Origin& History
Yellapu
community is warrior class originated in the Rajasthan and Gujarath. These
people are also called vellapu and Yellapis. The yellapi denotes the singular
form and vellapu is the earliest name of the caste. In fact most of the elders
recollect that their ancestors are from the surroundings of Delhi. The history
of Vaageshwari Maatha temple in Rajasthan reveals the story of Vellapu. They
moved from rajasthan to many places and got themselves transformed to fit into
the region they moved and also lost contacts with the migrated people. Yellapus
started migrating from Rajasthan and Gujarath to Utterpradesh(near
Delhi),possibly in the meerut district,may be durng the rule of Gurjara- pratiharas.They
were later spread over in Central India, which is now, Jharkand and
Madhyapradesh. Consequently, they moved to vidharba region in Maharastra
and Karnataka.There are evidences of working under the Rastrakutas and Kalyani
Chalukyas. From there, they migrated to Kakatiya dynasty to work in different
cadres.It is also believed that they have established Polavasa Kingdom, with a
capital polavasa ( presently polasa near Jagityal) .
Hence, one can
see people of this caste only in the areas of Maharashtra, Northern Karnataka,
Telangana, Jharkand and Coastal Andhra. In the recent past they are noticed in
Tamilanadu, kerala and orissa also. In other states, they may be merged wth
other communities.
After entering
in to the Andhraprasedsh( presently Telangana) , they moved to different
districts of erstwhile Andhrapradesh on their jobs as vassals and staff of
kakatiyas. After the downfall of kakatiyas, some people moved to Rachakonda
dynasty and some people moved to Vijayanagara kingdom. During their period they
moved to Rayalaseema and Karnataka. Later to kalinga area and Tamilnadu. In
tamilnadu, vellapus have shown substantial impact there by having
villages,plants on their community and family names.
Some
people still present in the surrounding areas of Bobbili and migrated to
near by districts after downfall of Bobbili. They merged in valmikis,other
tribals and Gavaras and velamas after difficult situation of war. Subsequently,
they migrated to Bonagiri via khammam and Warangal districts.Finally,they have
reached to karimnagar and Adilabad districts.
.
There are many
views on the origin and history of yellapu.In presence of a few number of
historical evidences, this short story is written on the basis of oral stories.
Hence,I give my
analysis basing on the stories told by caste elders, basing on the gotras,
surnames of yellapus and matters revealed in my research.Prior to that i submit
the methodology i followed for writing this as follows:
The method I
followed:
The method I
followed is simple. I used to gather the information from my father sri.B.
Ganga Ram, uncle sri.Lakkakula Rajeshwar Rao, and other relatives. The data
collection used to happen at the times of functions with relatives. Most
important persons are senior citizens of the caste. To be frank, it is very
much troubling with this busy job to collect data. Fortunately, I was a student
of History and Telugu, with a specialization in ancient Indian history. It
becomes very easy for me to refer the books relating to historical aspects and
coming to logical conclusions.
I have to
verify the names of the gotras and surnames. The knowledge in the languages
also helped me a lot. I could deduce some information out of the surnames and
gotras. The information revealed out my research has made me to write further.
In the end, I
have searched the Internet to find out certain aspects such as anabheri
prabhakar rao, family surnames, etc. However, I could find some deficiencies,
inaccuracies in the information available in the internet about the yellapus. I
have information that some people are certainly trying to build the history of
Yellapus. Most unfortunately, I have no time left to discuss with them or share
the information.
The way left
for me is that I have to publish it first in website and seek the additional
information from other people of the caste. Later I have to update the
information as and when time permits and may be after publishing the two other
books on other aspects.
The working and
accessing of information at nirmal and Suryapet helped me a lot. My personal
relations at Warangal district and north coastal area also helped me to
elaborate certain aspects.
Once this
yellapucharitha is published on the web, many people provided information over
the phone. kaluvala karunakar rao, who is now staying in U.S. has provided
wonderful information especially to resolve the issue of migrating time from
bobbili. Basing on that locally I have gathered information in suryapet.
Rapole brothers
have also provided wonderful information and I know them from chinthapandu
harish and one of the brothers is well known person to me and a near
relative.They have thrown light on Gadis and attitude of yellapus.
Sri.Narsing Rao
uncle, uncle of my cousin has unearthed the unknown stories of Bandala
lingapur, etc. Astonishingly, fallen emperor, who always criticizes certain
aspects of my history( initially I felt angry) also provided wonderful
information on History of karimnagar.
Consequently,
sri.Penchal Rajaiah on the request of sri.Rachakonda nursing rao has provided
wonderful information on cultural aspects.
Again the help
has come from U.S. in the form of Smt. Madhuri Vodnala.She revealed about the
relations between velamas and Yellapus in north coastal area.
