Koppula Velama or Koppu Velama is a Telugu Warrior caste found in Andhra Pradesh, India. 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 and under Forward caste or General Caste (OC) by the Government of Telangana.[2] [3] They are politically well-represented in the Uttarandhra region.[4] Koppula Velama is part of the broader Velama caste (also known as Padmanayaka Velama or Velama Dora).[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.[7]
History
editIn 1972, the Government of Andhra Pradesh included the Koppula Velama community under the Backward Castes-D (BC-D) category based on regional factors, rather than caste considerations. Notably, the youth from this community have been unable to access reservation benefits during counseling for prestigious national-level examinations such as NEET, JEE, civil services, and others. The inclusion of these caste in the list would enable them to enhance their access to educational and employment opportunities. [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]
Koppula Velamas hold key positions in erstwhile Visakahapatnam district along with Gavara and Kapu castes. These three castes are economically and numerically dominant in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts.[12]
Notable People
edit- Puri Jagannadh[13]
- Kinjarapu Yerran Naidu[14][15][16]
- Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu[13][17]
- Samireddy Atchiyya Naidu[13][18]
- Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu , Union Minister of Civil Aviation (2024- Present)
- Kinjarapu Atchannaidu , TDP MLA
References
edit- ^ Bahadur), Sarat Chandra Roy (Rai (2004). Man in India. A.K. Bose. p. 142.
- ^ Central List of OBCs for the state of Andhra Pradesh Archived 30 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine, p. 4 (76 - Koppulavelama)
- ^ Inclusion of the Caste in OC
- ^ Rao, K. Srinivasa (8 April 2022). "Andhra Pradesh: Koppula Velamas seek representation in State Cabinet". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Kalbagh, Chetana (1991). Women and Development: Women's Struggles for Equality and Emancipation. Discovery. p. 112. ISBN 978-81-7141-145-0.
- ^ a b c 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.
- ^ "politician'". timesofindia. 22 April 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 22 April 2024.