama and film actor and recipient of Padmasri Award.He was born in Guntur district and named as Venkata Subbaiah...


Technicians

  • Thota Tharani — Art director
  • Marthand K. Venkatesh
    Marthand K. Venkatesh
    Marthand K. Venkatesh is an Indian Film editor who mostly works for Tollywood.-Brief lifesketch:Venkatesh is son of noted Telugu film editor K. M. Marthand. He used to assists his father in editing for the films produced by Suresh Productions. Telugu film director K. Raghavendra Rao gave him the...

     — Editor
  • Shyam K. Naidu
    Shyam K. Naidu
    Shyam K. Naidu is cinematographer in Telugu Cinema. His best works are Pokiri, Super, and Mass. He worked for all of Puri Jagannadh. His brother, Chota K...

     — Cinematographer
  • Chota K. Naidu
    Chota K. Naidu
    Chota K. Naidu is an Indian film cinematographer who primarily works for Telugu cinema. His brother Shyam K. Naidu is also another popular cinematographer in Tollywood. He won the prestigious Filmfare Award and Nandi Award for the film Kotha Bangaru Lokam.His nephew Sundeep Kishan is a film actor...

    ; Cinematographer

Unsorted

  • Marotrao Kannamwar
    Marotrao Kannamwar
    Marotrao Shambshio Kannamwar was an Indian politician who served as Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 20 November 1962 to 24 November 1963.He represent Saoli Vidhan Sabha constituency in Bombay State in 1957 and of the Maharashtra State from 1960–1962....

     Chief Minister Government of Maharashtra 1961- 1964.
  • S.V. Ranga Rao, one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian Cinema.
  • Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga
    Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga
    Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga was a Indian National Congress politician in Vijayawada,Andhra Pradesh.-Personal life:...

     Politician.
  • Chiranjeevi
    Chiranjeevi
    Chiranjeevi is a Telugu film actor and a politician. He has appeared primarily in Telugu Cinema along with a few Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films. He made his acting debut in Punadhirallu . However, Pranam Khareedu released at the box office earlier...

    , politician, iconic film star, social worker and philanthropist of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Beri Thimmappa Naidu (Chetti) of Palakollu, one of the founders of Madras city
  • Marotrao Kannamwar
    Marotrao Kannamwar
    Marotrao Shambshio Kannamwar was an Indian politician who served as Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 20 November 1962 to 24 November 1963.He represent Saoli Vidhan Sabha constituency in Bombay State in 1957 and of the Maharashtra State from 1960–1962....

    , Chief Minister Government of Maharashtra (1961–1964)

Telaga

Telagas are the most ancient feudal warrior/agricultural clans of the South India, who practiced agriculture during times of peace. Modern-day Telagas continue in their traditional agricultural occupation, but also have diversified into other occupations.

Origin

  • The origin of the Telagas can be traced to the Western Chalukyan expansion into the Andhra region during the 1st century A.D. The term "Telaga" was a derivation of the word "Telingana". Andhra was referred to as Telingana in the ancient texts as it was the area that had three major Shivinsa-Arama's, thus was called Tri-Linga. The people living there were called "Telugus" and the language spoken by the people there was called "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...

    ".

  • Another source of origin mentions that when the Chalukyas invaded Andhra so in order to differentiate between the Native Commanders of the Tri-linga Desam from the commanders in the Chalukyan army the term Telugu Nayakulu was coined which eventually became Telaga Nayak/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...

    .


The Telagas may have served as soldiers of the Western Chalukya rulers under Pulakesin . They formed the bulwark of ancient armies of the Deccan and South India like Cholas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagar and Nayaks. They seem to have a connection with the Eastern Chalukyas. The Vassals of Chalukyas entered into matrimonial alliances and ultimately established the Chalukya - Chola Dynasty. Another important dynasty of Telagas were the 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...

 who were the first Andhra Kings to write inscriptions in 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...

. They ruled over the Palnadu, Velanadu and Renadu regions of Andhra Pradesh for most of the medieval ages. The Telugu Chodas formed the base on which Chalukyan Empire flourished and were the principal combatants of the Palanadu war/Palanati Yuddam. Telugu Cholas supported Bramha Naidu in this war against the Nalagam Raju.

Other Telaga dynasties are mentioned below.

Dynasties

Telaga is a community of Andhra and concentrated primarily in the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. The Telagas are one of the ancient Warrior Clans and Feudal Landlords of India who had links to all the major Ruling Dynasties of South India like Chalukya,Chola,Kakateeya and Vijayanagar. They have the caste titles 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...

, Dora
Dora
-Places:Australia*Lake Dora *Lake Dora United States*Dora, Alabama*Dora, Arkansas*Dora, Missouri*Dora, New MexicoOther countries*Dora, Baghdad, Iraq*Dora, Cyprus*Dora, Lebanon*Dorasan or Mount Dora, a hill in South Korea...

 which indicate their Feudal and Warrior past who are considered as the Forward Caste (O.C).

Epitomology of the Telagas

Telagas are the most ancient Warrior clan of the Deccan and South India who specialized in warfare and took to agriculture during times of peace.

The Origin of the Telagas can be traced back to the Western Chalukyan Expansion into Andhra region which happened in the 1st century A.D. The term Telaga was a derivation of the word Telingana.[4] Andhra was referred to as Telingana/Tri-Linga Desam in the ancient texts as it was the area that had three major Shivinsa-Aramas, thus was called Tri-Linga', and the people living there were called Telugus and the language spoken by the people there was called Telugu. It is easy to see from this that the Telugu warriors came to regarded as Telagas par excellence.

This is how the word Telaga was Derived.

Trilinga -> Telinga -> Telanga -> Telaga (It is a Country of Telaga People)

Trilinga -> Telangu -> Telungu -> Telugu (It is a language of Telanga People)

They ruled the Telugu country for most part of the medieval ages in the form of Telugu Chodas and were the foundation on which the Chalukyan Empire flourished. The Telagas served as Nayakulu (Governors), commanders and vassals of the Western Chalukya rulers under Pulakesin. These commanders were also called Telugu Nayakulu from which the community name Telaga have been derived.
They seem to have a connection with the Eastern Chalukyas. The vassals of Chalukyas entered into matrimonial alliances, and ultimately established the Chalukya Dynasty. They formed the bulwark of ancient armies of the Deccan and South India like Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijaynagar, Nayaks Kings etc.

Some of the ruling Dynasties are
  • Telugu Chodas
    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...


The Telugu Cholas ruled the various regions of Andhra for more than four centuries.
Important ruling Clans were:-
  • Velanati Cholulu
    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...

     of Palnadu War who supported Bramha Naidu in his war against the Nalagam Raju. They ruled over Velanadu
  • Renati 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...

     of Renadu who rules over the current Cuddapah, Prakasam and Kurnool Regions
  • Konidena 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...

     ruler from the current Guntur region.
  • Nannuru 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...

  • Nellore Chola Kings
    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...

  • Kolanu Kings ruled the area between Krishna Godavari Rivers
  • Kona Kings ruled the present Konaseema area
  • Koppula Chiefs ruled the Polunati seema present pitapuram area
  • 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...

  • Korukonda Nayaks
  • Nayak Kings of Madurai, Tanjore, Chenji, Kandy and Vijayanagar.


After the fall of the Eastern Chalukyan kingdoms and the Velanati Cholas. The Telagas served as vassals/Governors during the Kakateeyas. They were given the title Nayaka/Nayakudu and played a major role in shaping the history of modern Andhra.

After the fall of the Kakateeyas, the Telagas, under Kaapaya Nayaka and Prolaya Nayaka, led the battle against the invading Bahamanis by combining forces with the Balija, Reddy, Velama and Kamma Nayaks, and liberated the Andhra country.

Telagas had matrimonial Alliances with the Kakateeya and Vijayanagar Rulers. Araveeti Rama Raya the son in law of Krishna Devaraya and the ruler of the last dynasty of Viajayanagar was a Telaga. This family was an Eastern Chalukyan Fuedataory called the Arayeti Family which became Araveeti in due course of time.

With Vijayanagara coming into power the Telagas served under the new rulers and were dispatched off to protect the far-flung regions of the empire to Tamil Nadu and were posted as Nayaks and took up Administration as Nayaks/Nayakers. The most famous Telaga general was Viswanatha Nayaka who started the Madurai Nayak Dynasty

After the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire in the Battle of Talikota large sections of Telagas migrated towards the North and settled down in their native region of the Godavari deltas and took to agriculture while some of them went further South and settled down in the Madhurai and Tanjavur region and joined the Nayak King army.

Telaga Bravery

Telagas are known for their bravery and fearlessness aptly put by a famous Telugu saying describing the community "Teginche vade Telaga" which means "One who dares is a Telaga". Even now, one can find swords, armour and weapons with some of the Telaga families in Rajamundry. All of these people are Vaishnavas and have Sri Venugopala Swami as their family deity. Most of their surnames represents the names of weapons used by this warrior community.
  • The Palnadu Battle also called the Andhra Mahabharatam played a pivotal role in shaping Andhras History Palnati Bramha Naidu

a Velama who was ousted from his Kingdom had to reli bed on the Telagas the Velanati Chodas who formed the bulwark in his battle against Nagamma's forces. The bravery exhibited in Palnadu battle is part of Andhra folklore and is still sung as Ballads.
  • After the fall of the Kakateeyas, the Telagas Kaapaya Nayaka and Prolaya Nayaka along with Koppla Prolaya Nayaka of Pithapuram, led the battle against the invading Bahamanis by combining forces with the Reddy, Velama Nayaks, and liberated the Andhra Country and Orugallu from tyranny and destruction of the invaders."

  • A legendary instance of Telaga bravery was exhibited during the Bobbili War, fought between the Velama Kingdom and the Vizianagaram Kingdom, led by Vijayaram Raju. Telagas warriors are the principal combatants of the Bobbilli war. When all seemed lost for the Bobbilli, Ranga Rayudu, the Bobbili king, before riding out to war, in no mood to submit the honour and the dignity of the Royal House, ordered all of his commanders to execute their families before riding out to meet their fate. Accordingly the Telaga and Velama commanders and soldiers executed their families before proceeding out to war. King Vijayaramaraju was laid to rest by a valiant Telaga commanders Miriyala Sitanna, padala ramudu along with Papa Rayudu.

