Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Famous people
- 'Palanati' Recherla Brahma Nayudu - Strived for progressive and egalitarian ideals in medieval times.
- Thandra Papa Rayudu - Valiant fighter.
- Singa Bhoopala of Rajakonda - A great patron of art and literature.
- Bobbili Raja - Former chief minister of Tamilnadu.
- Panagal Raja - Former chief minister of Tamilnadu.
- Late Jalagam Vengala Rao - Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and former Central Minister .
- Jalagam Prasad Rao - Former MLA and A.P. State Minister .
- Mariserla Shivunaidu- Corporation chairman (Khadi Grameena Board) .
- [1]CH.N.V.krishna rao-MD ANL PARCEL AND COURIER SERVICE, SAI KRISHNA FARMS .
- Late Joginapally Venkat Narsing Rao (J.V. Narsing Rao) -Adilabad, Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh .
- Juvvadi Narayan Rao (G. Narayan Rao) EX-Speaker AP Assembly .
Kalvakuntla Chandra Sekhar Rao (K.C.R) - TRS founder . - Late Kamalumpundi Sriramulu Naidu - Ex - Mayor of Madras .
- K.Yerram naidu -TDP Leader of TDP Parlamentary .
- K.V.P.Ramachandra Rao - current chief advisor to govt of AP .
- Dharmana Prasada Rao - Andhra Pradesh State Minister .
- Chennamaneni Vidyasagar rao - Former Central Minister .
- Errabelli Dayakar Rao (MLA, WIP for TDP, State incharge) .
- Vijay Rama Rao Ex-CBI Director, Ex-R&B Minister .
- Takkalapally Purushottam Rao- Telangana Praja Samithi Leader and Ex Minister. AP.
- Late Juvvadi. Chokka Rao - MLA/MP/Deputy Chief Minister. AP.
- Juvvadi. chendrashekhar rao ( karimnagar )Ex MLA.
- Late Maknoor SriRanga Rao (Anthargam, Jagtial) MP.
- Late Maknoor Dharma Rao (Anthargam, Jagtial) MLA.
- Late Ponnamaneni Narayan Rao (Huzurabad) MLA .
- Late Dr. Cheeti Venkat Rama Rao (Karimnagar) MLA .
- Lae N. Yethiraja Rao - Minister of Endowments. AP. (MLA-Chennur, 7 times in succession)
- Dr. N. Sudhakar Rao - MLA - Chennur (Son of N. Yethiraja Rao)
- Martineni Dharma Rao (Ex MLA- Hanamkonda)
- Errabelli Varadarajeshwar Rao (Ex-MLA) and Swarna (Mayor-Warangal)
- M. Satya Narayan Rao - MLA / MP Sports Minister.
- Gone Prakash Rao - APSRTC Chairman.
- Kotagiri Kesava Rao - Retd Chief Engineer.
- Juvvadi Ratnakar Rao - MLA
- Late Polsani Narsing Rao - MLA / MLC and APSRTC Chairman
- Late M.R. Appa Rao - Vice-Chancellor Andhra University for two times, cabinet minister in Neelam Sanjeev Reddy and Brahmananda Reddy govt.
- Prof T. Navneeth Rao - Vice-Chancellor Osmania University
- Ch. Hymavanth rao- Vice President ANL PARCEL SERVICE WWW.ANLEXPRESS.IN]]]]
- Surabhi Mahinder Rao Chairman Mancherial Cement Corporation (MCC) Formal ACC
- Late G.V. Sudhakar Rao - MLA/MLC, Minister of Minor/Major Irrigation.
- Ch. Venkateshwar Rao - Raja of Itkyal.
- Errabelli Sunil - Thinker and Philanthropist
- Late P. Puroshotam rao. - MLA. Kagaznagar.
- Chalimeda Anand Rao - MLA/MP Law minister, Leading Attorney
- Jupally Rameshwar Rao My Home Tycoon/Life Style
- Joginapally Bhaskar Rao Philanthropist/Educationist.