For finding out
Gotras and native places my Brother-in-law Sri.Ganapathi Rao Saini helped
alot.He gathered the information and disseminated to me.
Later sri.Jangal Krishnamohan Rao has revealed the story relating to his
family.It has also revealed the way yellapus worked under Nizam.
During my visit
to vishakapatnam, I could observe the yellapus in Gavara caste. I almost
unearthed the ancient relations between these castes.It also provided some
epigraphical evidences on dadi families.Later,Sri.Yellapu Mukunda Rama Rao , a
Gavara researcher,poet and Author has provided wonderful links of Yellapu caste
in North coastal area and other states.
Subsequently,Sri.Rapole
Ramkumar Bharadwaj ,a young man from karimnagar has taken alot of interest to
search about the family ancestry and provided links to Ayurveda knowledge of
our families,inscription evidences,Rastrakuta relations,etc.
Sri.Praveen, an
Advocate, practicing in the Hon'ble Highcourt has provided the valuable
information on sammakka- Sarakka story and Polavasa kingdom.It revolutionised
the History of the Yellapus.
Many elders
including my uncle Sri.L.R. Rao,that Yellapus were fought war ferociously on
the side of Kakatiya Prataparudra in his war against the Delhi Sultans.The full
details were not avalable.It is provded by the Somadevaraju,relative of
Sr.Muneeshwar,A.D. disable and belongs to Mahabubabad.
Later,Sri.
Ramineni Narayana Rao, paternal uncle of Sri.Sampath Ramineni of Rudraram has
jointly provided wonderful information on the way of administration and
donations they made.Similar information has to be got immediately.
Dr.V.S.Rao has
provided wonderful information on the socio- economic status of yellapus
and relations with other castes.
Over a period
of time, to verify information or to gain it , I visited some places.
Interestingly, on my visit to tamilanadu, i gained certain information and
processed it and published.It is a tremendous information. Similarly,
i moved in some parts of erstwhile Andhra pradesh too.
Limitations
There are no
historical evidences are available about this caste such as coins, scriptures, , etc.Inscriptions are available about Polavasa kingdom and some other families. A few
persons has mentioned about them in their books, except in brief in some
books. So,it is natural that information may be wrong to an extent.It is not astonishing
that many developed castes and events also lack the historical citations.
In absence of
historical evidences, I am forced to deduce certain things such as migrations,
etc.,from the surnames, gotras. Some times the gotras are not relevant, as it
is given to the dependents also, similarly the surnames. Care is taken to avoid
such gotras.
What i observed
is that there duplications for some things.For instance, kosna is a town in
Poland and Croatia. So,what we have to consider is a matter of discretion.So
many things are considered on the basis of logical conclusion.It is an effort
to compile the information.At a later stage some one may take responsibility to
analyze further.
Over a period
of time, many people have provided very useful information.All that
availability is Oral history. But it is necessary to upkeep the oral history,
as next generation may loose some percentage of facts , if not brought in to
the book form.
Etymology of
Caste name
The meaning of
yellapus is usually explained that as they have protected the borders, they got
that name. The surname of Ganta supports this view, where these are kept on the
border of the village near bell.
It is also said
that they protected all the others.(elleran). ela means first and apu means to
stop in telugu. It means they have to stop the early storm of enemies.Here we
have to examine the ancient name of yellapus. It is vellapu but not yellapu.
The vellapu is certainly a north Indian term. Ethymology of this word vellapu
may be velluva+ap(u), which means to stop the storm of army(by a respectable
person). It shows their capability and bravery. Over a period of time the
corruption of words uses to take place, when it enters in other language, with
possible similar meaning. In this instant case, in Telugu, the word ellaran+
apu (or) élan+ apu suggests the same meaning of stopping the storm of enemy
armies. Thee word of ellalu kapaduvadu does not match and it may be due to
illusion that yellapus certainly protected the borders and assumed this
meaning, which is not correct.
Interestingly,
we can also find one surname which reveals the meaning of standing in the
forefront of the army is Salvadi.Salva means army in Hindhi.Adi means in
front.The meaning is Standing in the front line of the army.There is also one
surname Aadi, which means first.This may be also relates to standing in the
forefront of the Army.Thus, surnames also provides proof for unveiling the
ethymology of caste name.
The fact is
that the casualties amongst this caste are more and they are in very few
number.It supports the fact that they stood in front in the army and many of
them lost their lives.The hero stone at elagandula and veerapuja among this
caste confirms(pooja to died war heros at young age ) the front
line soldier concept and their sacrificing nature.This is also evident from the
wars such as Bobbili war and war between kakatiyas and delhi during
prataparudra.
Let us also try
to find out the ethymology of Vellapu also.Vellapu may be originated from its
latin route word Vel, which means (logic) The ∨ symbol used to represent the inclusive or logical connective.