  • Pulakesin II's brother, Kubja Vishnu Vardhana, founded the Eastern Chalukya Empire after he was appointed Viceroy of Vengi, and gave many of his trusted generals fiefdoms to rule over as his vassals, and took up reign as Telaga Nayakulu (Governors). Most of the Telagas are feudal landlords concentrated mainly in the coastal areas of Andhra. Because of their warrior past and valiant fighting nature most Telagas were recruited in the British army as Major, Nayak Subhedars, Naikers etc. before India's independence. Telagas are very prominent in the Madras Regiment of British India army. Even now the Police and Indian Army recruits Telagas in large numbers from rural areas.

Popular Telagas

  • Padma Bhushan Colnal C. K. Naidu (Cottari Kanakaiah Naidu) was the First captain of India Cricket team is a Telaga. C K Nayudu was tall right-handed batsman and a useful change bowler. He was a batsman who could hit the ball tremendously hard and as a leader he has become famous. He was the first cricketer to be honored with the Padma Bhushan.

  • The famous social reformer ( 19th-20th century) Raghupathi Venkata Ratnam Naidu belongs to Telaga community. He also pioneered the Telugu movie industry.

  • Rao Bahaddur Dr Sir Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu former Chief Minister and Governor of the Madras Presidency during the British Rule is a prominent Telaga.

Social reformers

  • Kaneganti Hanumanthu
    Kaneganti Hanumanthu
    Kaneganti Hanumanthu is a well known freedom fighter who rebelled against British Rule and started the Palnadu Rebellion against tax. He was shot by a General Rutherford.-References:*Social Changes among Balijas - Sepuri Bhaskar...

     — started the Palandu Rebellion against British General Rutherford
  • Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty
    Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty
    Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty CSI was an Indian merchant, Indian independence activist and political activist who founded the Madras Native Association and the first Indian-owned newspaper, The Crescent....

    — Social reformer,
  • Salem Pagadala Narasimhalu Naidu
    Salem Pagadala Narasimhalu Naidu
    Salem Pagadala Narasimhalu Naidu was a Tamil Congressman, social worker, publisher and the first person to have written travelogues in Tamil...

     — Writer and industrialist social reformer, Coimbattore
  • Ray Bahaddur Sir Sri Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu
    Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu
    Rao Bahadur Sir Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu KCSI was an Indian lawyer, professor, politician and Justice Party leader who served as the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency from April 1, 1937 to July 14, 1937...

     — Social reformer, Former Chief Minister of Madras, President of Koormapuram, near Kakinada
  • Brahmarshi Sir Dr. Rao Bahaddur Sri Raghupathi Venkataratnam Naidu
    Raghupathi Venkataratnam Naidu
    Sir Dr. Rao Bahaddoor Sri Raghupati Venkataratnam Nayudu was an Indian social reformer who hailed from a Telaga Naidu family from Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh in India. His father Appayya Naidu worked as a subedar in telaga regiment in Madras Army. Their forefathers served as commanders in...

     — Social reformer and educationalist.

Kingdoms and dynasties

  • Telugu Chodas
    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...

  • Kona Chiefs
  • Koppula Chiefs, Pithapuram
  • Korukonda Nayaks
  • Madurai Nayaks
  • Tanjavur Nayaks
  • Kandy Nayaks who ruled Sri Lanka
  • Gingee
    Gingee
    Gingee is a panchayat town in Viluppuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The nearest town with a railway station is Tindivanam, 28 km away....

     Nayaks / Chenchi Nayaks, Thundeera
  • Channapatna
    Channapatna
    Channapatna is a small city located 60 km south-west of Bangalore, India on Bangalore-Mysore state highway.The city is famous for its wooden toys and lacquerware. In the native language , Channapatna is also called as "goMbegaLa ooru" meaning toys town in English. These toys are manufactured...

     Rayas who ruled Bangalore area
  • Penukonda
    Penukonda
    Penukonda or Penu Konda is a small town in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is 70 km away from Anantapur town.-Geography:Penukonda is located at...

  • Kalyandurg
    Kalyandurg
    Kalyandurg or Kalyandurgam is a census town located in the Anantapur district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.-Geography:Kalyandurg is located at . It has an average elevation of 591 metres .-History:...

  • Rayadurgam
  • Chandragiri
    Chandragiri
    Chandragiri , is a suburb of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, India. Recently it is included under Municipal Corporation limits of Tirupati...

    :Kasturi Nayadu and Peda Koneti Nayudu of the Vasarasi family belonged to the Balija caste.
  • Udayagiri
    Udayagiri
    Udayagiri is the name of many places in India, among them:*Udayagiri Fort, one in Tamil Nadu and the other in Andhra Pradesh...

  • 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...

  • Poligars: Some of the tax collectors of Tamil Nadu were of Balija origin, notably Veerapandiya Kattabomman
    Veerapandiya Kattabomman
    Veerapandiya Kattabomman also known as Kattabomman was an 18th century Palayakarrar chieftain from Panchalankurichi of Tamil Nadu, India and the 47th King of Panchalankurichi who fought the British. His ancestors migrated to Tamil Nadu from areas in present day Andhra Pradesh during the...

    .
  • Metla Rajulu
    Metla Rajulu
    Metla Rajulu, also called Metlu Rajas, ruled in Cuddapah. They were the last princely state to be captured by the British when Rayalaseema was ceded to them by the Nizam after laying seize to the fort for a couple of months...

  • Rana of Baramal

Chief Ministers

  • Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu
    Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu
    Rao Bahadur Sir Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu KCSI was an Indian lawyer, professor, politician and Justice Party leader who served as the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency from April 1, 1937 to July 14, 1937...

     (Rao Bahaddur Sir) — Governor Madras Presidency (1936–1937) Chief Minister of Madras Presidency (1937)

Writers

  • Tapi Dharma Rao
    Tapi Dharma Rao
    Thapi Dharma Rao Naidu B.A. was a Telugu writer, lyricist and social reformer. He wrote dialogues and lyrics for the films like Mala Pilla, Drohi, Thathaji, Bhishma, and Patni. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for Indian Literature...

     - Telugu writer
  • Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao B.A. is a politician, film director, and film producer. Narayana Rao directed about 150 films, produced 53 films and worked in more than 250 films as a dialogue writer and as a lyricist.Beside graduating with a BA degree, he used to take part in scores of drama competitions...

     - Writer, director, actor, producer
  • A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam is a film producer of South Indian cinema from the town Buchi Reddy Palem of nellore Dt, Andhra Pradesh. He has produced several blockbusters under Sri Surya Movies, such as Indian, Kushi, Run, Boys, Enakku 20 Unakku 18, Dhool, Ghilli and 7/G Rainbow Colony, Bangaram. He also...

     — Producer, lyricist
  • Meher Ramesh
    Meher Ramesh
    Meher Ramesh is a film writer and director. He is the cousin of actor chiranjeevi.- Director :*2011 - Shakti *2009 - Billa *2008 - Kantri *2006 - Ajay *2004 - Veera Kannadiga...

    - Director, writer
  • Ananth Sreeram — Lyricist


Athletics, sports

  • Col. C. K. Naidu
    C. K. Nayudu
    Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu , also known as CK, was an Indian cricketer who served as India's first Test captain. He was born in Nagpur, Maharashtra and died in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. He played first-class cricket regularly till 1958, and returned for one last time in 1963 at the age of 68...

    , Former Captain of Indian Cricket
    Cricket
    Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...

    .
  • Buchi Babu Naidu
    Buchi Babu Naidu
    Buchi Babu Nayudu was an Indian Cricketer, known as the Father of Chennai Cricket, who established the Madras Presidency Matches.- Early life :...

    , Father of Indian Cricket
    Cricket
    Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...

     in 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...

    .
  • Cotah Ramaswami
    Cotah Ramaswami
    Cotah Ramaswami - sometimes written as Cota or Cotar - was a double sports international who represented India in both cricket and tennis.-Family and early life:...

    , Double international who represented India in both cricket
    Cricket
    Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...

     and tennis
    Tennis
    Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...

    .
  • C.S. Nayudu, Indian Test cricketer,
  • Kodi Rammurthy Naidu
    Kodi Rammurthy Naidu
    Kodi Ramamurthy Naidu, also known as Prof. Rammurty, was an Indian bodybuilder who earned enormous respect for India in the field of wrestling. Prof. Rammurty worked as Physical Education Teacher in the Branch College of Vizianagaram. He got profound knowledge in Vayu Stambhana Kodi Ramamurthy...

     — Bodybuilder and wrestler
  • Venugopal Rao
    Venugopal Rao
    Yalaka Venugopal Rao is an Indian cricketer. He is a right-handed middle order batsman and right arm off-break bowler. He is the first "super sub" in ODI cricket. He represents Andhra Pradesh in first class cricket, and Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League...

     — Cricketer
  • Ambati Rayudu
    Ambati Rayudu
    Ambati Thirupathi Rayudu , is an Indian cricketer. He is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm off-break bowler. He was banned from Indian cricket due to his signing with the rebel ICL. Subsequently Rayudu left the ICL and, following an amnesty offer from BCCI, returned to Indian domestic...

    — Cricketer
  • Tirumalasetti Suman
    Tirumalasetti Suman
    Tirumalasetti Laxminarayana Suman is an Indian first class cricketer. He made his debut in first class cricket for hyderabad He is a right-handed opening or middle order batsman. In the second season of the Indian Premier League in 2009, Suman represented Deccan Chargers with success. In the 3rd...

    — Cricketer
  • Achanta Sharath Kamal, Table Tennis Champion


Industrialists and entrepreneurs

  • Allu Aravind  — Cine Producer in Telugu Hindhi industralist
  • Vikram Akula
    Vikram Akula
    Vikram Akula is the founder and former chairperson of SKS Microfinance, an organization that offers microloans and insurance to poor women in impoverished areas of India. He stepped down as the SKS chief in November 2011.-Early life:...

     — Founder of SKS Microfinance and Time's Top 100 persons in world 2006
  • D. K. Audikesavulu Naidu — Industralist & Ex.M.P.
  • Srini Kopollu — MD, Microsoft India


Painters

  • Chandra
    Chandra
    In Hinduism, Chandra is a lunar deity and a Graha. Chandra is also identified with the Vedic Lunar deity Soma . The Soma name refers particularly to the juice of sap in the plants and thus makes the Moon the lord of plants and vegetation. He is described as young, beautiful, fair; two-armed and...

     —-Kala Ratna
  • Nandikolla Gopala Rao
    Nandikolla Gopala Rao
    Nandikolla Gopala Rao was a Indian painter of Andhra Pradesh and is known as the Father of Modern Contemporary Art in Andhra Pradesh. He was a painter during British rule in south India, who achieved recognition for his paintings on Hindu epics, landscapes, portraits of maharajahs and maharanis of...

