Telugu Brahmins [a] are Telugu-speaking Brahmin communities native to the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. [1] [2] They fall under the Pancha Dravida Brahmin classification of the Brahmin community in India. Telugu Brahmins are further divided into sections like Vaidiki, Niyogi, Deshastha, Dravida, Golkonda Vyapari among others. [3] [4] [5]
The Apastamba Dharmasutra is posited to have been composed in the region of modern-day Andhra Pradesh between the Godavari and Krishna rivers, but this is not certain. [6] [7] It is dated to approximately 600-300 BCE, [8] and more narrowly to between 450 and 350 BCE. [9]
Telugu Brahmins fall under the Pancha Dravida Brahmin classification of the Brahmin community in India. [10] They are further divided into various sections based on their occupation, denomination, region etc. [4]
Kalhana, in his Rajatarangini (c. 12th century CE), classifies five Brahmin communities as Pancha Dravida, noting that they reside south of the Vindhya Range. [11] [12] These communities are traditionally listed as:
Sub-groups
Several Telugu Brahmin subgroups (who are predominantly smartas ), such as Velanāḍu , Mulakanāḍu , and Vēgināḍu , derive their names from specific geographical regions. These territorial names are also shared by some non-Brahmin communities, indicating a broader cultural association.
The Ārādhyas hold a distinct position within the Telugu Brahmin community. Among the Karṇakammalu (a prominent Telugu Brahmin sect), sub-sections such as Ōgōti and Koljedu are notable. Members of these groups follow the Rig Śākhā tradition, a branch of the Rig Veda .
The Telagānyams represent a diverse group, with some adhering to the Rig Veda and others following the Yajur Veda (Yajurveda and Shukla Yajur Veda). The Nandavārikulu , who are exclusively Rig Vedic, worship Chaudēswari, the goddess of the Devānga community, as their patron deity. Traditionally, the Nandavārikulu Brahmins acting as gurus (spiritual guides) to the Devāngas.
A unique feature of the Telugu Brahmins is their use of house names, or intiperulu, a practice shared with non-Brahmin Telugu communities. These family names often reference elements from nature or daily life, such as Kōta (fort), Lanka (island), Puchcha ( Citrullus colocynthis ), Chintha ( Tamarindus indica ), and Kāki ( Corvus levaillantii ). Among the Niyōgi Brahmins, house names often end with the word raju or razu, reflecting a connection to aristocratic or landowning traditions. [14]
Apart from these there other notable communities like Golkonda Vyapari, Deshastha and Dravida.
Denominational divisions
Smarta, Madhva, Vaikhanasa, Sri Vaishnava, Shaiva and Shakta.
A specific area of Vaidiki Telugu Brahmins have curated a specific style of classical dance called Kuchipudi- named after the village they are from. Around five-hundred families belonged to this village, and its classical dance form is referenced in Machupalli Kaifat of 1502. Mainly a male dominated dance field in its early stages, Kuchipudi was known for its dance dramas and lively depictions of characters.
Andhra Brahmins, differ from Tamil Brahmins in certain rituals, attire, and sectarian marks. Telugu Brahmin women wear their saree without passing it between the legs (kaccha kattu), with the free end draped over the left shoulder unlike Madisar which goes to right shoulder. Their sect mark typically consists of three horizontal streaks of bhasmā (vibhūti or sacred ashes) or a single streak of sandal paste ( gandham ) with a circular black spot in the center (akshintalu bottu).
The marriage badge, or bottu , is tied during the nagavali day after a mock pilgrimage ( kāsiyātra ). The bride worships Gauri sitting in a basket of paddy or cholam . After tying the bottu, rice (Talambralu) is showered on the couple.
