Veeramalla Story narreted by Somadevaraju

Veeramalla is a one of the famous surnames among the yellapus. It is also a very well known surnames among the kapus of Warangal.

I had opportunity to meet one sri.veeramalla muneeshwar, A.D disable, , khammam and he introduced sri.veeramalla Somadevaraju to me.Somadeva has explained his family story as follows:

In 13th century one Somadeva  born in Valmikipuram in warangal district. He worked as senadhipathi of kakatiyas.

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 otherhand, the Valmikipuram was destroyed by the delhi sulthans. The houses were burnt.the dead bodies were buried.Somadeva lost his kith and kin.
Subsequently, Somadeva has led the dynasty for one year during the anarchic situation and has become Somadeva raju.During his short tenure, he established a village Valmidi, which means Ash in sanskrit.It was established in commemoration of Valmikipuram,  which was made in to ashes by Delhi Sulthans. He also established the matrimonial relations with the suryavamsha kings of Vijayanagaram.

The Valmidi village consists of 50% of Veeramalla families. The gotra of this family is Pasupuleti. I feel that due to ignorance of remembering the original gotra and this present gotra would have adopted.Also these people would have been relating to yellapus.


It was also told that the evidences of burnt houses, slaughtering of humans are unearthed during the excavations.

He also explained that kakartya Gundana was a kapu descent.A shift was taken in the culture during Ganapathideva. The temple of kakartya Gundana and a Gundam is existing in Kakkairalapally village. Gundam families have close relation with Veeramalla families.(I have written another blog for elucidating kakkiralapally  tour 
http://yellapucharitha.blogspot.in/p/blog-page_166.html?m=0. Hence, I feel that cerain yellapus faiithfully fought for the kakatiya kingdom in the war with Delhi sulthans, as told by elders.Somadeva may be one of them.This again proves that yellapus merged with kapus in difficult situation of war in kakatiya kingdom areas.

Offsite story

Valmikipuram has 7 hills.Here it is believed that Valmiki maharshi had established the ashram and wrote the last stages of Ramayana.

It is also pertinent to mention that Valmidi village, Bammera village and palakurti village is in close proximity. Bammera is the village gave birth to Baktha Pothana, who translated the Mahabaghavatam in to telugu language. He refused the patronage of kings . palakurti is the village gave birth to Palkurki Somana, who wrote the Basava Puranam and Panditaradya charitra.He was a famous saiva poet and wrote in Desi style.

Hence, the above three villages are known for the three great poets of India, namely valmiki maharushi, Baktha Pothana and palkurki Somana.The soil nature of the villages might had allowed to write the wonderful poetry.

Link to Mallas

http://www.indianetzone.com/46/malla_tribe.htm

Are we kakatiyas?

Are we kakatiyas?

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 , polasvasa kings (yellapus) established padmakshi temple, for which kakatiyas also donated.Thus, it is clearly proves that yellapus worshipped mother goddess.

It  is also obvious that yellapus were jains in the initial days.still some people follow vegetarianism and donot take curd even now also (indication of strict vegetarianism).

Many surnames of yellapus are matching with the kakatiyas and their relatives. Bethi, Korukanti, veeramalla,etc. Clearly indicate their connection to kakatiyas. The Gotra of early kakatiyas was Kashyapa, which is present in yellapus in Bonagiri families. 

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.

Hence, all the above aspects clarifies that kakatiyas were of yellapu origin.Also there is need to elucidate for clear understanding.

Is Caste is static or dynamic?(changes or not)

Many people believe that caste is unchangeable and assign a lot of priority to it. They also become jingoistic on the basis of caste. But caste is dynamic, as it changes in many circumstances .They are as follows:

o   On migration to distant places, castes of individuals and groups use to change.

o   Upgradation of status of individual or groups changes their caste or forms a new caste.

o   Due to the state sponsorship or sponsored by the king, the castes of their dependents use to change.

o   After the war the castes and status of the defeated persons use to affect.

o   On change of occupation, the caste change used to take place.

o   Due to sanskritisation , castes of many people have changed according to the convenience. Also, the status of Groups and individuals were changed.

o   Due to the reformist movements ( both caste and Religious) ,the castes and status of the people have changed.

o   The calamities also affected the castes of the people.

o   Isolation of individuals and groups also allowed  to  change their castes.

o   Due to matrimonial relations of higher status man, the caste of low status women used to change(upgraded mostly). In case of relation with lower status man, usually caste of women was lowered.

o   The en-mass amalgamation of groups also allowed caste changes.

o   When a small group moves with a big group and that small group unable to connect their own group, the small group merges with big group.