It also means a veil in Latin. We have the conclusive proofs that some of
Yellapu families have definitely migrated from the central Asia, Serbia,
Russia,etc., which are believed to be the connecting areas or Rajasthan and
Gujarath are also connecting area, the people migrated from those areas would
have recognized us in such way. Avari, kosna, kaluvala, and padala surnames,
families are such families. Hence, the vellapu people might be the people
belongs to the connecting areas or people who are connected.
Interestingly,
Yellapu women also used the veil till 40 to 50 years ago.Thus, they may
be also people who used the viel. However, it is clear that these yellapu
community used the viel for their women during their stay at Rajasthan and some
continued later also.
The word of
vellapu is continuing as surname to some people in warangal district suggests
that
vellapu has
corrupted , only after leaving the warangal only, as we find many surname of
yellapu in Rayalaseema and Nothern coastal area of A.p . In the recent past i
observed a village by name Yellagiri, possibly on the name of Yellapu caste.It
is between Pochampally X road and Chautuppal, on the starting point of Rachakonda
hills.They may be worked at this place to save the king from the onslaught of
Golkonda armies.Thus, we can presume that Vellapu started transforming to
Yellapu from the Rachakonda hills.But ,vellapu also continued as the early
direct migrants to vijayanagara from warangal would have been liked to be
recognised so.It is also assumed that the direct migrants would have went to
tamilnadu, as these people would have preferred to be recognised as
Vellapu and the was upkept there.
The name of
vellappan and vellappu also exists in the list of castes of Tamilnadu.It
confirms that even during the vijayanagara period also the name of the caste is
vellapu .Recently i found during my trip to Tamilnadu that one vellakulam
village is existing, possibly on the name of Vellapu caste in tirunalvelvi
district.It reveals that vellapu was existing even after vijayanagara
period,even in the recent past.
To conclude,
the word vellapu is started converted in to yellapu in Rachakonda area and
in Rayalaseema area and in the north coastal area and even in
telangana .However, it is continued as vellapu in tamilnadu. As per the opinion
of my father, still some people call the yellapu people as vellapu also.In the
tribal areas of north coastal area it is yellapi, denoting the singular form
and low status of living. The y.v. palem ( yellapuvani palem= singular form
)village in vishakapatnam distrct is another proof of deprived condition of
this caste ,after bobbili war.
Traces of North
The ancient
inscription believed to be available revealing the story of vellapus is at
Vageshwarimatha temple.It is accepted by many that yellapus are of warrior
class at Rajasthan and reached Delhi surroundings. The worship of Brahmadeva
and Saraswathimatha has been prevalent in Rajasthan area.Vageshwari is the
other form of saraswathi matha.The inscription mentioned about vellapus because
these people would have been ordent devotees and donated something for the
temple.
The traces of
Rajasthani names and places in the form of surnames are still in vogue in
Yellapus, such as Avari, Gujjeti, penchala and saini. Among this Gujjeti and
Avari are the names of clans among the Gujjers, penchala is a Gujjer dominated
village and saini is a name of a kshatriya clan dominant in Rajasthan and
Gujarath. The migration patterns and family names also proves that Yellapus
have connection with Gurjara-pratihara dynasty and their families.
The gotras of
Janakanuri and Janakula, which are formulated on the name of legendary Janaka,
father of Sitha, suggests that they have certainly connection with the Mithila
region. But by the starting period of medieval period, vide spread migration of
warrior tribes have took place and some of them have reached Delhi and its
surroundings. The Surnames relating to the legendary Rama such as Ramineni,
Ramshetti and the saint surname of gargula, gotras such as Kashyapa and
Bharadwaja (the famous gotras in
U.P),Dasharath,Vasista,Srivatsa,Mudgala,Pulastya,Ashriya,Kausika and Pashupala
suggests that yellapus have certainly connection with the Utter Pradesh.
Hence, I
propose that the yellapus are belongs to the Gujarath, and Rajasthan and
they migrated to U.P. ( Near Delhi).They merged with the local
people.Later,they started migrating to the South India from the neighboring
areas of Delhi. It is supported by a surname, Jangeti, a name of a village near
Meerut in U.P. It may reveal their relation with U.P and neighboring areas of
Delhi. It is exactly matching with the place of living of Yellapus, which is
near Delhi, before migrating to other places. We can also relate some of their
migration from Europe and Russia basing on their Gotras and family names, which
was quite natural in case of warrior tribes,though there are no conclusive
proofs. But i confine myself to India only. It is accepted by all
Yellapu elders and revealed in their oral stories that their ancestors are from
the neighboring areas of Delhi.