- Raja Yachendra Raja of Venkatagiri/MLA/Minister .
- Kotagiri Vidyadara Rao MLA/Minister .
- Late Remella thirupathi Rao MLC/Minister.
- Joginapally Nrupender Rao (son of Late J.V. Narsing Rao) - Chairman of Pennar group
T. Harish Rao - TRS Leader, Former Minister of Youth Services, AP - Maradani Rangarao MLA in eluru.(TDP) he was sweetest frd of honarable chandrababu. - Thurpu Kapu.
- Jalagam Prakash Rao
- Chinthakayala Ayyannapathrudu(MLA/TDP)(Narsipatnam)(Visakhapatnam Dist)
- Late Rokanla Ganganna Venkanna (Patil),Kodduri,First President of Panchayat Samiti andharkawda, Maharashtra
- Bolleni Gopalkrishna Mukundrao (Patil) Well Known Politician of Pandharkawda region , Maharashtra
- Late Bolleni Krishnarao (Patil), Chalbardi. First MLA of Kelapur Constituency (Pandharkawda) Maharashtra
- Puri Jagannath(Film Director)
- R.NarayanaMurthy(Actor)
Patrons of Telugu literature and culture
Velama rulers were big literary contributors of telugu literature and culture.Below are some of the kingdoms:
Pithapuramu
This is a famous Velama kingdom that is now part of East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Poets like Vinjamuri Somesha who wrote Ragahvayadaveeyamu were at the court of Pithapuramu. Vakkalanka Veerabhadrakavi wrote 'vasavadattaaparinayamu' and dedicated to the King of Pithapuram, Nayani Madhavarao (1679-1704). Famous poet Kuchimachi Timmakavi was honored by king Madhavarayalu (1710-1755) with the title, 'kavisarvabhouma' (emperor of poets). The following are the poets of Pithapuram kingdom and their works. Author Literary Work Kuchimanchi Jaggakavi Subhadraaparinayamu Kuchimachi Gangana Satakanttharamayanamu Devulapalli Bapanna Taravali Pindiprolu Lakhmana Ravanadhammeeyamu Allamaraju Subrahmanyakavi Bhadraparinayamu Devulapalli Subbarayasastri and Devulapalli Venkatakrishnasastri Ravuvamsamuktavali in Sasnkrit and Telugu. Devulapalli Subbarayasastri Sriramapanchasattu, Mahendravijayamu, Ramarayavilasamu, Malhanastavamu, Kumara Satakamu, Mandeswara Satakamu Kings of Pithapuram and their descendents had invested a lot of money to support Telugu literature and established literary organizations like "Andhrasahitya Parishattu."
Bobbili
Bobbili is part of Visakhapatnam district of AP. This was a Velama kingdom. Poet families like Kotra, Kotikalapudi, Mandapaka, Mandavemula, Susarla etc., prospered in this kingdom. The following are the poets of Bobbili and their works: Kotra Balakavi Vimalangi Parinayamu and Bhallanacharitramu. Rayudappa Rangarao Bahaddur (1790-1830) together with Garimella Subbayya Sankalpa Suryodayamu. Kotikelapudi Venkatakrishna Somayaji Tarakabrahmamu, Dilipacharitramu, Prabodhachandrodayamu, Meghasandesamu, Vignaneswaramu and Swetachalamahatmyamu. Kotikelapudi Kodandarama Nrusimhapuranamu, Tarakabrahma Mahatmyamu, Janakirama Satakamu, Janakivallabha Satakamu, Venugopala Satakamu and Sudharangamu. Rayadappa Janardhanarangarao Mitravindaparinayamu and Bobbili Venugopalasatakamu. Mandapaka Peraya Nirdoshtyadasaradhi Satakamu, Kumudvati Parinayamu and Indumati Parinayamu. Mandapaka Kamaya Kartikavrata Mahatmyamu, Balaramakshetra Mahatmyamu and Suryanarayana Satakamu. Mandapaka Parvateeswarasastri more than one hundred books that include Krishnabhyadayamu, Radhakrishna Samvadamu etc. Mandavemula Venkataramaya Kriyayogasaramu. Sir Venkateswarachalapatirangarao (1862-1926) supported many poets and funded printing of several books.