     —-Father of modern contemporary artist in A.P

Producers

  • Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu  — Father of Telugu Film Industry
  • S. V. Ranga Rao
    S. V. Ranga Rao
    Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao Popularly Known as S.V.R. was an Indian Theater actor, Tollywood actor, director and producer...

     (Viswa Nata Chakravarti, Nata Sarvabhouma, Nata Sekhara, Nata Simha) — Actor
  • Edida Nageshwara Rao
    Edida Nageshwara Rao
    Edida Nageswara Rao is an Indian film producer in Telugu Cinema. He owns the 30 yr old film production house Poornodaya Movie Creations in Tollywood.-Career:...

     — Producer
  • P. Pullaiah
    P. Pullaiah
    P. Pullaiah or P. Pullayya B.A. is a Telugu film director and producer. He was recipient of Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for his contributions to Telugu cinema. He married veteran actress P. Santha Kumari in 1937...

    — Producer and director
  • B. A. Subba Rao
    B. A. Subba Rao
    Bugata Venkata Subba Rao better known as B. A. Subba Rao is a Telugu film producer and director. He is recipient of Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for his lifetime contribution of Telugu cinema....

     — Producer and director
  • Krishnaveni (actress)
    Krishnaveni (actress)
    Mrs Krishnaveni is a veteran Telugu actress, singer and producer. She is also known as C. Krishnaveni and M. Krishnaveni.- Biography :...

     — Producer, actress, singer
  • Santha Kumari
    Santha Kumari
    Vellaala Subbamma is an Indian musical artist and film actress. Santhakumari is the wife of the famous yesteryear Telugu Director and Producer P. Pullaiah.-Early years:...

    — Producer, actress
  • Pasupuleti Kannamba — Producer, Telugu and Tamil
  • A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam is a film producer of South Indian cinema from the town Buchi Reddy Palem of nellore Dt, Andhra Pradesh. He has produced several blockbusters under Sri Surya Movies, such as Indian, Kushi, Run, Boys, Enakku 20 Unakku 18, Dhool, Ghilli and 7/G Rainbow Colony, Bangaram. He also...

     — Producer
  • Naga Babu
    Nagendra Babu
    Nagendra Babu Konidela is a Telugu film actor and producer. He acts mainly in supporting character roles and villain roles, though he has also played the hero in some films. He recently acted in 143, Anji, Shock , Sri Ramadasu , Chandamama and Orange...

     — Producer
  • Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao B.A. is a politician, film director, and film producer. Narayana Rao directed about 150 films, produced 53 films and worked in more than 250 films as a dialogue writer and as a lyricist.Beside graduating with a BA degree, he used to take part in scores of drama competitions...

     — Telugu director and producer
  • M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana is a comedian and director in Tollywood, the Telugu film industry, in south India. He has acted in more than 500 films.-Actor:-External links:* at **...

     — Producer and actor
  • Chegondi Venkata Harirama Jogaiah
    Chegondi Venkata Harirama Jogaiah
    Chegondi Venkata Harirama Jogaiah is a member of the 14th Lok Sabha of India. He represents the Narasapur constituency of Andhra Pradesh and is a member of the Indian National Congress....

     — PRP leader, cinema producer
  • Savitri (actress) — Telugu and Tamil actress, producer:
  • Srihari
    Srihari
    Raghumudri Sri Hari, better known as Srihari , is an award-winning actor in Tollywood. He started out in Telugu cinema as the antagonist and subsequently went on to do some notable lead roles.-As lead actor:...

    — Producer and actor

Actors

  • S. V. Ranga Rao
    S. V. Ranga Rao
    Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao Popularly Known as S.V.R. was an Indian Theater actor, Tollywood actor, director and producer...

      (Viswa Nata Chakravarti, Nata Sarvabhouma, Nata Sekhara, Nata Simha) —Famous Actor
  • Savitri Kommareddy
    Savitri Kommareddy
    Kommareddy Savitri or Savitri Ganesh , was an Indian actress, director and producer. She had appeared in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi languages...

     — Mahanati
  • Allu Rama Lingaiah
    Allu Rama Lingaiah
    Allu Rama Lingaiah , commonly known as Allu, was an Indian Telugu language comedic actor from Palakollou, India who appeared in over one thousand Tollywood films.- Film career :...

     — actor and freedom fighter
  • Chiranjeevi
    Chiranjeevi
    Chiranjeevi is a Telugu film actor and a politician. He has appeared primarily in Telugu Cinema along with a few Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films. He made his acting debut in Punadhirallu . However, Pranam Khareedu released at the box office earlier...

     — Padmabhushan, Megastar, doctorate holder, PRP Founder.
  • Rajanala Kaleswara Rao — Actor
  • Santha Kumari
    Santha Kumari
    Vellaala Subbamma is an Indian musical artist and film actress. Santhakumari is the wife of the famous yesteryear Telugu Director and Producer P. Pullaiah.-Early years:...

    — Producer, actress
  • Pasupuleti Kannamba — Telugu and Tamil actress and producer
  • Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao B.A. is a politician, film director, and film producer. Narayana Rao directed about 150 films, produced 53 films and worked in more than 250 films as a dialogue writer and as a lyricist.Beside graduating with a BA degree, he used to take part in scores of drama competitions...

     — Telugu director, actor and producer
  • Kaikala Satyanarayana
    Kaikala Satyanarayana
    Kaikala Satyanarayana , a versatile Telugu cine actor, was born on 25 July 1935 to Kaikala Laxmi Narayana couple at Kautaram village in Krishna district. Having completed his primary and intermediate education in Gudivada and Vijayawada, Satyanarayana graduated from Gudivada College...

     — Actor
  • Nagendra Babu
    Nagendra Babu
    Nagendra Babu Konidela is a Telugu film actor and producer. He acts mainly in supporting character roles and villain roles, though he has also played the hero in some films. He recently acted in 143, Anji, Shock , Sri Ramadasu , Chandamama and Orange...

     — actor and producer
  • Pawan Kalyan
    Pawan Kalyan
    Pawan Kalyan ; is an Indian film Actor, Director, Screenwriter and Action choreographer in Telugu cinema...

     — Actor, Director, Comman Man Protection force(C.M.P.F) founder
  • Ram Charan Teja
    Ram Charan Teja
    Ram Charan Teja Konidala is an Indian film actor. He is the son of Telugu actor Chiranjeevi. He made his debut as lead actor with the film Chirutha in 2007. He currently serves on the board of directors for MAA TV. He was the brand ambassador for Pepsi and Airtel in Andhra Pradesh for sometime...

     — Actor
  • Allu Arjun
    Allu Arjun
    Allu Arjun is an Indian film actor known for his work in Telugu cinema. He has won two Nandi, two Filmfare and a CineMAA Award for his performances in Arya, Parugu and Vedam.-Personal life:...

     — actor
  • Navdeep
    Navdeep
    Navdeep is a regional Indian actor.Navdeep has appeared in both Telugu and Tamil films in his career, portraying diverse characters.Navdeep's first major film appearance was in the 2004 Telugu romantic film, Jai, in which he played an Indian boxer fighting against Laskar-E-Taiba terrorists...

    ; actor
  • Devika
    Devika
    Devika or Prameela Devi was a popular Tamil and Telugu actress. She is regarded as a versatile and graceful heroine of her era. She was known for her natural beauty which was the key in her casting in mythological films like Karnan, thiruvilaiyadal...

     — Actress http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2002/05/10/stories/2002051000830500.htm
  • Nirmalamma
    Nirmalamma
    Nirmalamma was one of the most versatile and natural character artists in the Telugu film industry of India. She has acted in more than 800 films. She was well known for her grandmother roles in several films.-Film career:...

    — Actress
  • Roja Ramani
    Roja Ramani
    Roja Ramani is a South Indian movie actress who predominantly worked in Telugu cinema. She was a child star in her debut movie Bhakta Prahlada , and was popular during the 1970s and early 1980s. She has acted in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam movies...

     — Actress
  • M. R. Radha (Mohan Rajagopala Radhakrishnan Naidu) — Tamil actor
  • Raadhika Sarathkumar
    Raadhika Sarathkumar
    Radhika Sarathkumar is a Tamil television and film actress, successful entrepreneur and producer. She is the founder of Radaan Mediaworks, which has produced the successful serials Chithi, Annamalai, Selvi, Arasi, and Idi Katha Kadu . She is currently acting in the serial Chellamay for Sun TV...

     — Tamil and Telugu actress and producer
  • Radha Ravi
    Radha Ravi
    Radha Ravi is a Tamil film and television actor, who played supporting roles throughout his career. He is the son of yesteryear actor, M. R. Radha and the uncle of Vasu Vikram and halfbrother of Raadhika Sarathkumar. He is a chief member of the South Indian Film Artistes' Association...

    — Tamil actor and producer http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/08/stories/2007030804780200.htm
  • Sneha — actress
  • Srihari
    Srihari
    Raghumudri Sri Hari, better known as Srihari , is an award-winning actor in Tollywood. He started out in Telugu cinema as the antagonist and subsequently went on to do some notable lead roles.-As lead actor:...

     — Actor and Producer
  • Ravi Krishna
    Ravi Krishna
    Ravi Krishna is an Indian actor who works in the Tamil and Telugu film industries. Son of noted producer A. M. Rathnam, he made his acting debut in Selvaraghavan's critically acclaimed 7G Rainbow Colony.-Early life:...

     — Actor
  • M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana is a comedian and director in Tollywood, the Telugu film industry, in south India. He has acted in more than 500 films.-Actor:-External links:* at **...

     — Actor
  • Bhanu Chander
    Bhanu Chander
    Bhanuchander or Bhanu Chander is a South Indian actor who acted in many Telugu/Tamil movies as hero and character artist. He is the son of composer Master Venu.-Filmography:*Manasaara *Rechipo *Dubai Seenu...

     — Actor and producer
  • A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam is a film producer of South Indian cinema from the town Buchi Reddy Palem of nellore Dt, Andhra Pradesh. He has produced several blockbusters under Sri Surya Movies, such as Indian, Kushi, Run, Boys, Enakku 20 Unakku 18, Dhool, Ghilli and 7/G Rainbow Colony, Bangaram. He also...