There are many
hindhi words as surnames in yellapus,such as dadi,puppala(one who belongs to
uncle,which is a mixed word of hindhi and telugu).It means they lived in hindhi
region for long time.The surnames Chanda(a maharastra town on the borders of
A.P),perkari and cherukuthota suggests that these people lived in viderbha
region before migrating to Telangana . Also,the presence of yellapus in central
India and Maharastra/vidarba region suggests us that the migration took place
through these regions in to the Andra Pradesh. The time of the migration may be
after downfall of Rastrakutas and during the early kakatiyas.The reason for
migration is for regaining the lost employment.
There are
conclussve proofs that yellapus were worked under the Rastrakutas.The Titles
and Dhwajas used by them were used by the Polavasa kings.
Amoghavarsha of
Rashtrakuta,Medaraja of polavasa,Edaraja of Vemnoor/Ramgundam are having same
titiles,"Lattalurpuradishvara" and their lanchana was
"Suvarna Garuda". It was already clarified that Medaraja of polavasa
belongs to yellapu community. He worked as Mahamandaleshvara at Polavasa
under chalukyas. Edaraja of Vemnoor/Ramagundam also worked as Mahamandaleshvara
under chalukyas.
Both the
Kakatiyas and polavasa kings were vassals of Chalukyas of Kalyani.Some
people worked in the captal of Kalyani Chalukyas.Adapa is a kind of a minister
working close to king.It is one of the surnames in yellapus.
In Maharastra
also we can notice the amalgamation of some people into the Yellapus.The
families of Karnavattula may be the people lived in the city of Karnavathi. In
fact when Yellapus migrated to Delhi from Rajasthan, Karnavathi was not
established. Hence, the people may be later amalgamation is correct or
otherwise, they would have went there and come back.Even today, there is
presence of saini families in Nagpur, which is in the migratory route of
Yellapus.
Under Kakatiyas
But, one sure
fact is that, Yellapus were present in the kakatiya kingdom and got the lands
for their loyal service. They might not conquer the kakatiya region. The family
name of Bethi in yellapus made it clear that yellapus were either related to
Betharaju, the early king of kakatiyas, or worked under his patronage.It clears
that yellapus are present in Telangana by the time of Betha Raju.Some people
propose that Yellapus themselves establshed the kakatiya kingdom,but a lot of
proofs have to be shown to prove it.
However, I am submitting my views as follows:
- The qualifying points for being kakatiyas are that they should be from
rastrakutas or atleast rastrakutas senani,as kakartya gundana was
rastrakuta senani, as per the magallu inscription of danarnava.they
should also have relationship with kalyani chalukyas, as varaha lanchana
was upkept by kakatiyas.
- It is also believed that they are belongs to kakatipuram near belgaum.that means they should had relations of karnataka.
- They should also worship the mother goddess, as kakatiyas worsipped the kushmandini matha in the form of kakati.
- They should have jains also, as kakatiyas were jains in early stages.
On observing the the origin and migrational points of yellapus it is
clear that they worked under Rastrakutas and later worked under kalyani
chalukyas . Polasa kings of yellapus maintaned the Garuda lanchana on
the lines of Rastrakutas, may be because of ancestry or mark of respect
of being subordinates.They also bore the titles of Lattaluru
puravaradhisvara and Suvarnagaruda-dhvaja. This clarifies the relations
of yellapus with Rastrakutas.
Prior to coming to telangana, yellapus lived at maharastra and later at
karnataka.yellapus were working in the court of kalyani chalukyas.they
occupied very important positions like ministers in the court of kalyani
chalukyas. Kakatiyas were also there in the court of kalyani chalukyas.
As per the recent findouts in the inscriptions by rapole ramkumar
baradwaj, many senanis, mahamandaleshwaras and rastrakutas themselves
are relatives of yellapus.
Yellapus were worshipped the vageshwarimatha during the Rajasthan
days.Later , polavasa kings (yellapus) established padmakshi temple,
for which kakatiyas also donated.Thus, it is clearly proves that
yellapus worshipped mother goddess. Raja Annamadeva,who migrated to Basthar established kakatiya dynasty there and Ruled also worshipped the Dantheshwari matha.
It is also obvious that yellapus were jains in the initial days.still
some people follow vegetarianism and don't take curd even now also
(indication of strict vegetarianism).
Many surnames of yellapus are matching with the kakatiyas and their relatives.
Most importantly.The yellapu women were valiant warriors, it was proved
in many wars.In kakatiyas also Rudramadevi had proven her might to whole
world.Thus, yellapu women are none other than descendants of
Rudramadevi.In a.p other caste women were not allowed to participate in
wars, except yellapus.
The rift between polavasa and kakatiyas may be also dayadula poru.In the
initial days both the kings had Raju in their names . Polasa kings
names were Medaraju, Edaraju and Gundaraja. Names of the early kakatiya
kings were Gundaraju , Betharaju and prolaraju.