Venkatagiri
Venaktigiri kingdom was ruled by Velugoti family of Velama tribe/caste. This family migrated from Velugodu in Telangana to Andhra and established themselves in Venkatagiri in 1600 AD. Velugoti Rayudappa Nayani (1600) Returi Rangaraju Bhanumati Parinayamu Velugoti Kumarayachamnayani (1777-1804) Mudumbi Ayyappadikshitulu Vishnupuranamu Narakuri Narayanappa Parijatamu Velugoti Kumarayachendrulu (1832-1892) Velugoti Kumarayachendrulu Sabharanjani, Manssakshyamu etc. Gopinadha Venkata Srimadramayanamu, Brahmavaivartapuranamu, Krishnajanmakhandamu, Brahmananda Satakamu, Bhagavadgita Sastramu, Sisupalavadha, Radhikaparinayamu Srimadramanauja Charitramu, Adityahrudayamu etc. Tarkabhushanamu Venkatacharylu Sringarakalpavalli Tirumalasetti Jagnnadha Halasya Mahatmyamu Odayaru Viranagaya Sivaratri Mahatmyamu Mandapaka Parvatiswarasastri Radhakrishna Samvadamu Chilakapati Venkataramanujasarma Gopikathsudhalahari, Vinodakathakalpavalli
Sri Kalahasti
Damerla family of Velama tribe/caste ruled Kalhasti. Damerla Vengalabhupaludu (late 1500) Bahulasva Charitramu Damerla Ankabhupaludu Ushaparinayamu Nadiminti Venkatapati Abhishiktaraghavamu Ravukondalarayudu Chitrakavitvadarpanamu Lingaraju (Kumara Dhurjati) Kalhatimahatmyamu, Dvipada bhagavatamu Venkatapati Ratnavali Parinayamu Munipalle Subrahmanyasastri Adhyatmramayan Kirtanalu Sishtu Sarvasastri (1830-1880) Amarukamu and Jnanaprasunambika Satakamu Kotra Lakshminarayanasastri Lakshminarayaniyandhra Dictionery Kalatturi Vikrala Raghavacharylu(1840-1890) Vedasamrajyamu, Sikshabhashyamu, Sulbasutramu, Rahsyatrayabhashyamu, Suryasiddhanta Vyakhyanamu, Grahadarshamu, Dharmanirnayamu, Vruttisngrahamu, Andhrabhasha Mahima Varnanamu Damerla Venkatabhupaludu Setukhandamu
Nujividu
This is a Velama kingdom in Krishna District. Venkatacharyudu Indumati Parinayamu Anivilla Venkatasastri Apparaya Yasaschandrodayamu, Alankarasudhasindhumaheswara Mahatmyamu, Rukminni Parinayamu, Bhaskara Prasasti, etc. Dittakavi Ramayogi Rajgopala Satakamu, Mahisasuramardani Satakamu, Raghutilakahelavati Dandakamu, etc. Madabhushi Venkatacharya Bharatabhyudayamu, Pushpabanavilasamu, Ramavadhuti taravali etc. Bukkapattanamu Raghavacharyulu Andhradesha Charitra and Kuvalyasva Vijayamu King Venkatadri Apparao Bahaddur Ramadasu: Jyotirleela, Govardhanoddharanamu, Andhrashtapadulu, Sobhanachala Mahatmyamu, Andhragitgovindamu, etc. Duriseti Venkataramacharyulu Anarkali Yarroja Madhavacharyulu Maghavalayamu
Narasaraopeta