     — producer
  • Ravi Krishna
    Ravi Krishna
    Ravi Krishna is an Indian actor who works in the Tamil and Telugu film industries. Son of noted producer A. M. Rathnam, he made his acting debut in Selvaraghavan's critically acclaimed 7G Rainbow Colony.-Early life:...

    ;Actor and A.M.Ratnam's son
  • Krishnaveni
    Krishnaveni (actress)
    Mrs Krishnaveni is a veteran Telugu actress, singer and producer. She is also known as C. Krishnaveni and M. Krishnaveni.- Biography :...

     — Actress, singer, producer
  • G. Varalakshmi — Actress
  • Sarath Babu
    Sarath Babu
    Sarath Babu is an Indian film actor, who has acted in almost all the major south Indian languages - Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. He has been in the industry for nearly 37 years and has acted in more than 200 movies, most of them in a supporting role. He has acted in 80 films each in...

    ;Tamil and Telugu film actor
  • Rambha (actress)
    Rambha (actress)
    Vijaya Lakshmi , best known by her stage name Rambha, is an Indian film actress. She has acted in over 100 South Indian films and also in Bollywood films. She had done several successful films in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada, Bengali and Bhojpuri films. She paired up with popular heroes...

     — Actress

Directors

  • P. Pullaiah
    P. Pullaiah
    P. Pullaiah or P. Pullayya B.A. is a Telugu film director and producer. He was recipient of Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for his contributions to Telugu cinema. He married veteran actress P. Santha Kumari in 1937...

    — Producer and director
  • B. A. Subba Rao
    B. A. Subba Rao
    Bugata Venkata Subba Rao better known as B. A. Subba Rao is a Telugu film producer and director. He is recipient of Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for his lifetime contribution of Telugu cinema....

     — Producer and director
  • Dasari Yoganand
    Dasari Yoganand
    Dasari Yoganand shorty D. Yoganand was a famous South Indian film director.-Early life:...

      — Director
  • Tapi Chanakya
    Tapi Chanakya
    Thapi Chanakya was an Indian film director and writer. He is son of the famous writer Tapi Dharma Rao Naidu. He has worked as Radio Telegraphist for Indian Army.-Filmography:# Palletoori Pilla in Telugu...

    — Director
  • Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao B.A. is a politician, film director, and film producer. Narayana Rao directed about 150 films, produced 53 films and worked in more than 250 films as a dialogue writer and as a lyricist.Beside graduating with a BA degree, he used to take part in scores of drama competitions...

     — Telugu director/Producer, Former Union Minister of India
  • Kodi Ramakrishna
    Kodi Ramakrishna
    Kodi Ramakrishna is an Indian film director and writer principally in Andhra Pradesh. He has directed more than 100 movies in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi languages all together.-Profile:...

     — Director
  • Krishna Vamsi
    Krishna Vamsi
    Krishna Vamsi Pasupuleti is an award-winning Indian film director in Telugu Cinema.-Early life and background:...

     Pasupuleti — Director
  • V.V. Vinayak — Director
  • Sukumar
    Sukumar
    Sukumar Bandreddi , better known by his first name, is a Tollywood film director and screenwriter. He worked as assistant director for the films Kshemanga Velli Labhanga Randi and Dil and made his directorial debut with Arya.- Background :...

     — Director
  • Meher Ramesh
    Meher Ramesh
    Meher Ramesh is a film writer and director. He is the cousin of actor chiranjeevi.- Director :*2011 - Shakti *2009 - Billa *2008 - Kantri *2006 - Ajay *2004 - Veera Kannadiga...

     — Director
  • Pawan Kalyan
    Pawan Kalyan
    Pawan Kalyan ; is an Indian film Actor, Director, Screenwriter and Action choreographer in Telugu cinema...

     - Actor, and Director
  • Nagesh Kukunoor
    Nagesh Kukunoor
    Nagesh Kukunoor is an Indian filmmaker and screenwriter. He is known for movies such as Hyderabad Blues , Rockford , 3 Deewarein and Iqbal .-Early life:...

    — Director
  • M. Raja
    M. Raja
    Raja Mohan is an Indian film director, primarily working in the Tamil film industry. As of 2011, he has directed seven films, all of them being a remake even velayutham. Notably all his five directorials in Tamil starred his brother Jayam Ravi and were produced by his father, editor Mohan under his...

     — Director
  • M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana is a comedian and director in Tollywood, the Telugu film industry, in south India. He has acted in more than 500 films.-Actor:-External links:* at **...

     — Director
  • Sekhar Kammula
    Sekhar Kammula
    Sekhar Kammula is an award-winning Indian Film director, writer and producer from Telugu cinema.-Early life:Sekhar was schooled at St. Patrick's High School, Secunderabad. He completed his intermediate studies from St...

     — Director

Musicians

  • Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu
    Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu
    Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu was one of the most important carnatic violinists of the 20th century.-Early life and background:...

      — Classical musician
  • Ramesh Naidu
    Ramesh Naidu
    Pasupuleti Ramesh Naidu was a South Indian music director. His major works were in Telugu films in the 1970s and 1980s. The music he did for the film Megha Sandesham is consideredas his best score.-Biography:...

     — Music director
  • Master Venu
    Master Venu
    Madduri Venugopal better known as Master Venu was a music composer of the Telugu and Tamil cinemas and the father of the actor Bhanu Chander...

      — Music director
  • Devi Sri Prasad
    Devi Sri Prasad
    Devi Sri Prasad is a music composer and playback singer in Telugu and Tamil films. His soundtracks have been dubbed or remade in several other languages as well.- Awards :...

    — Music director
  • Ramana Gogula
    Ramana Gogula
    Ramana Kumar Gogula is a music director in Telugu films. He formed his own rock-and-roll band in Vizag at the age of 17. Since then, he has traveled around the world as a software professional and music director. His most famous albums are the musical scores to the movies Thammudu,adavilo anna,...

     — Music director
  • Ananth Sreeram — Lyricist(Palkol,WGDt)

Singers

  • Jikki
    Jikki
    Pillavalu Gajapathi Krishnaveni aka Jikki , was a popular film playback singer from South India. She sang over nearly 10,000 songs in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and Sinhala languages.-Early life:...

     (Pillavalu Gajapathi Krishnaveni)http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/08/20/stories/2004082002330400.htm
  • Chakri (music director)
    Chakri (music director)
    Chakradhar is an Indian music composer and singer. He works for Tollywood.-Early life:Chakri was born in Warangal district, Andhra Pradesh. He has one brother and three sisters.-Career:...

  • Devi Sri Prasad
    Devi Sri Prasad
    Devi Sri Prasad is a music composer and playback singer in Telugu and Tamil films. His soundtracks have been dubbed or remade in several other languages as well.- Awards :...

  • Ramana Gogula
    Ramana Gogula
    Ramana Kumar Gogula is a music director in Telugu films. He formed his own rock-and-roll band in Vizag at the age of 17. Since then, he has traveled around the world as a software professional and music director. His most famous albums are the musical scores to the movies Thammudu,adavilo anna,...

  • Santhakumari
  • Kalyanam Raghuramaiah
    Kalyanam Raghuramaiah
    Kalyanam Raghuramaiah, popularly known as Eelapata Raghuramaiah is famous Telugu drama and film actor and recipient of Padmasri Award.He was born in Guntur district and named as Venkata Subbaiah...


Technicians

  • Thota Tharani — Art director
  • Marthand K. Venkatesh
    Marthand K. Venkatesh
    Marthand K. Venkatesh is an Indian Film editor who mostly works for Tollywood.-Brief lifesketch:Venkatesh is son of noted Telugu film editor K. M. Marthand. He used to assists his father in editing for the films produced by Suresh Productions. Telugu film director K. Raghavendra Rao gave him the...

     — Editor
  • Shyam K. Naidu
    Shyam K. Naidu
    Shyam K. Naidu is cinematographer in Telugu Cinema. His best works are Pokiri, Super, and Mass. He worked for all of Puri Jagannadh. His brother, Chota K...

     — Cinematographer
  • Chota K. Naidu
    Chota K. Naidu
    Chota K. Naidu is an Indian film cinematographer who primarily works for Telugu cinema. His brother Shyam K. Naidu is also another popular cinematographer in Tollywood. He won the prestigious Filmfare Award and Nandi Award for the film Kotha Bangaru Lokam.His nephew Sundeep Kishan is a film actor...

    ; Cinematographer

Unsorted

  • Marotrao Kannamwar
    Marotrao Kannamwar
    Marotrao Shambshio Kannamwar was an Indian politician who served as Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 20 November 1962 to 24 November 1963.He represent Saoli Vidhan Sabha constituency in Bombay State in 1957 and of the Maharashtra State from 1960–1962....

     Chief Minister Government of Maharashtra 1961- 1964.
  • S.V. Ranga Rao, one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian Cinema.
  • Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga
    Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga
    Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga was a Indian National Congress politician in Vijayawada,Andhra Pradesh.-Personal life:...

     Politician.
  • Chiranjeevi
    Chiranjeevi
    Chiranjeevi is a Telugu film actor and a politician. He has appeared primarily in Telugu Cinema along with a few Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films. He made his acting debut in Punadhirallu . However, Pranam Khareedu released at the box office earlier...

    , politician, iconic film star, social worker and philanthropist of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Beri Thimmappa Naidu (Chetti) of Palakollu, one of the founders of Madras city
  • Marotrao Kannamwar
    Marotrao Kannamwar
    Marotrao Shambshio Kannamwar was an Indian politician who served as Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 20 November 1962 to 24 November 1963.He represent Saoli Vidhan Sabha constituency in Bombay State in 1957 and of the Maharashtra State from 1960–1962....

    , Chief Minister Government of Maharashtra (1961–1964)

Telaga

Telagas are the most ancient feudal warrior/agricultural clans of the South India, who practiced agriculture during times of peace. Modern-day Telagas continue in their traditional agricultural occupation, but also have diversified into other occupations.

Origin

  • The origin of the Telagas can be traced to the Western Chalukyan expansion into the Andhra region during the 1st century A.D. The term "Telaga" was a derivation of the word "Telingana". Andhra was referred to as Telingana in the ancient texts as it was the area that had three major Shivinsa-Arama's, thus was called Tri-Linga. The people living there were called "Telugus" and the language spoken by the people there was called "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...

    ".

  • Another source of origin mentions that when the Chalukyas invaded Andhra so in order to differentiate between the Native Commanders of the Tri-linga Desam from the commanders in the Chalukyan army the term Telugu Nayakulu was coined which eventually became Telaga Nayak/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...

