08-03-2005, 07:32 PM
Kaushal,
The castes (or caste system rather) became rigid after British categorized
the castes and tribes. That checked the fluidity in the castes as prior to that
castes were created or merged or recreated.
I disagree that Kamma caste was created 150 years ago. As this was Nayaka
caste that has been around since at least begininng of last millennium. Kamma,
velama, Reddy, Kapu castes were seperated and got their own identity after the
collapse of Kakatiyas. Prior to the Kakatiya empire, it is difficult to trace
who were from those castes but at least after collapse of the Kakatiyas, people
from those castes were rulers of Telugu kingdoms or small areas or towns/villages.
There is a theory that Kammas and Velamas were from same Kamma caste.
But those who supported Brahama Naidu of Palnadu became PadmaNayakas
(Velamas) and those supported Nagamma stayed Kammas. In fact, many Velamas
and Kammas share same family names and Gothras. Some Reddys as well
share the Gothra and family names. Needless to say, all these Nayaka castes still
dominate every sphere in AP.
The castes (or caste system rather) became rigid after British categorized
the castes and tribes. That checked the fluidity in the castes as prior to that
castes were created or merged or recreated.
I disagree that Kamma caste was created 150 years ago. As this was Nayaka
caste that has been around since at least begininng of last millennium. Kamma,
velama, Reddy, Kapu castes were seperated and got their own identity after the
collapse of Kakatiyas. Prior to the Kakatiya empire, it is difficult to trace
who were from those castes but at least after collapse of the Kakatiyas, people
from those castes were rulers of Telugu kingdoms or small areas or towns/villages.
There is a theory that Kammas and Velamas were from same Kamma caste.
But those who supported Brahama Naidu of Palnadu became PadmaNayakas
(Velamas) and those supported Nagamma stayed Kammas. In fact, many Velamas
and Kammas share same family names and Gothras. Some Reddys as well
share the Gothra and family names. Needless to say, all these Nayaka castes still
dominate every sphere in AP.