It is also
discussed in the caste that while other castes were opposing the preference
given to velamas by the kakatiya prataparudra-2, yellapus served kakatiyas
loyally and fought for the kingdom valiantly, even after the gates of the fort
was opened. It has improved the friendship between yellapus and velamas and
continued up to present days. It has also opened the opportunities for the
yellapus in future.There is one surname Recherla also exists in Yellapus, who
were the loyal associates of kakatiyas.The surname Jampala proves that these
people were present at Jampanna vagu, may be for consolidating the power of
kakatiyas. Or iducted into kakatiyas after the war is over with sammakka and
sarakka.
Further,It is
very much known to us that the earlier word of saini is Sahni.We can find many
sahnis working faithfully under kakatiyas.As per the inscriptions, they have
made donations to the temples.They played vital role in advicing the king and
protecting the kingdom in war conditions.I feel that sahnis are become sainis
any way and some of them are definitely of yellapu community.However, this
surname is present in velamas and munnuru kapus also.This clearly reveals that
yellapus were enjoying good positions during kakatiyas, as estimated earlier.
Worth
disuccable point is that Where did velamas and Yellapus met for the first time?
Velamas are belongs to Bihar and started migrating after downfall of Nandha
Kingdom. Some Yellapus are belongs to Bihar and started migrating to South from
Delhi and its surroundings. They have become prominent in palanadu area and at
later stages joined the kakatiya kingdom. But, Yellapus entered into the A.P.
through Maharastra and was part of kakatiyas dur ing early kings. Thus, they
met in kakatiya kingdom only for first time.
During this
period yellapus have also came in contact with Gavaras also.There are
historical evidences of commona sukrnames,such as dadi.
One interesting
story was revealed by Sri.Praveen, an advocate in the Hon'ble Highcourt.During
the Prataparudra-2 the Delhi Sultans were trying to defeat the kakatiyas by one
way or other.They started negotiating with the different sections of the
Army.They contacted the yellapu nobles.These people were at the strategic
locations. The question of the muslims was that what was the reward for the
Yellapus for protecting the borders of kakatiya kingdom for 200 years.Some
yellapu nobles was started thinking about the reality.They assured many lands.
This has
created suspicion in the mind of Prataparudra.He tried to curb certain yellapu
nobles.one of them was King of Polasa(presently in Karimnagar).He was forced to
retreat in to the forest and later to his Son- in-law at medaram,
pagidigiddaraju, who is believed as koya warrior.But, Sri.Praveen appraised me
that he is belongs to yellapu community.
This clarifies
the close relation between koyas and yellapus.
It is pertinent
to mention that pagidididderaju(one who wears the pagidi or turban, a north
indian tribal tradition) is the right pronounciation .But later it would have
corrupted to pagidigiddaraju. (Pagidi didde raju > Pagidi gadde raju >
Pagidi gidde Raju > Pagididde Raju >pagididda raju).
The pagidi
would have worn to protect the hair(koppu).There is presence of many koppula
families in yellapu community. pagidididderaju may be ancestor of these
families. Also Jampala families may be related to this family.
In warangal
dstrict Gadde is pronounced as Gidde. Symbolically, the turban,sword, kumkum
Bharani is kept the Sacred Gadde at medaram.Thus,didde raju would have become
Gadde Raju, later into Gidde with the local influence. Later,in pronounciaton
"di" letter is missng and have been pronounced as Pagdiddaraju.
The rest of the
story is very well known to every one in the form of sammakka sarakka story,
the Jathara,which attracts the worlds second largest gathering.The courageous
fighting was believed to be later inherited by the yellapu women, to protect
their kith and kin ,during the absence of male members.
To briefly
narrate, sammakka is the wife of Pagidigiddaraju and sarakka is daughter.When
he failed to pay the kappam during the famine, kakatiyas declared and started
war on this tribal kingdom.When the tribals were on the verge of defeat and all
the kith and kin are wounded or died, sammakka started killing the kakatiya
armies ferociously.But,she was shot treachorously from the back.Consequently,
she was disappeared after retreating from battle ground.
I also remind
that Koyalagudem and yellagiri is in close geographical contiguity at
Rachakonda hills, revealing their close relation even after downfall of
kakatiya dynasty.
on the other
hand the remaining yellapu nobles were loyal to prataparudra. But, the borders
were neglected.The absence of warriors in the route of delhi to warangal
created weakness.When the delhi sultans were launched their final attack on
kakatiyas, there were not even five soldiers were present in kagaznagar area,
according to one historian.Thus , delhi king has reached the kakatiya capital
without any hinderance, not allowing the prataparudra to make arrangements for
war.Through the strategic negotiations with yellapu and other warriors, delhi
has created the suspicion in the minds of kakatiyas, which made to lost the
unconditional support from the warrior communities. Also , Delhi made the
simultaneous attack on warangal and its supporters.
Though i have
many doubts in the story told, but there are some substantial evidences to
believe certain facts.