    .


The Telagas may have served as soldiers of the Western Chalukya rulers under Pulakesin . They formed the bulwark of ancient armies of the Deccan and South India like Cholas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagar and Nayaks. They seem to have a connection with the Eastern Chalukyas. The Vassals of Chalukyas entered into matrimonial alliances and ultimately established the Chalukya - Chola Dynasty. Another important dynasty of Telagas were the 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...

 who were the first Andhra Kings to write inscriptions in 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...

. They ruled over the Palnadu, Velanadu and Renadu regions of Andhra Pradesh for most of the medieval ages. The Telugu Chodas formed the base on which Chalukyan Empire flourished and were the principal combatants of the Palanadu war/Palanati Yuddam. Telugu Cholas supported Bramha Naidu in this war against the Nalagam Raju.

Other Telaga dynasties are mentioned below.

Dynasties

Telaga is a community of Andhra and concentrated primarily in the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. The Telagas are one of the ancient Warrior Clans and Feudal Landlords of India who had links to all the major Ruling Dynasties of South India like Chalukya,Chola,Kakateeya and Vijayanagar. They have the caste titles 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...

, Dora
Dora
-Places:Australia*Lake Dora *Lake Dora United States*Dora, Alabama*Dora, Arkansas*Dora, Missouri*Dora, New MexicoOther countries*Dora, Baghdad, Iraq*Dora, Cyprus*Dora, Lebanon*Dorasan or Mount Dora, a hill in South Korea...

 which indicate their Feudal and Warrior past who are considered as the Forward Caste (O.C).

Epitomology of the Telagas

Telagas are the most ancient Warrior clan of the Deccan and South India who specialized in warfare and took to agriculture during times of peace.

The Origin of the Telagas can be traced back to the Western Chalukyan Expansion into Andhra region which happened in the 1st century A.D. The term Telaga was a derivation of the word Telingana.[4] Andhra was referred to as Telingana/Tri-Linga Desam in the ancient texts as it was the area that had three major Shivinsa-Aramas, thus was called Tri-Linga', and the people living there were called Telugus and the language spoken by the people there was called Telugu. It is easy to see from this that the Telugu warriors came to regarded as Telagas par excellence.

This is how the word Telaga was Derived.

Trilinga -> Telinga -> Telanga -> Telaga (It is a Country of Telaga People)

Trilinga -> Telangu -> Telungu -> Telugu (It is a language of Telanga People)

They ruled the Telugu country for most part of the medieval ages in the form of Telugu Chodas and were the foundation on which the Chalukyan Empire flourished. The Telagas served as Nayakulu (Governors), commanders and vassals of the Western Chalukya rulers under Pulakesin. These commanders were also called Telugu Nayakulu from which the community name Telaga have been derived.
They seem to have a connection with the Eastern Chalukyas. The vassals of Chalukyas entered into matrimonial alliances, and ultimately established the Chalukya Dynasty. They formed the bulwark of ancient armies of the Deccan and South India like Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijaynagar, Nayaks Kings etc.

Some of the ruling Dynasties are
  • Telugu Chodas
    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...


The Telugu Cholas ruled the various regions of Andhra for more than four centuries.
Important ruling Clans were:-
  • Velanati Cholulu
    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...

     of Palnadu War who supported Bramha Naidu in his war against the Nalagam Raju. They ruled over Velanadu
  • Renati 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...

     of Renadu who rules over the current Cuddapah, Prakasam and Kurnool Regions
  • Konidena 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...

     ruler from the current Guntur region.
  • Nannuru 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...

  • Nellore Chola Kings
    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...

  • Kolanu Kings ruled the area between Krishna Godavari Rivers
  • Kona Kings ruled the present Konaseema area
  • Koppula Chiefs ruled the Polunati seema present pitapuram area
  • 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...

  • Korukonda Nayaks
  • Nayak Kings of Madurai, Tanjore, Chenji, Kandy and Vijayanagar.


After the fall of the Eastern Chalukyan kingdoms and the Velanati Cholas. The Telagas served as vassals/Governors during the Kakateeyas. They were given the title Nayaka/Nayakudu and played a major role in shaping the history of modern Andhra.

After the fall of the Kakateeyas, the Telagas, under Kaapaya Nayaka and Prolaya Nayaka, led the battle against the invading Bahamanis by combining forces with the Balija, Reddy, Velama and Kamma Nayaks, and liberated the Andhra country.

Telagas had matrimonial Alliances with the Kakateeya and Vijayanagar Rulers. Araveeti Rama Raya the son in law of Krishna Devaraya and the ruler of the last dynasty of Viajayanagar was a Telaga. This family was an Eastern Chalukyan Fuedataory called the Arayeti Family which became Araveeti in due course of time.

With Vijayanagara coming into power the Telagas served under the new rulers and were dispatched off to protect the far-flung regions of the empire to Tamil Nadu and were posted as Nayaks and took up Administration as Nayaks/Nayakers. The most famous Telaga general was Viswanatha Nayaka who started the Madurai Nayak Dynasty

After the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire in the Battle of Talikota large sections of Telagas migrated towards the North and settled down in their native region of the Godavari deltas and took to agriculture while some of them went further South and settled down in the Madhurai and Tanjavur region and joined the Nayak King army.

Telaga Bravery

Telagas are known for their bravery and fearlessness aptly put by a famous Telugu saying describing the community "Teginche vade Telaga" which means "One who dares is a Telaga". Even now, one can find swords, armour and weapons with some of the Telaga families in Rajamundry. All of these people are Vaishnavas and have Sri Venugopala Swami as their family deity. Most of their surnames represents the names of weapons used by this warrior community.
  • The Palnadu Battle also called the Andhra Mahabharatam played a pivotal role in shaping Andhras History Palnati Bramha Naidu

a Velama who was ousted from his Kingdom had to reli bed on the Telagas the Velanati Chodas who formed the bulwark in his battle against Nagamma's forces. The bravery exhibited in Palnadu battle is part of Andhra folklore and is still sung as Ballads.
  • After the fall of the Kakateeyas, the Telagas Kaapaya Nayaka and Prolaya Nayaka along with Koppla Prolaya Nayaka of Pithapuram, led the battle against the invading Bahamanis by combining forces with the Reddy, Velama Nayaks, and liberated the Andhra Country and Orugallu from tyranny and destruction of the invaders."

  • A legendary instance of Telaga bravery was exhibited during the Bobbili War, fought between the Velama Kingdom and the Vizianagaram Kingdom, led by Vijayaram Raju. Telagas warriors are the principal combatants of the Bobbilli war. When all seemed lost for the Bobbilli, Ranga Rayudu, the Bobbili king, before riding out to war, in no mood to submit the honour and the dignity of the Royal House, ordered all of his commanders to execute their families before riding out to meet their fate. Accordingly the Telaga and Velama commanders and soldiers executed their families before proceeding out to war. King Vijayaramaraju was laid to rest by a valiant Telaga commanders Miriyala Sitanna, padala ramudu along with Papa Rayudu.

  • Pulakesin II's brother, Kubja Vishnu Vardhana, founded the Eastern Chalukya Empire after he was appointed Viceroy of Vengi, and gave many of his trusted generals fiefdoms to rule over as his vassals, and took up reign as Telaga Nayakulu (Governors). Most of the Telagas are feudal landlords concentrated mainly in the coastal areas of Andhra. Because of their warrior past and valiant fighting nature most Telagas were recruited in the British army as Major, Nayak Subhedars, Naikers etc. before India's independence. Telagas are very prominent in the Madras Regiment of British India army. Even now the Police and Indian Army recruits Telagas in large numbers from rural areas.

Popular Telagas

  • Padma Bhushan Colnal C. K. Naidu (Cottari Kanakaiah Naidu) was the First captain of India Cricket team is a Telaga. C K Nayudu was tall right-handed batsman and a useful change bowler. He was a batsman who could hit the ball tremendously hard and as a leader he has become famous. He was the first cricketer to be honored with the Padma Bhushan.

  • The famous social reformer ( 19th-20th century) Raghupathi Venkata Ratnam Naidu belongs to Telaga community. He also pioneered the Telugu movie industry.

  • Rao Bahaddur Dr Sir Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu former Chief Minister and Governor of the Madras Presidency during the British Rule is a prominent Telaga.

Social reformers

  • Kaneganti Hanumanthu
    Kaneganti Hanumanthu
    Kaneganti Hanumanthu is a well known freedom fighter who rebelled against British Rule and started the Palnadu Rebellion against tax. He was shot by a General Rutherford.-References:*Social Changes among Balijas - Sepuri Bhaskar...

     — started the Palandu Rebellion against British General Rutherford
  • Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty
    Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty
    Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty CSI was an Indian merchant, Indian independence activist and political activist who founded the Madras Native Association and the first Indian-owned newspaper, The Crescent....

    — Social reformer,
  • Salem Pagadala Narasimhalu Naidu
    Salem Pagadala Narasimhalu Naidu
    Salem Pagadala Narasimhalu Naidu was a Tamil Congressman, social worker, publisher and the first person to have written travelogues in Tamil...

     — Writer and industrialist social reformer, Coimbattore
  • Ray Bahaddur Sir Sri Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu
    Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu
    Rao Bahadur Sir Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu KCSI was an Indian lawyer, professor, politician and Justice Party leader who served as the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency from April 1, 1937 to July 14, 1937...

     — Social reformer, Former Chief Minister of Madras, President of Koormapuram, near Kakinada
  • Brahmarshi Sir Dr. Rao Bahaddur Sri Raghupathi Venkataratnam Naidu
    Raghupathi Venkataratnam Naidu
    Sir Dr. Rao Bahaddoor Sri Raghupati Venkataratnam Nayudu was an Indian social reformer who hailed from a Telaga Naidu family from Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh in India. His father Appayya Naidu worked as a subedar in telaga regiment in Madras Army. Their forefathers served as commanders in...

     — Social reformer and educationalist.

Kingdoms and dynasties

  • Telugu Chodas
    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...

  • Kona Chiefs
  • Koppula Chiefs, Pithapuram
  • Korukonda Nayaks
  • Madurai Nayaks
  • Tanjavur Nayaks
  • Kandy Nayaks who ruled Sri Lanka
  • Gingee
    Gingee
    Gingee is a panchayat town in Viluppuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The nearest town with a railway station is Tindivanam, 28 km away....

