Koppula Velama
ReligionsHinduism[1]
LanguagesTelugu
Populated statesAndhra Pradesh, Telangana

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 politically well-represented in the Uttarandhra region.[2] Koppula Velama is similar to Velama caste (also known as Padmanayaka Velama or Vemala Dora).[3][4]

Etymology

The 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.[5]

History

In 1972, the Government of Andhra Pradesh included the Koppula Velama community in the Backward Castes-D (BC-D) category due to their backwardness.[6][7][8] 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.[6] Koppula Velama community is also seeking their inclusion in Backward Castes-A (BC-A) list of Andhra Pradesh government.[9]

Koppu Velamas are a kindred group to Polinati Velama caste who are also present in Uttarandhra region. Both of them are distinct from Padmanayaka Velama caste (also known as Velama Dora).[4][3][10]

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.[11]

Notable People

References

  1. ↑ Bahadur), Sarat Chandra Roy (Rai (2004). Man in India. A.K. Bose. p. 142.
  2. ↑ Rao, K. Srinivasa (8 April 2022). "Andhra Pradesh: Koppula Velamas seek representation in State Cabinet". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  3. 1 2 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.
  4. 1 2 Murty, K. Ramachandra (2001). Parties, Elections, and Mobilisation. Anmol Publications. p. 20. ISBN 978-81-261-0979-1.
  5. ↑ Bhaskara Rao, Busi; Dharma Rao, B. (2004). Man in India. Vol. 84–85. A.K. Bose. p. 142.
  6. 1 2 "Koppula Velamas seek priority in political posts". Deccan Chronicle. 12 September 2021. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  7. ↑ 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.
  8. ↑ 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.
  9. ↑ "Koppula Velama community seeks BC A tag". The Hindu. 24 August 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  10. ↑ Singh, K. S. (1996). Communities, Segments, Synonyms, Surnames and Titles. Anthropological Survey of India. p. 1854. ISBN 978-0-19-563357-3.
  11. ↑ Kalbagh, Chetana (1991). Women and Development: Women's Struggles for Equality and Emancipation. Discovery. p. 112. ISBN 978-81-7141-145-0.
  12. 1 2 Patnaik, Santosh (7 April 2019). "Ayyanna faces an uphill task". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  13. ↑ "Yerran Naidu: A mass leader". NDTV.com. 2 November 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  14. ↑ 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.
  15. ↑ "Srikakulam loves you, Yem brother". The Times of India. 12 April 2004. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  16. ↑ "Senior politicians' sons to take electoral plunge". The Times of India. 12 January 2014. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
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