Also, coming
to other facet of yellapus supporting the Pratapa Rudra in difficult situation
comes from the episode of Veeramalla Somadeva Raju as follows:
"Delhi sulthans invaded the
kakatiya kingdom during 1321 for the first time under the leadership of muhammad
bin Tughlaq.Delhi was defeated by the armies of kakatiyas under the able
leadership of somadeva.Subsequently,Prataparudra-2 has given the title of
Veeramalla
. Thus, he has became Veeramalla
Somadeva.
Delhi kings had invaded the kakatiya kingdom for the second time during 1322.
Before invading, they had made a plan to take off the traditional support of
kakatiyas. (This was explained in another blog
http://yellapucharitha.blogspot.in/2013/07/it-was-proposed-by-fallen-emperor-that.html?m=1).
Also, wherever divide and rule is
not possible, there shall be simultaneous attack on the kakatiya
supporters.With the same plan Valmikipuram was also invaded with about 50, 000
soldiers.Somadeva had concentrated on Valmikipuram. Meanwhile, Orugallu
was attacked by the Delhi.12 toranas was destroyed out of 25.The
Thousand piller temple was also distructed.we can observe the destroyed idols
in the main temple complex . During my visit during may,2014, I also observed
an engraving on a pillar that "yah Allah Beshak"(Means Allah is
the best or supernatural).It clearly proves the attack of Muslims on Thousand
Pillar temple.
After tough fight with the Delhi armies at Valmikipuram, he reached the
Orugallu on message that orugallu was attacked by Delhi.He went to orugallu.But,
by that time, Prataparudra was captured by the Delhi sultan. On
the other hand, the Valmikipuram was destroyed by the delhi sulthans. The
houses were burnt.the dead bodies were buried.Somadeva lost his kith and
kin."
Soon after the
downfall of kakatiyas, yellapus has to get the employment.
Under
Rachakonda
After the
kakatiya downfall, yellapus has no way but to move to vijayanagara kingdom for
employment and to satisfy their military zeal. The presence of yellapus in
Karnataka,Tamilnadu and Rayalaseema supports the view that they have definitely
migrated to vijayanagara kingdom.There are many surnames relating to these
areas supports this view.It is also possible that before migrating to
vijayanagara Kingdom atleast some of these people would have worked under the
kings of Rachakonda velamas.After the fort city falls into the hands of
Bahamani kingdom in the year 1433,they would have migrated to
vijayanagara.Thus, some people would have directly joined the vijayanagara and
some people joined at a later date.The surname of Rachakonda supports this
view.As per the historical citations, there were en-masse migrations of nayakas
of erstwhile kakatiyas to vijayanagara kingdom after the downfall of musunuri
kapayanayaka in 1370.
I have been
watching a village name yallagiri ,between pochampally X road and
chautuppal in nalgonda district. The hills of the Rachakonda starts at that
point.I have been thinking whether it has any relation with the caste of
yellapu.The name of vellapu caste has changed to yellapu only after leaving the
Warangal.Again it is vellapu in tamilnadu.Yellapus have moved from Rayalaseema
to North coastal area.Then from there they moved to tamilnadu.Hence, there is
some confusion,when this has altered.Otherewise ,we have to understand that it
has been interchanging to both words.
However,
yallagiri means the hill in the front.In the instant case the first hill is
generally termed as adigiri ,or something else, but shall not be yallgiri.After
the down fall of Warangal some yellapu people worked at Rachakonda.To protect
from the onslaught of Golkonda, the soldiers might be kept at this place by
king of Rachakonda. out of these soldiers, yellapus may be large in number and
village would have got name on these people. Also, if my assumption is
correct, the name of vellapu has started altering from the Rachakonda.This is
also clarifies that this is also a village on the name of Yellapus.
I have also
verified the nearby villages of Yellagiri, a village 8 km away from the
chautuppal in Nalgonda district. They are Koyyalagudem, Borralagudem,
khaitapur,Malkapur. On examination of the meanings of the villages some
interesting facts would come out.Koyyalagudem may be corrupt form of
Koyalagudem, which indicates the habitation of Koya warriors.Similarly,
Borralagudem may be the corrupt form of Bohralagudem, which indicates the
habitation of Bohra warriors, who are natives of Gujarath. The malkapur
indicates the presence of malka families in large number, who are again members
of Yellapu families.This has analogous with the Avaraikulam,Vellakulam and
Chettikulam villages in tirunalvelvi district in Tamilanadu.While one village
is named after the caste and one or more villages are named after the
surnames.it reveals the stationing of one family in one village for special
purpose.
I have also observed one village name Gujja, which
may be a corrupt form of Gujjar, a caste and tribe name famous in Rajasthan. It
may be named so because of influence of these families during the Rachakonda times.