     Nayaks / Chenchi Nayaks, Thundeera
  • Channapatna
    Channapatna
    Channapatna is a small city located 60 km south-west of Bangalore, India on Bangalore-Mysore state highway.The city is famous for its wooden toys and lacquerware. In the native language , Channapatna is also called as "goMbegaLa ooru" meaning toys town in English. These toys are manufactured...

     Rayas who ruled Bangalore area
  • Penukonda
    Penukonda
    Penukonda or Penu Konda is a small town in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is 70 km away from Anantapur town.-Geography:Penukonda is located at...

  • Kalyandurg
    Kalyandurg
    Kalyandurg or Kalyandurgam is a census town located in the Anantapur district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.-Geography:Kalyandurg is located at . It has an average elevation of 591 metres .-History:...

  • Rayadurgam
  • Chandragiri
    Chandragiri
    Chandragiri , is a suburb of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, India. Recently it is included under Municipal Corporation limits of Tirupati...

    :Kasturi Nayadu and Peda Koneti Nayudu of the Vasarasi family belonged to the Balija caste.
  • Udayagiri
    Udayagiri
    Udayagiri is the name of many places in India, among them:*Udayagiri Fort, one in Tamil Nadu and the other in Andhra Pradesh...

  • 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...

  • Poligars: Some of the tax collectors of Tamil Nadu were of Balija origin, notably Veerapandiya Kattabomman
    Veerapandiya Kattabomman
    Veerapandiya Kattabomman also known as Kattabomman was an 18th century Palayakarrar chieftain from Panchalankurichi of Tamil Nadu, India and the 47th King of Panchalankurichi who fought the British. His ancestors migrated to Tamil Nadu from areas in present day Andhra Pradesh during the...

    .
  • Metla Rajulu
    Metla Rajulu
    Metla Rajulu, also called Metlu Rajas, ruled in Cuddapah. They were the last princely state to be captured by the British when Rayalaseema was ceded to them by the Nizam after laying seize to the fort for a couple of months...

  • Rana of Baramal

Chief Ministers

  • Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu
    Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu
    Rao Bahadur Sir Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu KCSI was an Indian lawyer, professor, politician and Justice Party leader who served as the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency from April 1, 1937 to July 14, 1937...

     (Rao Bahaddur Sir) — Governor Madras Presidency (1936–1937) Chief Minister of Madras Presidency (1937)

Writers

  • Tapi Dharma Rao
    Tapi Dharma Rao
    Thapi Dharma Rao Naidu B.A. was a Telugu writer, lyricist and social reformer. He wrote dialogues and lyrics for the films like Mala Pilla, Drohi, Thathaji, Bhishma, and Patni. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for Indian Literature...

     - Telugu writer
  • Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao B.A. is a politician, film director, and film producer. Narayana Rao directed about 150 films, produced 53 films and worked in more than 250 films as a dialogue writer and as a lyricist.Beside graduating with a BA degree, he used to take part in scores of drama competitions...

     - Writer, director, actor, producer
  • A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam is a film producer of South Indian cinema from the town Buchi Reddy Palem of nellore Dt, Andhra Pradesh. He has produced several blockbusters under Sri Surya Movies, such as Indian, Kushi, Run, Boys, Enakku 20 Unakku 18, Dhool, Ghilli and 7/G Rainbow Colony, Bangaram. He also...

     — Producer, lyricist
  • Meher Ramesh
    Meher Ramesh
    Meher Ramesh is a film writer and director. He is the cousin of actor chiranjeevi.- Director :*2011 - Shakti *2009 - Billa *2008 - Kantri *2006 - Ajay *2004 - Veera Kannadiga...

    - Director, writer
  • Ananth Sreeram — Lyricist


Athletics, sports

  • Col. C. K. Naidu
    C. K. Nayudu
    Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu , also known as CK, was an Indian cricketer who served as India's first Test captain. He was born in Nagpur, Maharashtra and died in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. He played first-class cricket regularly till 1958, and returned for one last time in 1963 at the age of 68...

    , Former Captain of Indian Cricket
    Cricket
    Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...

    .
  • Buchi Babu Naidu
    Buchi Babu Naidu
    Buchi Babu Nayudu was an Indian Cricketer, known as the Father of Chennai Cricket, who established the Madras Presidency Matches.- Early life :...

    , Father of Indian Cricket
    Cricket
    Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...

     in 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...

    .
  • Cotah Ramaswami
    Cotah Ramaswami
    Cotah Ramaswami - sometimes written as Cota or Cotar - was a double sports international who represented India in both cricket and tennis.-Family and early life:...

    , Double international who represented India in both cricket
    Cricket
    Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...

     and tennis
    Tennis
    Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...

    .
  • C.S. Nayudu, Indian Test cricketer,
  • Kodi Rammurthy Naidu
    Kodi Rammurthy Naidu
    Kodi Ramamurthy Naidu, also known as Prof. Rammurty, was an Indian bodybuilder who earned enormous respect for India in the field of wrestling. Prof. Rammurty worked as Physical Education Teacher in the Branch College of Vizianagaram. He got profound knowledge in Vayu Stambhana Kodi Ramamurthy...

     — Bodybuilder and wrestler
  • Venugopal Rao
    Venugopal Rao
    Yalaka Venugopal Rao is an Indian cricketer. He is a right-handed middle order batsman and right arm off-break bowler. He is the first "super sub" in ODI cricket. He represents Andhra Pradesh in first class cricket, and Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League...

     — Cricketer
  • Ambati Rayudu
    Ambati Rayudu
    Ambati Thirupathi Rayudu , is an Indian cricketer. He is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm off-break bowler. He was banned from Indian cricket due to his signing with the rebel ICL. Subsequently Rayudu left the ICL and, following an amnesty offer from BCCI, returned to Indian domestic...

    — Cricketer
  • Tirumalasetti Suman
    Tirumalasetti Suman
    Tirumalasetti Laxminarayana Suman is an Indian first class cricketer. He made his debut in first class cricket for hyderabad He is a right-handed opening or middle order batsman. In the second season of the Indian Premier League in 2009, Suman represented Deccan Chargers with success. In the 3rd...

    — Cricketer
  • Achanta Sharath Kamal, Table Tennis Champion


Industrialists and entrepreneurs

  • Allu Aravind  — Cine Producer in Telugu Hindhi industralist
  • Vikram Akula
    Vikram Akula
    Vikram Akula is the founder and former chairperson of SKS Microfinance, an organization that offers microloans and insurance to poor women in impoverished areas of India. He stepped down as the SKS chief in November 2011.-Early life:...

     — Founder of SKS Microfinance and Time's Top 100 persons in world 2006
  • D. K. Audikesavulu Naidu — Industralist & Ex.M.P.
  • Srini Kopollu — MD, Microsoft India


Painters

  • Chandra
    Chandra
    In Hinduism, Chandra is a lunar deity and a Graha. Chandra is also identified with the Vedic Lunar deity Soma . The Soma name refers particularly to the juice of sap in the plants and thus makes the Moon the lord of plants and vegetation. He is described as young, beautiful, fair; two-armed and...

     —-Kala Ratna
  • Nandikolla Gopala Rao
    Nandikolla Gopala Rao
    Nandikolla Gopala Rao was a Indian painter of Andhra Pradesh and is known as the Father of Modern Contemporary Art in Andhra Pradesh. He was a painter during British rule in south India, who achieved recognition for his paintings on Hindu epics, landscapes, portraits of maharajahs and maharanis of...

     —-Father of modern contemporary artist in A.P

Producers

  • Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu  — Father of Telugu Film Industry
  • S. V. Ranga Rao
    S. V. Ranga Rao
    Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao Popularly Known as S.V.R. was an Indian Theater actor, Tollywood actor, director and producer...

     (Viswa Nata Chakravarti, Nata Sarvabhouma, Nata Sekhara, Nata Simha) — Actor
  • Edida Nageshwara Rao
    Edida Nageshwara Rao
    Edida Nageswara Rao is an Indian film producer in Telugu Cinema. He owns the 30 yr old film production house Poornodaya Movie Creations in Tollywood.-Career:...

     — Producer
  • P. Pullaiah
    P. Pullaiah
    P. Pullaiah or P. Pullayya B.A. is a Telugu film director and producer. He was recipient of Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for his contributions to Telugu cinema. He married veteran actress P. Santha Kumari in 1937...

    — Producer and director
  • B. A. Subba Rao
    B. A. Subba Rao
    Bugata Venkata Subba Rao better known as B. A. Subba Rao is a Telugu film producer and director. He is recipient of Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for his lifetime contribution of Telugu cinema....

     — Producer and director
  • Krishnaveni (actress)
    Krishnaveni (actress)
    Mrs Krishnaveni is a veteran Telugu actress, singer and producer. She is also known as C. Krishnaveni and M. Krishnaveni.- Biography :...

     — Producer, actress, singer
  • Santha Kumari
    Santha Kumari
    Vellaala Subbamma is an Indian musical artist and film actress. Santhakumari is the wife of the famous yesteryear Telugu Director and Producer P. Pullaiah.-Early years:...

    — Producer, actress
  • Pasupuleti Kannamba — Producer, Telugu and Tamil
  • A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam is a film producer of South Indian cinema from the town Buchi Reddy Palem of nellore Dt, Andhra Pradesh. He has produced several blockbusters under Sri Surya Movies, such as Indian, Kushi, Run, Boys, Enakku 20 Unakku 18, Dhool, Ghilli and 7/G Rainbow Colony, Bangaram. He also...

     — Producer
  • Naga Babu
    Nagendra Babu
    Nagendra Babu Konidela is a Telugu film actor and producer. He acts mainly in supporting character roles and villain roles, though he has also played the hero in some films. He recently acted in 143, Anji, Shock , Sri Ramadasu , Chandamama and Orange...

     — Producer
  • Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao B.A. is a politician, film director, and film producer. Narayana Rao directed about 150 films, produced 53 films and worked in more than 250 films as a dialogue writer and as a lyricist.Beside graduating with a BA degree, he used to take part in scores of drama competitions...

     — Telugu director and producer
  • M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana is a comedian and director in Tollywood, the Telugu film industry, in south India. He has acted in more than 500 films.-Actor:-External links:* at **...

     — Producer and actor
  • Chegondi Venkata Harirama Jogaiah
    Chegondi Venkata Harirama Jogaiah
    Chegondi Venkata Harirama Jogaiah is a member of the 14th Lok Sabha of India. He represents the Narasapur constituency of Andhra Pradesh and is a member of the Indian National Congress....