This kingdom was ruled by Malraju family of Velama tribe/caste. This is also known as Bellamkonda kingdom. Ahobila Kavisirobhushanamu and Kalindikanya Parinayamu Pattabhiram Kavisarpagarudamu, Kavimushikamarjalamu, Marunnandana Satakamu, Malarajugudanarayanopakhyanamu, Vajrapanjara Satakamu, and Syamantakopakhyanamu Dittakavi Narayana Rangaraya Charitramu Dittakavi Ramachandra Uddandagopalaraya Satakamu and Raghukulatilaka Satakamu Venkata and Pardhsardhi Vichitraraghavamu
SOURCE : Vepachedu Educational Foundation
Pithapuramu
This is a famous Velama kingdom that is now part of East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Poets like Vinjamuri Somesha who wrote Ragahvayadaveeyamu were at the court of Pithapuramu. Vakkalanka Veerabhadrakavi wrote 'vasavadattaaparinayamu' and dedicated to the King of Pithapuram, Nayani Madhavarao (1679-1704). Famous poet Kuchimachi Timmakavi was honored by king Madhavarayalu (1710-1755) with the title, 'kavisarvabhouma' (emperor of poets). The following are the poets of Pithapuram kingdom and their works. Author Literary Work Kuchimanchi Jaggakavi Subhadraaparinayamu Kuchimachi Gangana Satakanttharamayanamu Devulapalli Bapanna Taravali Pindiprolu Lakhmana Ravanadhammeeyamu Allamaraju Subrahmanyakavi Bhadraparinayamu Devulapalli Subbarayasastri and Devulapalli Venkatakrishnasastri Ravuvamsamuktavali in Sasnkrit and Telugu. Devulapalli Subbarayasastri Sriramapanchasattu, Mahendravijayamu, Ramarayavilasamu, Malhanastavamu, Kumara Satakamu, Mandeswara Satakamu Kings of Pithapuram and their descendents had invested a lot of money to support Telugu literature and established literary organizations like "Andhrasahitya Parishattu."
Bobbili
Bobbili is part of Visakhapatnam district of AP. This was a Velama kingdom. Poet families like Kotra, Kotikalapudi, Mandapaka, Mandavemula, Susarla etc., prospered in this kingdom. The following are the poets of Bobbili and their works: Kotra Balakavi Vimalangi Parinayamu and Bhallanacharitramu. Rayudappa Rangarao Bahaddur (1790-1830) together with Garimella Subbayya Sankalpa Suryodayamu. Kotikelapudi Venkatakrishna Somayaji Tarakabrahmamu, Dilipacharitramu, Prabodhachandrodayamu, Meghasandesamu, Vignaneswaramu and Swetachalamahatmyamu. Kotikelapudi Kodandarama Nrusimhapuranamu, Tarakabrahma Mahatmyamu, Janakirama Satakamu, Janakivallabha Satakamu, Venugopala Satakamu and Sudharangamu. Rayadappa Janardhanarangarao Mitravindaparinayamu and Bobbili Venugopalasatakamu. Mandapaka Peraya Nirdoshtyadasaradhi Satakamu, Kumudvati Parinayamu and Indumati Parinayamu. Mandapaka Kamaya Kartikavrata Mahatmyamu, Balaramakshetra Mahatmyamu and Suryanarayana Satakamu. Mandapaka Parvateeswarasastri more than one hundred books that include Krishnabhyadayamu, Radhakrishna Samvadamu etc. Mandavemula Venkataramaya Kriyayogasaramu. Sir Venkateswarachalapatirangarao (1862-1926) supported many poets and funded printing of several books.