Telugu Brahmin women also perform various rituals ( vratams ), similar to other communities in the region. Gauri is a favoured deity in many of these rituals. [32]
Telugu Brahmin wedding rituals differ significantly from others, though initial preparations like pelli choopulu(match-making)', nischaya tambulaalu (nischitartham or nngagement), and eduru sannaham are similar. The most distinct feature is the kasi yatra . In this playful ritual, the groom, dressed as a renunciant with an umbrella and wooden sandals, declares his intent to forsake worldly life for sannyasa (sainthood). The bride’s brother intervenes, convincing him to embrace grihastasrama (marriage). Traditionally held at the bride’s home, modern ceremonies often take place in wedding venues. The kasi yatra is symbolic of spiritual progression but is performed with joy, laughter, and family involvement. [33]
Niyogi Brahmins served as village record keepers (karanams/Kombattulas), poets, and sometimes ministers. Deshastha Brahmins also served as village record keepers (karanams) [34] and many also served as high-level administrators and bureaucrats such as Deshmukhs, Sheristadars, Tehsildars, Deshpandes and Majumdars under Qutb Shahis of Golkonda and Nizams of Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. [35]
Niyogi Brahmins and Deshastha Brahmins also ruled Andhra Pradesh as zamindars. In Guntur district, one of the four major zamindars i.e., Chilakaluripet zamindari and Sattenapalle zamindari were ruled by Deshastha Brahmins, whose title was "Deshmukh", [36] [37] The Polavaram zamindari of West Godavari district and Lakkavaram zamindari of Prakasam district were ruled by Niyogi Brahmins. Due to their secular occupations, marriage alliances between Deshastha Brahmins, Golkonda Vyapari Brahmins and Niyogi Brahmins was very common since centuries. [38] [39] Vaidiki Brahmins and Dravidulu are priests and teachers. [40] [41]
After the implementation of the Land Ceiling Reforms Act in 1973, Niyogi Brahmins and Deshastha Brahmins who had huge amounts of land lost their lands and properties as a result of this. [42] In 1983, after becoming Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. T. Rama Rao abolished Patel–Patwari system prevailing in Andhra Pradesh. As a result of this many Brahmins who had control over the villages as Karanams (revenue officers) lost their control over villages as well as many of their lands and properties. [43]
As per the 1931 census, Brahmins were about three percent in the region constituting present-day Andhra Pradesh (then part of Madras State). [44] According to a survey by Outlook India in 2003, Brahmins were estimated to be around 5% of United Andhra Pradesh population. [45] [ citation needed ]
Kamma is a largely Hindu caste from South India. The community of Kammas is believed to have originated from agriculturists of the Kammanadu region of the erstwhile Guntur district and Ongole division in Andhra Pradesh. Propelled by their military activity in the Vijayanagara Empire, Kammas are believed to have spread out from the region during the Vijayanagara period, followed by some in-migration during the British period and out-migration again during the twentieth century. Today they are regarded as one of the richest groups in Andhra Pradesh and are a dominant caste from Coastal Andhra with socio-economic and political prominence throughout the Telugu-speaking regions of India.
Niyogi Brahmin is a Telugu Brahmin subcaste native to the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, but are spread throughout South India and Maharashtra. The traditional occupations of the Niyogi Brahmins are settled cultivation and priesthood. But majority of them took up various secular vocations including military activities and karanams. They were associated with administration, economics, literature, music composing, politics, scholarly, scientific, engineering, defense and warfare careers.
Deshastha Brahmin is a Hindu Brahmin subcaste mainly from the Indian state of Maharashtra and North Karnataka. Other than these states, according to authors K. S. Singh, Gregory Naik and Pran Nath Chopra, Deshastha Brahmins are also concentrated in the states of Telangana (which was earlier part of Hyderabad State and Berar Division), Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (Which was earlier part of Central Provinces and Berar) Historian Pran Nath Chopra and journalist Pritish Nandy say, "Most of the well-known saints from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh were Deshastha Brahmins". The mother tongue of Deshastha Brahmins is either Marathi, Kannada or Telugu.
Deshmukh (IAST:Dēśamukh) is a historical Maratha title conferred to the rulers of a Dēśamukhi. It is used as a surname in certain regions of India, especially in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana and also in Andhra Pradesh and northern parts of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, Goa whose family received it as a title.
Karhaḍe Brahmins are a Hindu Brahmin sub-caste mainly from the Indian state of Maharashtra, but are also distributed in states of Goa, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.