     — PRP leader, cinema producer
  • Savitri (actress) — Telugu and Tamil actress, producer:
  • Srihari
    Srihari
    Raghumudri Sri Hari, better known as Srihari , is an award-winning actor in Tollywood. He started out in Telugu cinema as the antagonist and subsequently went on to do some notable lead roles.-As lead actor:...

    — Producer and actor

Actors

  • S. V. Ranga Rao
    S. V. Ranga Rao
    Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao Popularly Known as S.V.R. was an Indian Theater actor, Tollywood actor, director and producer...

      (Viswa Nata Chakravarti, Nata Sarvabhouma, Nata Sekhara, Nata Simha) —Famous Actor
  • Savitri Kommareddy
    Savitri Kommareddy
    Kommareddy Savitri or Savitri Ganesh , was an Indian actress, director and producer. She had appeared in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi languages...

     — Mahanati
  • Allu Rama Lingaiah
    Allu Rama Lingaiah
    Allu Rama Lingaiah , commonly known as Allu, was an Indian Telugu language comedic actor from Palakollou, India who appeared in over one thousand Tollywood films.- Film career :...

     — actor and freedom fighter
  • Chiranjeevi
    Chiranjeevi
    Chiranjeevi is a Telugu film actor and a politician. He has appeared primarily in Telugu Cinema along with a few Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films. He made his acting debut in Punadhirallu . However, Pranam Khareedu released at the box office earlier...

     — Padmabhushan, Megastar, doctorate holder, PRP Founder.
  • Rajanala Kaleswara Rao — Actor
  • Santha Kumari
    Santha Kumari
    Vellaala Subbamma is an Indian musical artist and film actress. Santhakumari is the wife of the famous yesteryear Telugu Director and Producer P. Pullaiah.-Early years:...

    — Producer, actress
  • Pasupuleti Kannamba — Telugu and Tamil actress and producer
  • Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao B.A. is a politician, film director, and film producer. Narayana Rao directed about 150 films, produced 53 films and worked in more than 250 films as a dialogue writer and as a lyricist.Beside graduating with a BA degree, he used to take part in scores of drama competitions...

     — Telugu director, actor and producer
  • Kaikala Satyanarayana
    Kaikala Satyanarayana
    Kaikala Satyanarayana , a versatile Telugu cine actor, was born on 25 July 1935 to Kaikala Laxmi Narayana couple at Kautaram village in Krishna district. Having completed his primary and intermediate education in Gudivada and Vijayawada, Satyanarayana graduated from Gudivada College...

     — Actor
  • Nagendra Babu
    Nagendra Babu
    Nagendra Babu Konidela is a Telugu film actor and producer. He acts mainly in supporting character roles and villain roles, though he has also played the hero in some films. He recently acted in 143, Anji, Shock , Sri Ramadasu , Chandamama and Orange...

     — actor and producer
  • Pawan Kalyan
    Pawan Kalyan
    Pawan Kalyan ; is an Indian film Actor, Director, Screenwriter and Action choreographer in Telugu cinema...

     — Actor, Director, Comman Man Protection force(C.M.P.F) founder
  • Ram Charan Teja
    Ram Charan Teja
    Ram Charan Teja Konidala is an Indian film actor. He is the son of Telugu actor Chiranjeevi. He made his debut as lead actor with the film Chirutha in 2007. He currently serves on the board of directors for MAA TV. He was the brand ambassador for Pepsi and Airtel in Andhra Pradesh for sometime...

     — Actor
  • Allu Arjun
    Allu Arjun
    Allu Arjun is an Indian film actor known for his work in Telugu cinema. He has won two Nandi, two Filmfare and a CineMAA Award for his performances in Arya, Parugu and Vedam.-Personal life:...

     — actor
  • Navdeep
    Navdeep
    Navdeep is a regional Indian actor.Navdeep has appeared in both Telugu and Tamil films in his career, portraying diverse characters.Navdeep's first major film appearance was in the 2004 Telugu romantic film, Jai, in which he played an Indian boxer fighting against Laskar-E-Taiba terrorists...

    ; actor
  • Devika
    Devika
    Devika or Prameela Devi was a popular Tamil and Telugu actress. She is regarded as a versatile and graceful heroine of her era. She was known for her natural beauty which was the key in her casting in mythological films like Karnan, thiruvilaiyadal...

     — Actress http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2002/05/10/stories/2002051000830500.htm
  • Nirmalamma
    Nirmalamma
    Nirmalamma was one of the most versatile and natural character artists in the Telugu film industry of India. She has acted in more than 800 films. She was well known for her grandmother roles in several films.-Film career:...

    — Actress
  • Roja Ramani
    Roja Ramani
    Roja Ramani is a South Indian movie actress who predominantly worked in Telugu cinema. She was a child star in her debut movie Bhakta Prahlada , and was popular during the 1970s and early 1980s. She has acted in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam movies...

     — Actress
  • M. R. Radha (Mohan Rajagopala Radhakrishnan Naidu) — Tamil actor
  • Raadhika Sarathkumar
    Raadhika Sarathkumar
    Radhika Sarathkumar is a Tamil television and film actress, successful entrepreneur and producer. She is the founder of Radaan Mediaworks, which has produced the successful serials Chithi, Annamalai, Selvi, Arasi, and Idi Katha Kadu . She is currently acting in the serial Chellamay for Sun TV...

     — Tamil and Telugu actress and producer
  • Radha Ravi
    Radha Ravi
    Radha Ravi is a Tamil film and television actor, who played supporting roles throughout his career. He is the son of yesteryear actor, M. R. Radha and the uncle of Vasu Vikram and halfbrother of Raadhika Sarathkumar. He is a chief member of the South Indian Film Artistes' Association...

    — Tamil actor and producer http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/08/stories/2007030804780200.htm
  • Sneha — actress
  • Srihari
    Srihari
    Raghumudri Sri Hari, better known as Srihari , is an award-winning actor in Tollywood. He started out in Telugu cinema as the antagonist and subsequently went on to do some notable lead roles.-As lead actor:...

     — Actor and Producer
  • Ravi Krishna
    Ravi Krishna
    Ravi Krishna is an Indian actor who works in the Tamil and Telugu film industries. Son of noted producer A. M. Rathnam, he made his acting debut in Selvaraghavan's critically acclaimed 7G Rainbow Colony.-Early life:...

     — Actor
  • M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana is a comedian and director in Tollywood, the Telugu film industry, in south India. He has acted in more than 500 films.-Actor:-External links:* at **...

     — Actor
  • Bhanu Chander
    Bhanu Chander
    Bhanuchander or Bhanu Chander is a South Indian actor who acted in many Telugu/Tamil movies as hero and character artist. He is the son of composer Master Venu.-Filmography:*Manasaara *Rechipo *Dubai Seenu...

     — Actor and producer
  • A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam
    A. M. Rathnam is a film producer of South Indian cinema from the town Buchi Reddy Palem of nellore Dt, Andhra Pradesh. He has produced several blockbusters under Sri Surya Movies, such as Indian, Kushi, Run, Boys, Enakku 20 Unakku 18, Dhool, Ghilli and 7/G Rainbow Colony, Bangaram. He also...

     — producer
  • Ravi Krishna
    Ravi Krishna
    Ravi Krishna is an Indian actor who works in the Tamil and Telugu film industries. Son of noted producer A. M. Rathnam, he made his acting debut in Selvaraghavan's critically acclaimed 7G Rainbow Colony.-Early life:...

    ;Actor and A.M.Ratnam's son
  • Krishnaveni
    Krishnaveni (actress)
    Mrs Krishnaveni is a veteran Telugu actress, singer and producer. She is also known as C. Krishnaveni and M. Krishnaveni.- Biography :...

     — Actress, singer, producer
  • G. Varalakshmi — Actress
  • Sarath Babu
    Sarath Babu
    Sarath Babu is an Indian film actor, who has acted in almost all the major south Indian languages - Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. He has been in the industry for nearly 37 years and has acted in more than 200 movies, most of them in a supporting role. He has acted in 80 films each in...

    ;Tamil and Telugu film actor
  • Rambha (actress)
    Rambha (actress)
    Vijaya Lakshmi , best known by her stage name Rambha, is an Indian film actress. She has acted in over 100 South Indian films and also in Bollywood films. She had done several successful films in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada, Bengali and Bhojpuri films. She paired up with popular heroes...

     — Actress

Directors

  • P. Pullaiah
    P. Pullaiah
    P. Pullaiah or P. Pullayya B.A. is a Telugu film director and producer. He was recipient of Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for his contributions to Telugu cinema. He married veteran actress P. Santha Kumari in 1937...

    — Producer and director
  • B. A. Subba Rao
    B. A. Subba Rao
    Bugata Venkata Subba Rao better known as B. A. Subba Rao is a Telugu film producer and director. He is recipient of Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for his lifetime contribution of Telugu cinema....

     — Producer and director
  • Dasari Yoganand
    Dasari Yoganand
    Dasari Yoganand shorty D. Yoganand was a famous South Indian film director.-Early life:...

      — Director
  • Tapi Chanakya
    Tapi Chanakya
    Thapi Chanakya was an Indian film director and writer. He is son of the famous writer Tapi Dharma Rao Naidu. He has worked as Radio Telegraphist for Indian Army.-Filmography:# Palletoori Pilla in Telugu...

    — Director
  • Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dasari Narayana Rao
    Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao B.A. is a politician, film director, and film producer. Narayana Rao directed about 150 films, produced 53 films and worked in more than 250 films as a dialogue writer and as a lyricist.Beside graduating with a BA degree, he used to take part in scores of drama competitions...

     — Telugu director/Producer, Former Union Minister of India
  • Kodi Ramakrishna
    Kodi Ramakrishna
    Kodi Ramakrishna is an Indian film director and writer principally in Andhra Pradesh. He has directed more than 100 movies in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi languages all together.-Profile:...

     — Director
  • Krishna Vamsi
    Krishna Vamsi
    Krishna Vamsi Pasupuleti is an award-winning Indian film director in Telugu Cinema.-Early life and background:...

     Pasupuleti — Director
  • V.V. Vinayak — Director
  • Sukumar
    Sukumar
    Sukumar Bandreddi , better known by his first name, is a Tollywood film director and screenwriter. He worked as assistant director for the films Kshemanga Velli Labhanga Randi and Dil and made his directorial debut with Arya.- Background :...

     — Director
  • Meher Ramesh
    Meher Ramesh
    Meher Ramesh is a film writer and director. He is the cousin of actor chiranjeevi.- Director :*2011 - Shakti *2009 - Billa *2008 - Kantri *2006 - Ajay *2004 - Veera Kannadiga...