Many people assign the origin of the caste system to the ancient chaturvarna system, where the society is divided in to four varnas namely Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and shudras. But, in early vedic period the varna was not rigid and people were allowed to change his varna as per the circumstances. Inter varna marriages  were also allowed. In the later stages,the caste was also determined on the basis of their occupation, tribe, gotra , etc.,in addition to varna.

In the initial stages, Brahmins were one among the many priests. Subsequently, many priests were assimilated into Brahmins,due to their supremacy in the Yagnas. This has caused many divisions among the Brahmins. Also the sanskritisation took place in many parts of India.This has amalgamated many earstwhile priesty classes of these regions into Brahmins. Thus , many Non-Brahmin communities attained the Brahmanical status. So, their caste has changed.

The interchanging of caste between the Brahmins and kshatriyas were allowed in the vedic period.till the last two decades, many Branmins were reluctant to marry Niyogi( originally Kshatriyas practicing Brahmanical habits). But, in the recent past they are maintaining matrimonial relations by inter changing caste.

Many foreign ruling tribes were amalgamated into Indian caste system. They have attained the status of kshatriyas, loosing their original status. Some tribes attained the shudra status.

In case of Indian ruling class also, many other castes/varnas after attaining the kshatriya status, maintained matrimonial relation among the kshatriyas only, loosing their original caste. For instance the Raja of Gwalior marries from the family of Raja of Nepal or Indore or Nagpur.

In olden days, many business communities were merged with the vyshyas as a part of sanskritisation, loosing their original status.Some Gotras of vyshyas consisting of word Kula, indicating their original family name or caste or tribe, etc.

In the ancient days guilds system was there to carryout the business to distant places. Many castes people were included in the guild, but was dominated by vyshyas.Over a period of time,the minor groups have merged with vyshyas, due to loss of contact with their own groups.

In olden days vyshyas use to ask protection from the kshatriya community and some warrior shudra communities. In due course of time they established matrimonial relations. mostly, vyshyas lost their cast and ,leaving some evidences. where as shudras or kshatriyas entering in to vyshya community was fully merged ,without leaving any evidence.For instance, many kapu,Gavara,families have surnames of Ramshetty,Bhairushetty,sheelamshetty,Darishetty,Bishetty,Dadishetty,Anishetty,karamshetty,polishetty,etc.

During the Delhi sultanate, Allauddin Khalji has given advances to the vanija community of Rajasthan for supplying the goods to market to implement the market reforms to supply the goods at cheaper prices to the people.But, over a period of time, the vinijas could not supply the goods,due to various reason.King wanted to punish them.This has led to en-mass migration of these people to Maharastra and Andhrapradesh.In A.P, they are formed as Vanjar community,leaving their original caste.

In the initial days of the civilization, the weaving was the one of the Industrialisation techniques in India.all the communities, varnas were practicing the weaving in their leisure time.Over a period of time some people had got expertise to become comparatively rich due to foreign trade of textiles( inter kingdom and out of India both).Thus, it has become a separate caste in later days, loosing their caste and varna. Similarly, devang community has also formed.

Bahurupi and Yakshaganam(presently castes) were different kind of dramas prevailing in the different parts of a.p., the people of various castes were joined in to the drama groups. Once these dramas were losing the importance, these people started isolated and started marrying in the same group of drama companies to form in to separate caste. However, we also hear that jakkula families(corrupt form of Yaksha, who is an actor in Yakshaganam) have merged with some other castes in khammam district.

Jogi (presently a caste)is a kind of a system of dedicating some individuals to the service of the God and temples from different castes. At a later stage, these people had lost the importance for various reasons and formed to a separate group after joining in to the mainstream.

Ganika (presently a caste) was a multi- talented women existing in the courts of the king from various castes. Once, the courts were vanished, the importance to these people has decreased. They have formed in to a new caste.

 In the ancient days , the Yadavas and Kurmis have migrated from Bihar and U.P. to Andhra Pradesh. These are separate castes in their original lands. But , in A.P there is a strong co-operation between these castes and there are some matrimonial relations among them. It may be due to the similar profession of sheep and goat rearing.

In ancient days, many agricultural and warrior families have migrated from Bihar and U.P to Andhra Pradesh.These communities were formed in to new castes such as Kamma, kappu,reddy,etc.,leaving their otiginal castes.

Vaddera people were migrated from odisha( ancient kalinga and also called odra desha) from various castes for working for breaking the stones.They are physically well off. Over a period of time, they lost their contacts with original lands and formed in to a separate caste in A.P.

