Koppula Velama
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| Koppula Velama | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Naidu Rao |
| Religions | Hinduism[1] |
| Languages | Telugu |
| Populated states | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana |
Koppula Velama or Koppu Velama is a Telugu caste that inhabits the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.[2] They are primarily found in the Uttarandhra region with smaller populations in other districts. They are a Hindu community, traditionally associated with farming and military, and often use the title "Naidu" and "Rao". The caste name is added to the Other Backward Class from OC category by the Government of Andhra Pradesh in 1972 due to severe draught and regional backwardness [3] under the leadership of Velama chief minister Jalagam Vengala Rao .They are politically well-represented in the Uttarandhra region.[4] Koppu or Koppula Velamas are a kindred group to Polinati Velama caste who also live in Uttarandhra.[5][6][7] Koppula and polinati Velama are Forward/ OC castes in Telangana.
History
Subcaste of Velama caste.The 1757 Battle of Bobbili catalyzed a massive, post-conflict migration and reorganization of the Velama community, leading to the formation of distinct regional sub-groups known as Polinati and Koppula.The total destruction of the Bobbili fort led to a diaspora. Many families fled to neighboring godavari,Krishna,Telangana regions to escape the influence of the French (Bussey) Marquis de Bussy-Castelnau and the Raja of Vizianagaram.This upheaval further created a social stratification between landowning elite and those focused on agriculture, with these distinctions still impacting social, political, and matrimonial contexts today.Post-war 1757 Battle of Bobbili, the gap widened between the "Padmanayaka" Velamas (who held onto titles and land) and the "Koppula/Polinati" Velama, who focused more on agriculture and local trade. [9][10]