Koppula Velama or Koppu Velama is a Telugu peasant caste found in Andhra Pradesh, India.[2] They are primarily found in the Uttarandhra region with smaller populations in other districts of the state. They are classified under the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.[3] They are politically well-represented in the Uttarandhra region.[4] Koppula Velama is distinct from Padmanayaka Velama or Velama Dora caste.[5][6]
| Koppula Velama | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Other Backward Classes |
| Religions | Hinduism[1] |
| Languages | Telugu |
| Populated states | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana |
Etymology
editThe caste name possibly originated from the practice of their men not cutting their hair but tying it on their heads in the form of a knot, known in Telugu as Koppu (కొప్పు). Hence, they are named as Koppu Velama or Koppula Velama.[2][7]
History
editIn 1972, the Government of Andhra Pradesh included the Koppula Velama community in the Backward Castes-D (BC-D) category due to their backwardness.[8][9][10] But the community leaders resent the inclusion of new communities in BC-D category and demanded the state government to stop including any new communities in the list.[8] Koppula Velama community is also seeking their inclusion in Backward Castes-A (BC-A) list of Andhra Pradesh government.[11]
Koppu Velamas are a kindred group to Polinati Velama caste who are also present in Uttarandhra region. Both of them are distinct from Padmanayaka Velama caste (also known as Velama Dora).[6][5][12]
Koppula Velamas hold key positions in erstwhile Visakahapatnam district along with Kapu and Gavara castes. These three castes are economically and numerically dominant in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts.[13]
Notable People
editReferences
edit- ^ Bahadur), Sarat Chandra Roy (Rai (2004). Man in India. A.K. Bose. p. 142.
- ^ a b Singh, K. S. (1992). People of India: Andhra Pradesh. Anthropological Survey of India. p. 1890. ISBN 978-81-7671-006-0.
- ^ Central List of OBCs for the state of Andhra Pradesh Archived 30 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine, p. 4 (76 - Koppulavelama)
- ^ Rao, K. Srinivasa (8 April 2022). "Andhra Pradesh: Koppula Velamas seek representation in State Cabinet". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ a b Vidyasagar, S A (2012). "A Saga of Three Villages in Andhra Pradesh". Economic and Political Weekly. 47 (1): 105–111. ISSN 0012-9976. JSTOR 23065583.
- ^ a b Murty, K. Ramachandra (2001). Parties, Elections, and Mobilisation. Anmol Publications. p. 20. ISBN 978-81-261-0979-1.
- ^ Bhaskara Rao, Busi; Dharma Rao, B. (2004). Man in India. Vol. 84–85. A.K. Bose. p. 142.
- ^ a b "Koppula Velamas seek priority in political posts". Deccan Chronicle. 12 September 2021. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ Naidu, D. Suran (1991). The Congress Party in Transition: A Study in Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh. National Book Organisation. p. 133. ISBN 978-81-85135-64-9.
- ^ Muthyam, Dr Ponnam (6 March 2022). Emergence of Gouda Community in Andhra Pradesh Politics: A Historical Perspective (From 1956 TO 2009 A.D.). K.K. Publications. p. 114.
- ^ "Koppula Velama community seeks BC A tag". The Hindu. 24 August 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ Singh, K. S. (1996). Communities, Segments, Synonyms, Surnames and Titles. Anthropological Survey of India. p. 1854. ISBN 978-0-19-563357-3.
- ^ Kalbagh, Chetana (1991). Women and Development: Women's Struggles for Equality and Emancipation. Discovery. p. 112. ISBN 978-81-7141-145-0.
- ^ a b Patnaik, Santosh (7 April 2019). "Ayyanna faces an uphill task". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ "Yerran Naidu: A mass leader". NDTV.com. 2 November 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ A Srinivasa Rao (2 November 2012). "Senior TDP leader and former Union minister Yerran Naidu dies in a road accident in Andhra Pradesh". India Today. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ "Srikakulam loves you, Yem brother". The Times of India. 12 April 2004. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ "Senior politicians' sons to take electoral plunge". The Times of India. 12 January 2014. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 22 April 2023.