Venkatagiri
Venaktigiri kingdom was ruled by Velugoti family of Velama tribe/caste. This family migrated from Velugodu in Telangana to Andhra and established themselves in Venkatagiri in 1600 AD. Velugoti Rayudappa Nayani (1600) Returi Rangaraju Bhanumati Parinayamu Velugoti Kumarayachamnayani (1777-1804) Mudumbi Ayyappadikshitulu Vishnupuranamu Narakuri Narayanappa Parijatamu Velugoti Kumarayachendrulu (1832-1892) Velugoti Kumarayachendrulu Sabharanjani, Manssakshyamu etc. Gopinadha Venkata Srimadramayanamu, Brahmavaivartapuranamu, Krishnajanmakhandamu, Brahmananda Satakamu, Bhagavadgita Sastramu, Sisupalavadha, Radhikaparinayamu Srimadramanauja Charitramu, Adityahrudayamu etc. Tarkabhushanamu Venkatacharylu Sringarakalpavalli Tirumalasetti Jagnnadha Halasya Mahatmyamu Odayaru Viranagaya Sivaratri Mahatmyamu Mandapaka Parvatiswarasastri Radhakrishna Samvadamu Chilakapati Venkataramanujasarma Gopikathsudhalahari, Vinodakathakalpavalli
Sri Kalahasti
Damerla family of Velama tribe/caste ruled Kalhasti. Damerla Vengalabhupaludu (late 1500) Bahulasva Charitramu Damerla Ankabhupaludu Ushaparinayamu Nadiminti Venkatapati Abhishiktaraghavamu Ravukondalarayudu Chitrakavitvadarpanamu Lingaraju (Kumara Dhurjati) Kalhatimahatmyamu, Dvipada bhagavatamu Venkatapati Ratnavali Parinayamu Munipalle Subrahmanyasastri Adhyatmramayan Kirtanalu Sishtu Sarvasastri (1830-1880) Amarukamu and Jnanaprasunambika Satakamu Kotra Lakshminarayanasastri Lakshminarayaniyandhra Dictionery Kalatturi Vikrala Raghavacharylu(1840-1890) Vedasamrajyamu, Sikshabhashyamu, Sulbasutramu, Rahsyatrayabhashyamu, Suryasiddhanta Vyakhyanamu, Grahadarshamu, Dharmanirnayamu, Vruttisngrahamu, Andhrabhasha Mahima Varnanamu Damerla Venkatabhupaludu Setukhandamu
Nujividu
This is a Velama kingdom in Krishna District. Venkatacharyudu Indumati Parinayamu Anivilla Venkatasastri Apparaya Yasaschandrodayamu, Alankarasudhasindhumaheswara Mahatmyamu, Rukminni Parinayamu, Bhaskara Prasasti, etc. Dittakavi Ramayogi Rajgopala Satakamu, Mahisasuramardani Satakamu, Raghutilakahelavati Dandakamu, etc. Madabhushi Venkatacharya Bharatabhyudayamu, Pushpabanavilasamu, Ramavadhuti taravali etc. Bukkapattanamu Raghavacharyulu Andhradesha Charitra and Kuvalyasva Vijayamu King Venkatadri Apparao Bahaddur Ramadasu: Jyotirleela, Govardhanoddharanamu, Andhrashtapadulu, Sobhanachala Mahatmyamu, Andhragitgovindamu, etc. Duriseti Venkataramacharyulu Anarkali Yarroja Madhavacharyulu Maghavalayamu
Narasaraopeta
This kingdom was ruled by Malraju family of Velama tribe/caste. This is also known as Bellamkonda kingdom. Ahobila Kavisirobhushanamu and Kalindikanya Parinayamu Pattabhiram Kavisarpagarudamu, Kavimushikamarjalamu, Marunnandana Satakamu, Malarajugudanarayanopakhyanamu, Vajrapanjara Satakamu, and Syamantakopakhyanamu Dittakavi Narayana Rangaraya Charitramu Dittakavi Ramachandra Uddandagopalaraya Satakamu and Raghukulatilaka Satakamu Venkata and Pardhsardhi Vichitraraghavamu
SOURCE : Vepachedu Educational Foundation
Legendary Rivalry
The Velamas are considered traditional enemies of Reddys. Both the groups got along fine as feudatories of the Kakatiyas but to gain prominence in the royal court the professional rivalry went to the extremes:
The Padmanayakas were favorites of the King. Commander Bobba/Bhoji Reddy decided to show the King who exactly were the valorous fighters. He decided to wait till the Velama contingent got mauled by the Muslim army and then jump in to save the Velamas as well as the King. Unfortunately his timing was not good and both got beaten leading to the downfall of Kakatiya empire. Ever since, the Velamas blamed the Reddys for the historical blunder and continuously waged battles against Reddy kings. Later they managed to found independent states of Rajakonda and Devarakonda.