The upper class Kapu people from the  Andhra area has been migrating to Telangana area since ages. But, they merge with the Munnuru Kapu people to have better access to society. This is a kind of a sub- caste change instead of caste change.

After the wars, the defeated armies and people scattered to many other places and merged with the other castes. For instance,after Bobbili war, yellapus in north coastal Andhra had merged with Gavaras.Gavaras mingled with velamas.Yellapus were married to velamas in this region. Some of the above mentioned caste people have merged with tribals in the north coast areas.

Bhatrajus were very prominent in the court of the kings for eulogizing the king.It was a profession involved by many castes .But, it has become a caste .over a period of time they lost their prominence,due to vanishing of kings.

The Srikrisnadevaraya has promoted the varnasankarana very cleverly by marrying from different castes and got their support. Consequently, army  and other officers were become loyal.He also promoted the marriage among his loyals, finally up keeping the caste of king by others . Many writers of those period has lamanted about Varna samkararana.

Presently, some upper classes are promoting the love marriages of their daughters with officers of other lower class , who have attained the higher status recently after getting job. This would increase the numerical number of the caste and their supporters at higher levels, which is necessary in the democratic system. At a later stage, their children would be allowed to marry the upper classes or go for love marriage .( I do not want to mention the names of the castes) .Here , the castes of the male persons would be lost or a small group of people would join the higher castes. 

During the medieval period, there was socio-religious movement was brought by the Basaveshwara.It attracted many depressed class people in south India and also countable strength of upper classes have also joined. At a later stage , the above people have formed in to a separate caste in the name of Lingayaths or Jangamas, leaving their original castes.

Similarly, the vyshnava movement was also joined by the different castes and people have formed in to a separate caste.

On observation of the following fishing communities:

Palli, Vadabalija, Bestha, Jalari, Gangawar, Gangaputra, Goondla, Vanyakulakshatriya, Vennekapu, Vannereddi, Pallikapu, Pallireddi, Neyyala, Pattapu,

Hence, it is clear that they are from the different places and different social groups.But, presently, they are merged in to a social group, losing their previous identities.

            Similarly, many other professions like Kulala had enjoyed the high status in the society for making the beautiful pottery, which also earned the foreign currency till the british period. Many other castes would have joined in the profession for making money. Industrialization had hampered their opportunities to lose their priority.

           
 Further, Rathakaras, charmakaras were enjoyed the highest status in the society  by selling their products. Many other caste people had took up these professions.But, once they lost the prominence ,they were put in to the lower castes.

            After the wars, calamities, etc. some of the urban people were pushed to forests.There they merged with the local tribes,loosing their own castes.Also some group of people resided in the forest to save themselves and being recognized as tribals.The Banjaras are the classical example for this. In Maharastra they belongs to Backward classes, where as they are belongs to scheduled tribes in Andhrapradesh.

Hence, it clearly proves that the caste has been changing in accordance with the circumstances and one shall not feel jingoistic on the basis of caste, as caste is also dynamic like religion, in various circumstances.

References:
1.website of A.P B.C welfare department.
2.The wonder that was India-A.l.Basham
3.Ancient Indian history-A.c.Majumdar.
4.Sanskritisation-M.N.Srinivas.
5.medieval Indian history- NCERT
6.Modern Indian History- NCERT
7.Indian History- K.Krishna Reddy.
8.Personal Observations of Author on present trends.
9.Andhrula charitra of telugu academy publication.

Sammakka & Polavasa kingdom of yellapus

It is well aware that Yellapus migrated from Rajasthan and Gujarath.Finally reached to the Kakatiya kingdom by medieval period. But, in the recent past some epigraphical evidences are available that some yellapu people were working under kalyani Chalukyas at polavasa or Polasa( presently Jagityal area) as vassals and at other places, while kakatiya BethaRaju was ruling as vassal from Hanumakonda Vishaya.For his better services for the king ,he got the Sabbi- 1000, which is presently the karimnagar area. 

 The Polavasa kings prominently known in the region of Karimnagar during the Chalukya period was that of Medaraja and his descendants are belongs to Yellapu community, as per the oral history of elders. Some inscriptions of these chiefs have come to light in the Narasampet taluk of Warangal district. The Medapalli inscription of Jaggadeva (Jaggadeva established the Jagadevapeta as capital , which is near Jagityal town, on his name) and the Govindapuram inscription of Medaraja, both in Narasampet taluk are very valuable in constructing the genealogy and chronology of these chiefs. Polavasa was on the right side of the Godavari in Karimnagar district was their capital for some time. The genealogy of these chiefs can be given as follows: According to the Govindapuram inscription they belong to the family of the mythical personage, Madhavavarman of Maninagapura who obtained royal fortunes by the grace of Yakshini, a Jaina goddess. They bear the titles Lattaluru puravaradhisvara, Srikesavadevadivya Sripadapadmaradhaka etc. 