The Badaganadu are a Brahmin community that mainly reside in Karnataka and in Tamil Nadu. They are followers of either the Advaita Vedanta propounded by Adi Shankara or the Dvaita Vedanta propounded by Madhvacharya and hence there are Smarthas and Madhwas among them.
Dravida Brahmins, or simply Dravidulu, are Hindu brahmins and a sub-caste of the Telugu Brahmins of Andhra Pradesh in South India, who migrated from Tamil-speaking regions. They are further divided into sub-sects based on the places where they have settled such as Aaraama Dravidulu, Pudur Dravidulu, Konaseema Dravidulu, Peruru Dravidulu, Tummagunta Dravidulu and Dimili Dravidulu. They are primarily categorized as the Saiva Brahmins or followers of Shiva.
Sat Vaishnavism, also referred to as Madhva Vaishnavism, the Madhva Sampradaya and the Brahma Sampradaya, is a denomination within the Vaishnavism—Bhagavata tradition of Hinduism. Sadh Vaishnavism was founded by thirteenth century philosopher-saint Madhvacharya, who developed the Tattvavada (dvaita) Vedanta sub-school of Hindu philosophy.
Sri Uttaradi Math, is one of the main monasteries (matha) founded by Madhvacharya with Padmanabha Tirtha as its head to preserve and propagate Dvaita Vedanta (Tattvavada) outside Tulunadu region. Uttaradi Math is one of the three primary Dvaita monasteries or Mathatraya that descended from Madhvacharya in the lineage of Padmanabha Tirtha through Jayatirtha. After Jayatirtha and Vidyadhiraja Tirtha, Uttaradi Matha continued in the lineage of Kavindra Tirtha and later in the lineage of Vidyanidhi Tirtha. The Moola Rama and Moola Sita idols worshipped in the Uttaradi Matha have a long history and are revered among adherents.
Nyapathi Subba Rao Pantulu was an Indian politician and social activist who served as a member of the Madras Legislative Council between 1893 and 1909. He was also one of the Triplicane Six, founders of The Hindu, and General Secretary of the Indian National Congress from 1914 to 1917.
Colathur Rama Krishnaswamy Rao Sahib was an Indian civil servant who served as 15th Cabinet Secretary of India from 1981-1985. He also served as the Secretary to Prime Minister Charan Singh. when Indira Gandhi became the Prime Minister of India. He was awarded the second highest civilian honor of India, Padma Vibhushan in 2006, besides the Great Maratha Award in 2009. His maternal grandfather was R. Ramachandra Rao, Collector of Nellore, who helped Srinivasa Ramanujan during the latter's formative years.
Karanam or Karnam was an office and title native to the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Traditionally, Karanam was an official who maintained the accounts and records of the villages and collected the taxes. Karanam was one of the two village-level administrative posts that existed in Andhra along with 'Munasabu' (Munsiff). The Karanam kept an elaborate system of village accounts.
Vaidiki Velanadu is a sub-caste of Telugu speaking Smarta Brahmins whose ancestral roots lie in the Velanadu region, the ancient name for the coastal region on the banks of River Krishna in the Guntur district and Prakasam district. Some may have roots in Northern Andhra Pradesh near Visakhapatnam or Srikakulam or in Southern Telangana near Nalgonda. They are classified as Pancha-Dravida Brahmins. They are predominantly followers of Adi Shankaracharya and are located in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. However, There is a small subset of them who remain Shrauta Brahmins. Most Vaidiki Velanadu Brahmins follow the Apastamba Dharmasutra and belong to the Taittiriya Shakha of the Krishna Yajur Veda.
Madhva Brahmins, are Hindu Brahmin communities in India, who follow Sadh Vaishnavism and Dvaita philosophy propounded by Madhvacharya. They are found mostly in the Indian states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Kannada Brahmins or Carnatic Brahmins are Kannada-speaking Brahmins, primarily living in Karnataka, and also present in the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. They belong to one of three traditions: Smartism, Sadh Vaishnavism, and Sri Vaishnavism, and are followers of Adi Shankara, Madhvacharya, and Ramanuja respectively.
