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.