They were staunch Jainas in persuasion. Little evidences are there about the first member Durgaraja. Medaraja-I is described in the Polavasa inscription of 1108 A.D., as an independent chief. In the Banajipet inscription of  Kakatiya Beta-II is mentioned as a donor of some gifts to Virakamala Jinalaya built by Medaraja in the years Saka 1004. Meda-II is represented as a subordinate to the former. In the Thousand Pillar Temple inscription of Rudra, Meda-II and Gunda appear as the main enemies of Prola-II and Rudra. 

Further,Sri.Rapole Ramkumar Bharadwaj has provided the information on 2 inscriptions relating to polavasa kingdom as follows:

THE RASHTRAKUTAS OF MANYAKETHU:(King Amogavarsha's)
Shirur inscription Shaka S. 788 (V.S. 923=A.D. 866) at Shirur and
the sixth 3 (of the same date) at Nilgund;
all these belong to the 52nd year of his
reign. From the Shirur inscription it appears
that Amoghavarsha's coat-of-arms bore an image of
'Garuda/ for that his title was 'Lataluradhishvara', and
that the kings of Anga, Banga, Magadha, Malava, and
Vengi acknowledged his superiority.

From Bonagiri Srinivas blog:
The Polavasa kings(jagityala) prominently known in the region of Karimnagar during the Chalukya period was that of Medaraja and his descendants are belongs to Yellapu community.

From inscription at Polavasa:
Inscriptions from the twelfth century mention that Polavasa was a capital under the rule of Medaraja (1080–1110). The epigraph of 1108 AD refers to him as Mahamandalesvara Meda-kshampati who bears the titles of "Lattaluru-puravaradhisvara and Suvarnagaruda-dhvaja" which clearly indicates his Rashtrakuta affiliation.

Fragmentary inscription from Ramagundam village:
The fragmentary inscription from Ramagundam village, Karimnagar district mentions certain Mahamandalesvara named Edaraja, who bears the titles similar to those of Medaraja of Polavasa mentioned above viz. Lattaluri puravaradhisvara, Suvarna-Garuda-dhvaja, Sri Satyanarayana.

The family title of Rashtrakutas was "Latta-lurapuradhishvara". Suvarnagaruda-dhvaja indicates Emblem "Garuda"

Top of Form

To elucidate about them briefly,Polavasa kings would have maintained the confederation,as three brothers Medararaju,Edaraju and Gundaraja was ruling from different places and bearing the same title.This may be because of their Rastrakuta descent.Here ,one question use to arise is that kalyani chalukyas and Rastrakutas were ruling same time and yellapus of polavasa were vassals of kalyani and how they are Rastrakuta descent.

It is to clarify that yellapus were definitely Rastrakuta descent and after their downfall would have reached karnataka and Telangana areas.Due to the circumstances,they would have worked as vassals in polavasa and warangal too.Also,they were active in the central administration of the Kalyani Chalukyan kingdom.

Thus,it clearly indicates the relation of yellapu families with the Rastrakutas.Already i discussed this matter in my other blog "Gurjara-Pratihara relations of Yellapus".

 Further, Adapa is a famous surname among the yellapus and Kapus. They(Adapa families) enjoyed the confidence of the king . Literally this term would mean the bearer of the betel-bag. Adapa is one of the Minister in the council of Ministers in the Kalyani Chalukya Administration.This reveals the influence of these families in the kingdom. they upkept the name of job as surname since centuries.It also reveals the fact that Yellapu families worked under Kalyani Chalukyas before working under Kakatiyas, as proposed by the Rapole Ramkumar Bharadwaj.

 We find that such officers(Adapa) are found in greater numbers at a later period when the Kakatiyas, Hoyasalas and the Vijayanagara rulers were in power. This officer, from the nature of his duty, appears to have been attending upon the king more frequently than others and was naturally in a position to overhear discussions, consultations and the like obviously; such an officer had to be in greater confidence of the king. However, during the Kalyani Chalukyas the yellapus would have enjoyed the greater confidence of the king than the kakatiyas, as yellapus were at both central administration and at local administration. Due to the rise of Betharaju after getting the Sabbi-1000 region, Medaraja-II was politically deprived of his original status, as he could not expand his territory.