Madhva Vaishnavas or Sadh Vaishnavas or Madhvas are Hindu communities in India, who follow Sadh Vaishnavism and Dvaita philosophy propounded by Madhvacharya. They are found mostly in the Indian states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra Vaishnavas is a Brahmin community in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana who follow Ramanuja Vishishtadvaita Vedanta Darshana and profess Sri Vaishnavism.
Golconda Vyapari Brahmin, is a Telugu Brahmin subcaste native to the Indian states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, but are also found in Maharashtra and other parts of South India. In the Telangana region they served as Karanams and in Andhra Pradesh region they served as Karanams and other higher officials under Qutb Shahis of Golconda and Nizams of Hyderabad.
The Brahmins of Andhra Pradesh who speak Telugu can be divided into Vaishnavites, Smarthas and Madhwas. They are strictly vegetarians.
(pg 552) In Andhra Pradesh, all the Brahman groups except the Oriya Sahu Brahman are Pancha Dravida and are divided into Tamil Srivaishnava, Andhra Srivaishnava, Kamme Brahman and Maharashtra Desastha Brahman.
The Madhwas are followers of the Dwaitha philosophy of Madhwacharya and have sub-sects like the Badaganadu, Aravelu, Aravathuvokkalu, Deshastha, etc.
In Tamil Nadu, the Madhwa Brahmins are migrants from Karnataka. They have six sub-groups, they are Aruvela, Aruvanththuvakkalu, Badaganadu, Pennaththurar, Prathamasaki and Desastha and Badaga. They are concentrated in the Madras, Coimbatore, Coonoor and in Ooty.
The Nanda Vaidikas come from the Telugu country and include both Smarthas and Madhvas.
The Brahmans were either Smartas, Vaishnavas or Madhwas accordingly as they are followers of Sankaracharya, Ramanujacharya and Madhvacharya.
Among the Niyogis, there are Aruvela Niyogis, Pakanati Niyogis and others.
The Deshatha Brahman in Andhra Pradesh have two groups, namely Smartha and Madhva which are divided into exogamous surnames (intiperu) to indicate one's ancestry and regulate marriage alliances.
In Andhra Pradesh, the Deshastha Brahman have settled in various parts, particularly in the cities of Rayalaseema, Anantapur, Kurnool, Tirupati, Cud- dapah and Hyderabad.
The Maharashtra Desastha Brahman are distributed in the districts of Telangana.
Marriage alliance between Deshastha Rigvedi and Telugu and Karnataka Brahmins takes place quite frequently.
One of the very important sections among the Telugu Brahmins are Dravida Brahmins. Their very name indicates their South Indian or Tamil origin. A very large number of Brahmin families migrated from Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh
There are also a few Dravida Brahmin migrants especially from the Tamilnad speaking either Tamil or Telugu or both.
The ascendancy of the Qutb-shahis of Golkonda resulted in several Maratha Brahmins of the Madhwa sect, generally called Desasthas, being appointed to high positions. This is evident from several terms such as Deshmukh, Deshpande, Majumdar, Mannavar etc. used in the districts of Andhra to signify certain administrative posts.
Traditionally, the Dravidulu were engaged as priests by the local rulers, zamindars and chieftains, and donated to them Agraharams. Some of them followed the vedic texts and engaged themselves as purohits and acharyas.
In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, for instance, the brahmins represented about 3 percent of the population according to the 1931 census.
The second Andhra Conference, held at Bezwada (Vijayawada) under the presidentship of Nyapati Subba Rao Pantulu, a (Maratha-Telugu Brahman) Desastha descended from a long line distinguished civil servants, unanimously passed the resolution demanding a separate province for Andhras which had been drawn up the previous year in Bapatla
Dr. Hedgewar, a Telugu Brahmin, was a trained medical practitioner, and founded the RSS in 1925
P. V. Narasimha Rao Congress (IP) 1921 2004 Jun. 1991–May 1996 Brahmin (Hindu) Telugu, South (AP)
The third head of RSS, Balasaheb Deoras was another Telugu Brahmin.