On the other hand, Reddys accuse the Velamas of colluding with alien Bahamanis to keep their state intact and indulge in attacking the Reddy kingdoms at every given opportunity. The Velamas say if not for Reddy cleverness and opportunistic attitude during the battle with Delhi Sultan's army, Kakatiya empire would have been intact at least till the British colonial period.
After the defeat of Prataparudra, Andhra Pradesh and Hindu religion succumbed to bad times. Annaya Mantri and Kolanu Rudradeva tried to unify the remaining Nayaka Chieftains belonging to various communities such as Velama, Reddy, Kamma, Balija and Telaga communities and appointed a Chief, Musunuri Prolaya Nayaka as the leader. The Nayaka confederation rebelled and recaptured Warangal. Prolaneedu was succeeded by his cousin Kaapaanedu which was resented by the Velama Nayakas. They again sought the help of the Bahmani sultan and killed Kaapaya Nayaka. Thus ended the unity of Telugu land.
The Velamas subsequently fought the Reddy Kingdom and Vijayanagar Empire on behalf of Bahmanis. Ultimately, Krishnadevaraya vanquished all and unified Andhra Pradesh. Velamas had to join the imperial service of Vijayanagar as military contingents and regional governors. Many Velamas thus settled in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere.
The Padmanayakas were favorites of the King. Commander Bobba/Bhoji Reddy decided to show the King who exactly were the valorous fighters. He decided to wait till the Velama contingent got mauled by the Muslim army and then jump in to save the Velamas as well as the King. Unfortunately his timing was not good and both got beaten leading to the downfall of Kakatiya empire. Ever since, the Velamas blamed the Reddys for the historical blunder and continuously waged battles against Reddy kings. Later they managed to found independent states of Rajakonda and Devarakonda.
On the other hand, Reddys accuse the Velamas of colluding with alien Bahamanis to keep their state intact and indulge in attacking the Reddy kingdoms at every given opportunity. The Velamas say if not for Reddy cleverness and opportunistic attitude during the battle with Delhi Sultan's army, Kakatiya empire would have been intact at least till the British colonial period.
After the defeat of Prataparudra, Andhra Pradesh and Hindu religion succumbed to bad times. Annaya Mantri and Kolanu Rudradeva tried to unify the remaining Nayaka Chieftains belonging to various communities such as Velama, Reddy, Kamma, Balija and Telaga communities and appointed a Chief, Musunuri Prolaya Nayaka as the leader. The Nayaka confederation rebelled and recaptured Warangal. Prolaneedu was succeeded by his cousin Kaapaanedu which was resented by the Velama Nayakas. They again sought the help of the Bahmani sultan and killed Kaapaya Nayaka. Thus ended the unity of Telugu land.
The Velamas subsequently fought the Reddy Kingdom and Vijayanagar Empire on behalf of Bahmanis. Ultimately, Krishnadevaraya vanquished all and unified Andhra Pradesh. Velamas had to join the imperial service of Vijayanagar as military contingents and regional governors. Many Velamas thus settled in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere.
Origin theories
There are four conflicting theories as to the origin of the community.
Many believe Velamas migrated from Bihar when they were banished by Chanakya for supporting the Nanda dynasty.
Some linguists trace the root of the word Velama to similar sounding Vellalars of Tamil Nadu and assume they are Vellala soldiers and administrators who followed in the footsteps of the Chola expansion to Andhra. The Andhra branch known as Velanati or Velanadu (Tamil/Telugu) Cholas who are also known as Telugu Cholas could have been instrumental in the genesis of the Velama community in Andhra
It is believed that Velamas belong to one of the Original Aryan races of north India who migrated to south India during Chanakya times.