Also upkeeping of their tribe name even after their stay at Warangal under
kakatiyas.Many yellapus have good relations with Gujjers.Thus,the gujjers may
be also related to the Yellapus.It indicates the close relation between these
families. In the recent past I have observed many Gujjer families, who are
playing vital role in Khammam town.
Another fact is indicated here is the warrior
communities are stationed at these villages to protect the kingdom. These
villages might have established in different periods as the Bohras might have
inducted into army during Muslim period. The Yellapus and their Malka family
certainly worked under the Rachakonda dynasty.The koya warriors may be also
present during the Rachakonda dynasty. But,the research has to be conducted in
depth on the role of Yellapu families in Rachakonda dynasty.It also proves the
presence of Yellapu families working at nodal points such as Mulangur,
Rachakonda initial hill point, elagandula,etc.
Finally, it clarifies the presence of Yellapu
warriors in Rachakonda dynasty. The surname, villages names attest their
presence.
Under
Vijayanagara
consequently,
time has passed, mantle has passed into the hands of krishnadeva raya.
Initially, his army received setbacks in the battle against the prataparudra
gajapati of kalinga.Being angry, krishnadeva has personally led a war against
the kalinga and defeated them. In this war krishnadeva has summoned the
assistance of his most loyal soldiers, in which the yellapus were present.
Later, gajapati made a peace pact by offering the hand of his daughter
Annapurna to krishnadeva. But the army was continued at kalinga. Some of the
surnames such as katakam, naradasu, madasu are certainly the kalinga names
amongst the yellapus. The easily mingling nature of the yellapus made them
telagas (kapu), which is the caste of Krishnadeva. That means in true terms
they have once again lost their caste.
The yellapus
were present in the Rayalaseema and Karnataka. The surnames of vellapu, yellapu
and yellapi in ananthapur district and Kannada areas suggest that they have
converted in to some other caste holding the identity of yellapus. It is
doubtful whether these people can recognize themselves as yellapus, which is a
separate caste.
Similarly, the odisha has presence of yellapus, who did not
like to return to the Bobbili Kingdom for employment like other yellapus. But
they may be recognizing themselves as Kapus. Krishnadeva’s kingdom has reached
the southern most points of madhura, tanjore,etc.There is presence of Yellapus
in the form of Kapus,Nadars, vellappan and vellappu, who are enviously called
as kapunayallu ,telaganiyalu,Telagani by the tamilians, for others hegemony and
richness in their own region.The surnames of Chetti,Kotte,Onna
,Perisingala,Chennala are Tamil words.It is known that many soldiers and
nayakas were sent along with vishwanatha naika to tamilnadu.Some of these
people would have come back and retained their tamil names.
On my recent
trip (January, 2012) to tirunalvelvi district in tamilnadu i found the villages
of Avaraikulam, Chettikulam, Vellakulam, and Rayapalayam. These villages are
presently dominantly populated with Nadar families (kapu Naidus).Out of this
Avarai is one of the famous surnames of Yellapus.The village has got that name
due to the presence of those family
members
in large number.
The vellakulam village has got its name from Vellapu Kulam ,
which is later shrinked to Vellakulam over a period of time.It is denoting the
larger presence of Vellapu families in that village.Similarly, the Chetti
surname is also a famous surname in Yellapus.The presence of more number of
Chetti families would have brought that name to that village.Rayapalayam is a
village name got due to the presence of Raya or his relatives, who migrated to
this village.
Also there is
presence many vellapalayam villages near madurai, denoting the presence of
Vellapu families.Interestingly, at many of these places there is presence
of Gavaras.It indicates that these people migrated together to the Tamilnadu,
during the period of Vijayanagara.
The details of
the villages are as follows:
The similar
village names of vellapalayam is existing in Erode, Nagapattinam, Madurai
districts.This may be also due to the influence of the caste in those days of
vijayanagara kingdom in Tamilnadu.I have already mentioned the village name of
Vellakulam on the name of this caste, existing in Tirunalvelvi district.
Vellapalayam is a small village in Sembanar Koil Taluk in Nagapattinam
District in Tamil Nadu State. Sembanar Koil, Mayiladuthurai, Sirkazhi,
Nadungadu, are the near by Towns to Vellapalayam . Vellapalayam is reachable by
Anandtandavpur RailWay Station , Vithisvarankol RailWay Station , Nidur RailWay
Station , Mayiladuturai J RailWay Station , . Its main Village Panchayat is
Mudikandanallur Panchayat .
The address and accessibility of the villages are as follows: Address
Post Office Vellapalayam B.O (Branch Post Office), ERODE , Dist. : ERODE ,
State: TAMIL NADU , PIN - 638315 Postal Divison ERODE Office Description Branch
Post Office TALUK ERODE Postal Circle TAMILNADU District ERODE PIN Code 638315
OFFICE Vellapalayam B.O Postal Region COIMBATORE State TAMIL NADU
Pariyur Vellapalayam is located in Madurai district that comes under
Tamil Nadu, India. Pariyur Vellapalayam is a popular place of Madurai district.