     — Director
  • Pawan Kalyan
    Pawan Kalyan
    Pawan Kalyan ; is an Indian film Actor, Director, Screenwriter and Action choreographer in Telugu cinema...

     - Actor, and Director
  • Nagesh Kukunoor
    Nagesh Kukunoor
    Nagesh Kukunoor is an Indian filmmaker and screenwriter. He is known for movies such as Hyderabad Blues , Rockford , 3 Deewarein and Iqbal .-Early life:...

    — Director
  • M. Raja
    M. Raja
    Raja Mohan is an Indian film director, primarily working in the Tamil film industry. As of 2011, he has directed seven films, all of them being a remake even velayutham. Notably all his five directorials in Tamil starred his brother Jayam Ravi and were produced by his father, editor Mohan under his...

     — Director
  • M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana
    M. S. Narayana is a comedian and director in Tollywood, the Telugu film industry, in south India. He has acted in more than 500 films.-Actor:-External links:* at **...

     — Director
  • Sekhar Kammula
    Sekhar Kammula
    Sekhar Kammula is an award-winning Indian Film director, writer and producer from Telugu cinema.-Early life:Sekhar was schooled at St. Patrick's High School, Secunderabad. He completed his intermediate studies from St...

     — Director

Musicians

  • Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu
    Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu
    Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu was one of the most important carnatic violinists of the 20th century.-Early life and background:...

      — Classical musician
  • Ramesh Naidu
    Ramesh Naidu
    Pasupuleti Ramesh Naidu was a South Indian music director. His major works were in Telugu films in the 1970s and 1980s. The music he did for the film Megha Sandesham is consideredas his best score.-Biography:...

     — Music director
  • Master Venu
    Master Venu
    Madduri Venugopal better known as Master Venu was a music composer of the Telugu and Tamil cinemas and the father of the actor Bhanu Chander...

      — Music director
  • Devi Sri Prasad
    Devi Sri Prasad
    Devi Sri Prasad is a music composer and playback singer in Telugu and Tamil films. His soundtracks have been dubbed or remade in several other languages as well.- Awards :...

    — Music director
  • Ramana Gogula
    Ramana Gogula
    Ramana Kumar Gogula is a music director in Telugu films. He formed his own rock-and-roll band in Vizag at the age of 17. Since then, he has traveled around the world as a software professional and music director. His most famous albums are the musical scores to the movies Thammudu,adavilo anna,...

     — Music director
  • Ananth Sreeram — Lyricist(Palkol,WGDt)

Singers

  • Jikki
    Jikki
    Pillavalu Gajapathi Krishnaveni aka Jikki , was a popular film playback singer from South India. She sang over nearly 10,000 songs in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and Sinhala languages.-Early life:...

     (Pillavalu Gajapathi Krishnaveni)http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/08/20/stories/2004082002330400.htm
  • Chakri (music director)
    Chakri (music director)
    Chakradhar is an Indian music composer and singer. He works for Tollywood.-Early life:Chakri was born in Warangal district, Andhra Pradesh. He has one brother and three sisters.-Career:...

  • Devi Sri Prasad
    Devi Sri Prasad
    Devi Sri Prasad is a music composer and playback singer in Telugu and Tamil films. His soundtracks have been dubbed or remade in several other languages as well.- Awards :...

  • Ramana Gogula
    Ramana Gogula
    Ramana Kumar Gogula is a music director in Telugu films. He formed his own rock-and-roll band in Vizag at the age of 17. Since then, he has traveled around the world as a software professional and music director. His most famous albums are the musical scores to the movies Thammudu,adavilo anna,...

  • Santhakumari
  • Kalyanam Raghuramaiah
    Kalyanam Raghuramaiah
    Kalyanam Raghuramaiah, popularly known as Eelapata Raghuramaiah is famous Telugu drama and film actor and recipient of Padmasri Award.He was born in Guntur district and named as Venkata Subbaiah...


Technicians

  • Thota Tharani — Art director
  • Marthand K. Venkatesh
    Marthand K. Venkatesh
    Marthand K. Venkatesh is an Indian Film editor who mostly works for Tollywood.-Brief lifesketch:Venkatesh is son of noted Telugu film editor K. M. Marthand. He used to assists his father in editing for the films produced by Suresh Productions. Telugu film director K. Raghavendra Rao gave him the...

     — Editor
  • Shyam K. Naidu
    Shyam K. Naidu
    Shyam K. Naidu is cinematographer in Telugu Cinema. His best works are Pokiri, Super, and Mass. He worked for all of Puri Jagannadh. His brother, Chota K...

     — Cinematographer
  • Chota K. Naidu
    Chota K. Naidu
    Chota K. Naidu is an Indian film cinematographer who primarily works for Telugu cinema. His brother Shyam K. Naidu is also another popular cinematographer in Tollywood. He won the prestigious Filmfare Award and Nandi Award for the film Kotha Bangaru Lokam.His nephew Sundeep Kishan is a film actor...

    ; Cinematographer

Unsorted

  • Marotrao Kannamwar
    Marotrao Kannamwar
    Marotrao Shambshio Kannamwar was an Indian politician who served as Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 20 November 1962 to 24 November 1963.He represent Saoli Vidhan Sabha constituency in Bombay State in 1957 and of the Maharashtra State from 1960–1962....

     Chief Minister Government of Maharashtra 1961- 1964.
  • S.V. Ranga Rao, one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian Cinema.
  • Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga
    Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga
    Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga was a Indian National Congress politician in Vijayawada,Andhra Pradesh.-Personal life:...

     Politician.
  • Chiranjeevi
    Chiranjeevi
    Chiranjeevi is a Telugu film actor and a politician. He has appeared primarily in Telugu Cinema along with a few Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films. He made his acting debut in Punadhirallu . However, Pranam Khareedu released at the box office earlier...

    , politician, iconic film star, social worker and philanthropist of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Beri Thimmappa Naidu (Chetti) of Palakollu, one of the founders of Madras city
  • Marotrao Kannamwar
    Marotrao Kannamwar
    Marotrao Shambshio Kannamwar was an Indian politician who served as Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 20 November 1962 to 24 November 1963.He represent Saoli Vidhan Sabha constituency in Bombay State in 1957 and of the Maharashtra State from 1960–1962....

    , Chief Minister Government of Maharashtra (1961–1964)

Telaga

Telagas are the most ancient feudal warrior/agricultural clans of the South India, who practiced agriculture during times of peace. Modern-day Telagas continue in their traditional agricultural occupation, but also have diversified into other occupations.

Origin

  • The origin of the Telagas can be traced to the Western Chalukyan expansion into the Andhra region during the 1st century A.D. The term "Telaga" was a derivation of the word "Telingana". Andhra was referred to as Telingana in the ancient texts as it was the area that had three major Shivinsa-Arama's, thus was called Tri-Linga. The people living there were called "Telugus" and the language spoken by the people there was called "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...

    ".

  • Another source of origin mentions that when the Chalukyas invaded Andhra so in order to differentiate between the Native Commanders of the Tri-linga Desam from the commanders in the Chalukyan army the term Telugu Nayakulu was coined which eventually became Telaga Nayak/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...

    .


The Telagas may have served as soldiers of the Western Chalukya rulers under Pulakesin . They formed the bulwark of ancient armies of the Deccan and South India like Cholas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagar and Nayaks. They seem to have a connection with the Eastern Chalukyas. The Vassals of Chalukyas entered into matrimonial alliances and ultimately established the Chalukya - Chola Dynasty. Another important dynasty of Telagas were the 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...

 who were the first Andhra Kings to write inscriptions in 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...

. They ruled over the Palnadu, Velanadu and Renadu regions of Andhra Pradesh for most of the medieval ages. The Telugu Chodas formed the base on which Chalukyan Empire flourished and were the principal combatants of the Palanadu war/Palanati Yuddam. Telugu Cholas supported Bramha Naidu in this war against the Nalagam Raju.

Other Telaga dynasties are mentioned below.

Dynasties



  • Telugu Chodas
    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...

    . Metla Rajas of Kadapa region were Telugu Chodas who had matrimonial alliances with Sadasivaraya of Vijayanagar dynasty. Matli Varadaraju, the son of Somaraja of Matli families of Telugu Choda descent was married to Krishnamma , the second daughter of Vijayanagar emperor Sreekrishnadevarayalu.http://books.google.com/books?id=myK8ZYEIu4YC&pg=PA30&lpg=PA30&dq=matli+varadaraju&source=bl&ots=WlhOuTnfEj&sig=CRlnzOr0qpcXTwlQq2n4HbhilUo&hl=en&ei=5Gz7S9qbHoP7lwemsLzdDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=matli%20varadaraju&f=false According to Etukuri Balarama murthy in " Andhrula Samkshiptha Charithra" Telugu Chodas gradually came to be known as Kapus or Telagas. According to Etuki Balaramamurthy Kakatiya emperor Ganapathi Deva gave his second daughter "Ganapamba" in marriage with Dharanikota king "Kota Betharaju" of Telaga caste(Kapu)of Telugu Choda descent. As per Paula Richman In "Questioning Ramayana: A South Asian Tradition" a ruler by the name of Katta Varadaraju of Balija caste claimed descent from Karikala Chola.According to Kante Narayana Desayi in "Balija Kula Charithra" Telugu Cholas claimed descent from Karikala Chola.
    • Velanati Chodas (Velanadu region, current E.G, W.G and Krishna Districts)
    • Renati Chodas (Renadu regions, current Cuddapah, Kurnool Regions)
    • Pottapi Cholas (Renadu regions, current Cuddapah, Chittor Districts)
    • Konidena Chodas (Palanadu region, current Guntur, Prakasam Districts)
    • Nannuru Chodas (Pakanadu region Current Anantapur District)
    • Nellore Chodas (Nellore, Chittor, Chengalpeta and Cuddapah Regions)
  • Kona Kings (Visakhapatnam, E.G, W.G regions, The name Konaseema is derived after these Kings)

  • Kolanu Kings (ruled from Kolanupuram (eluru), ganapavaram, akiveedu as their capitals)
  • Koppula Chiefs (ruled with Pithapuram as capital, E. Godavari, were one of the main combatants along with Mununuri, Reddy and Velama Nayaks in the revolt against Muslim rule)
  • Korukonda Nayaks (ruled from Korukonda)

There are thousands of surnames in the Telaga / Balija community people in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu states in India.
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