But it is also possible that Velama and Vellala are derived from lance wielders where Vel in Tamil stands for a lance. Hence, they could be an indigenous group directly derived from a Neolithic agrarian community.
It is possible that they were simply lance wielding soldiers of one of the many local Kingdoms such as Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas or Cholas who came to dominate the land through their service to the kings
It is also believed that Velamas came from Bengal area. Even today, Velama brides wear saris in the Bengali style. During the wedding the Velama concept of having a mango twig over the heads of the bride and groom is also unique to the Bengali culture. It is believed that a ship load of people from Bengal got shipwrecked in the Bay of Bengal and two groups of survivors managed to reach two points on the Coromandel Coast. The first one was headed by a person called Adiraju and therefore came to be called Adi Velamas and the second group was headed by Padmaraju and therefore called Padma Velamas. Also, these new people were good at counting and arithmatic and attracted local landlords and kings to hire them as accountants.
The History of Padmanayaka Velamas only is known through various ancient scriptures and ballads.
The Padmanayaka Velamas seem to be a different caste altogether based on their physical features and war-like build besides the customs and traditions pointing towards a warrior origin.
Many believe Velamas migrated from Bihar when they were banished by Chanakya for supporting the Nanda dynasty.
Some linguists trace the root of the word Velama to similar sounding Vellalars of Tamil Nadu and assume they are Vellala soldiers and administrators who followed in the footsteps of the Chola expansion to Andhra. The Andhra branch known as Velanati or Velanadu (Tamil/Telugu) Cholas who are also known as Telugu Cholas could have been instrumental in the genesis of the Velama community in Andhra
It is believed that Velamas belong to one of the Original Aryan races of north India who migrated to south India during Chanakya times.
But it is also possible that Velama and Vellala are derived from lance wielders where Vel in Tamil stands for a lance. Hence, they could be an indigenous group directly derived from a Neolithic agrarian community.
It is possible that they were simply lance wielding soldiers of one of the many local Kingdoms such as Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas or Cholas who came to dominate the land through their service to the kings
It is also believed that Velamas came from Bengal area. Even today, Velama brides wear saris in the Bengali style. During the wedding the Velama concept of having a mango twig over the heads of the bride and groom is also unique to the Bengali culture. It is believed that a ship load of people from Bengal got shipwrecked in the Bay of Bengal and two groups of survivors managed to reach two points on the Coromandel Coast. The first one was headed by a person called Adiraju and therefore came to be called Adi Velamas and the second group was headed by Padmaraju and therefore called Padma Velamas. Also, these new people were good at counting and arithmatic and attracted local landlords and kings to hire them as accountants.
The History of Padmanayaka Velamas only is known through various ancient scriptures and ballads.
The Padmanayaka Velamas seem to be a different caste altogether based on their physical features and war-like build besides the customs and traditions pointing towards a warrior origin.
Feudal past
The history of Velamas is as old as Telugu bravery. Their military exploits form an important part of Telugu tradition, history and folklore. The battle of Palnadu, Balanagamma Charitra, Confilct at Bobbili etc speak volumes about their chivalry. They are known to be fearless and battle hardy warriors. However, their role in protection of the unity of Telugu land and Hindu dharma at crucial times was suspect. Killing of Kaapaya Nayaka who valiantly opposed marauding Muslims; waging incessant battles with Reddy Nayaks at a time when Telugu people were craving for saviors and later aligning with Bahmanis in their battles with fledgling Vijayanagar empire did not behoove well of them. Their heroic traditions such as 'Sati' prove that they are of Aryan descent with extensive inter mingling with other martial races of India. Velamas are well known for their liberal outlook which is obvious from the war of Palnadu. Velama kings regularly clashed with the Reddys but had friendly dealings with the Orissa Gajapatis and the Bahmanis. Because of their proximity to the Bahmanis, they had to wage battles with Vijayanagar empire and eventually suffered a setback. Residual influence of Velamas is noticeable in Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Warangal, Adilabad, Nalgonda, Khammam, Mahbubnagar,Pithapuram and Prakasam Dist also.
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