The clear evidence of village names on the surnames, which I have already
mentioned is Avaraikulam, Chettikulam.As per the Gavara website, the villages
on the name of dadi surname also exists in Tamilnadu and Karnataka.
Rapole
Ramkumar Bharadwaj has made greatest contribution for the yellapu community
than what his elder rapole family members contributed is Identiying a plant
name on yellapu community as follows: Vellapula” plant is a shrub. Edible fruit
& medicinal plant using by tribal’s of Anamalai hills, western Ghats,
Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. Scientific name: Euphorbiaceae Securinega
virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.).Its collecting season is summer.
Later I have searched on the similar lines and
found two more plants on our family name.
1.Plant-Altternanthera
Tenella(L) colla
Family-Amaranthaceae
Local
name-Vellaponnankanni
Habit-Herb
Collecting
season-Rainy
Meaning of this
plant is the precious plant for maidens found by vellapu community.It has
proved that anti viral and anti microbial properties.Such plant is definitely
very much useful to fight against many unknown viral and microbial born
ailments.It is not out of place to mention that many tribals die due to such
ailments.
2.Plant-Cleome
monophylla L
Family-
Capparidaceae
Local
name-Vellai
Habit-Herb
Collecting
season-Rainy
3.Plant-Rugosa
Lam
Family-Rhamnaceae
Local
name-kottai
Habit-Shrub
Collecting
season-Rainy
Kottai or kotte
is a famous surname in yellapu community. It again proves that plant is
existing on the surname also, as is in the case of villages existing both on
family names and caste names.
The
following things can be deducted from the above plant names on the Yellapu
community as follows:
1.Yellapus were
very frequently using these plants or propogated the use of them among the
tribal locals during their stay in that area.
2.Once again it
proved that Yellapus were there in Tamilnadu area. It proves that yellapu
ancestors were experts in using the herbs and ayurvedic scientists. It has
percolated to the the generation of my Grand father also.later it was
neglected.
3. It also
reveals their tribal relations even in the new areas where migrated newly in the
areas like Tamilnadu.In this connection it is pertinent to mention that
yellapus had close relations with tribals like koyas, lambadas,etc.
4. There are
Ayurvedic plant names on villages, cities, hills,etc.Aurvedic pplant on the
name of a community is seen for the first time in my experience.
5.There are
villages, hills,etc are existing on the caste name of yellapus or family names,
but it revealed a plant names on community.
6.An
interesting person can identify many new things and contribute to the history
of community.
Thus, It
reveals that Vellapus were migrated to those places during the Vijayanagara and
only some families came back.One other significance is that Krisnadevaraya had
sent his loyal soldiers to tamilnadu along with Vishwanatha naika to fight
against his rebelled father against kingdom.Hence,it again proves the loyalty
of Yellapu community to their rulers.
The surnames of
Gadapa and Adapa are the early forms of the present kadapah.The puram and
puppala villages near Rayalacheruvu village in Ananthapuram supports the
presence of yellapus in the Rayalaseema region,in addition to surnames existing
there.
Nirmal area
meanwhile, some
yellapus were present at Warangal even after the downfall of kakatiyas. Some of
them have migrated to nimma kingdom established at Nirmal in adilabad district.
But, most unfortunately, the families of Lakkakula,
cheruku,Dade,Adapa,Gandhe,Ganta, Jampala, Jangeti, Kandula, Konda, Koppula,
Kotte, katakam, padala, pedda,penchala, soini, shetty, sunkiti, thota, and vodnala
,who merged with munnurukapus and living from sargamma temple to Venkatadripet
Street and bangal pet areas do not remember that they are of warrior community.
But their structure clearly reveals the fact that they are of warrior
community. There is on locality called Naiduwada, which is lived by
naidis(corrupt form of Naidu).This means they are high born people.
I know one
Naidi Ramesh, a councillor of that ward previously.In true terms he should be
known as Ramesh Naidu, if he remembers his ancestry.Most of them have forgotten
that they have migrated with nimma kings. The king Nimmanaidu may be also of
the Kapu or yellapu origin, though he is stated as velama by some people.
Nuzivid area
it is already
discussed that Yellapus migrated from Warangal to vijayanagara kingdom and
Nirmal areas. Some older people stayed at Warangal only. They have migrated to
Khammam, Nalgonda and Krishna Districts. It is discussed in the caste that the
king of the Nuzivid is also of Yellapu origin. Certain people in the Deshaipet
area of Warangal town migrated to Krishna district and came back and
established one colony.It is also learnt from Sri.Kandula Thirumal Rao that
People of that area are still maintaining the relations with Nalgonda district
also.They are continuing the suffix of Rayudu. They are also enjoying the
political power.
