Naidu (also spelled Nayudu or Naidoo) is a title used by various social groups in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in India. It is derived from the Telugu word "Nayaka," which originates from the Sanskrit term "Nayaka," meaning "protector" or "leader." The Title Associated with Kapu(Balija/Ontari/Telaga) community and also Kamma Community in Raylasema Region of Andhra Pradesh and also in Tamilnadu.
The term Naidu is etymologically related to Naicker in Tamil, Nayaka in Karnataka.
In Coastal Andhra the term Naidu primarily refers to the Kapu caste.
Naidu is both a caste name and a title primarily associated with the Kapu (Telaga/Balija Naidu/Ontari) community, which comprises approximately 18% of the population of Andhra Pradesh. The title "Nayaka" (Naidu) was historically conferred upon individuals from other Telugu-speaking communities, including the Boya, Golla and Kamma castes, particularly in the Chittoor and Nellore regions.
The title was used to denote a village or lineage headman. Various medieval Andhra dynasties, including the Vishnukundins and Chalukyas, as well as the Vijayanagara Empire, conferred the title "Nayaka" or "Nayakudu" upon military commanders, known as Danda-Nayakas (Army Commanders), or leaders of soldier bands.
Historical Context
Originally, the Nayaka title was conferred upon Telugu communities. During the medieval period, the Kakatiya and Vijayanagara kingdoms had several prominent Nayakas from various castes. As the Vijayanagar Empire expanded, the title "Nayaka" was also conferred upon non-Telugu-speaking communities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka who served in similar capacities. The title continues to be used by multiple communities across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
The Nayaka title was historically given to warriors who were granted land under the Nayankara system during the Kakatiya dynasty. The system was one of approximately 25 titles used by the Kakatiyas to establish a new political infrastructure, reducing the influence of hereditary regional elites. The Nayankara system was later adopted by the Vijayanagar Empire, where Nayakas or Palayakarrars (Polygars) were granted land on the condition that they provided military service to the king.
Use of the Naidu Surname
Over time, multiple communities adopted the Naidu surname. According to Edgar Thurston in Castes and Tribes of Southern India (Vol. 5, p. 138), the title "Naidu" or "Nayudu" was historically used by several Telugu castes in colonial India, including Kapu, Kamma, Balija, Boya, Gavara, Golla, Velama, Reddy, Telaga, and Valmiki.
Evolution of the Nayaka Title
The earliest recorded use of the Nayaka/Danda Nayaka title dates back to the Vishnukundina dynasty, which ruled from the Krishna and Godavari deltas in the 3rd century CE. The usage of this title expanded significantly during the 7th century, particularly with the incursion of the Western Chalukyas into Andhra territory. However, the most widespread use of the title occurred during the Vijayanagar rule, when it became a prominent designation for military and administrative leaders across South India.
This page lists people with the surnameNaidu. If an internal link intending to refer to a specific person led you to this page, you may wish to change that link by adding the person's given name(s) to the link.
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