As per the historical evidences available,Jagadevamalla of kalyani chalukyas waged a war on vassals in 1137 A.D.,when they supported Tailapa to become independent.Prola-2 had supported the kalyani chalukya king.Gundaraju of manthena(one of the rulers of Polavasa) was captured and tonsured.Varaha lanchana was imprinted on his chest.After conducting prosessoion ,Gundaraju was killed.Medaraju( brother of Gundaraju) and Edaraju ranaway.
Thus,prolaraju of kakatiyas had cleared his enemies to establish himself as supreme power in the telangana area.

In Kalyani, Jagadekamalla was replaced by tailapa and he was replaced by kalachuri Bijjala after 6 years.Bijjala tried to re-establish their power over Hanumakonda.He took the help of dommaraju of Nagunur and Medaraju of polavasa( who ran away earlier) and sent army under leadership of Mailagideva.dommaraju of Nagunur and Jaggadeva-2 , son ofMedaraju of polavasa was completly defeated and kakatiya army rushed to polavasa.On the other hand medaraja was again made to ran away by kakatiyas with the help of Gangadhara Manthri.This has ended the independent power of polavasa.

As per the oral stories,polavasa king continued as vassals.We have to understand in such a way that king Ganapathideva has given opportunity to all his vassals to be continued as loyal to kingdom, instead of annexing their territory.The same would have done in case of polavasa kings.The already established families of yellapus in kakatiya court would have played vital role
in materialising treaty between kakatiyas and polavasa.

Thus,over a period of time the suzerainty of the Kakatiyas was accepted by the descendants of the Medaraju. Some of the families like Bethi,Adapa, Gunda, sainis,Recharla has contributed much to the development, protection and expansion of the kingdom in various phases.

 In the olden days the religion was also a matter of confrontation. In the earlier days the kakatiyas patronized the Jainism and later converted to Shaivism and built many shiva temples throughout the dynasty. But, the Polavasa chiefs continued to patronize the Jainism in their principality.The Jain image recovered recently from Polavasa stirs our imagination to believe that there might have been a Jinalaya at Polavasa also, which was the capital of the Polavasa Chiefs, the patrons of Jainism. There is epigraphic evidence that Medaraja-I have built Virakamala Jinalaya at Banajipet in Narsampet taluk ,which was under his sway. According to the Padmakshi temple inscription of Hanumakonda dated 1117 A.D. Medaraja-II of Polavasa made gifts of lands to Kadalalaya-basadi lying on the top of the hill. The above acts reveal that the Polavasa Chiefs patronized Jainism and one can infer that their capital Polavasa was also a popular Jain centre during their times. I personally visited Padmakshi temple in the year 2002 and found the image of Mahaveera carved on the hill rock.

I have also visited the polavasa in the year 2016 and photographed the Architecture. Here i found the yellamma temple. And observed the richly carved idols. As per the tradition , most of the Jain temples were converted as Yellamma temples. In the present age, Yellamma is believed as Goddess of Ayurveda. Yellapus were experts in Ayurveda. They established many Ayurveda peetas across many states. Sammakka was also expert in Ayurveda.she saved the life of a person affected by snake bite on the very first day in the house of her husband. The name of the Jain Goddess has become yellamma is on the name of yellamma? or naturally happened? The idols in polavaseswara temple  in polavasa in the form of Genes ( two snakes intertwined like Genes) clearly revealed that they were devotees of Nagas. Nagas were also experts of Ayurveda. Also, the women idols handling the different type of swords attract our vision. It revealed their war skills and domination .

 Things stood thus, as per the one interesting oral story 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.Muhammad bin Tughlaq has launched his attack on Kakatiyas and his armies were to be retreated. After consolidating the power and taking due steps,Tughlaq wanted to defeat the kakatiyas. This time they wanted to divide the kakatiyan traditional supporters and they started negotiating with the different sections of the Army.They contacted the yellapu nobles also. 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 were started thinking about the reality.They assured many lands to yellapu nobles. 

 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). Polasa region is a verymuch strategically located.Any army from the Delhi has to be reached to orugally has to travel from this region.They have been safeguarding the kingdom since ages. Due to the suspicion created by the muslims of Delhi, prataparudra has launched attack on the king of Polasa. 

Thus, 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, it was appraised to me that pagidigiddaraju is belongs to yellapu community.It is pertinent to mention that pagidididderaju (one who wears the pagidi or turban, a north indian tribal tradition) is the right pronunciation and it would have corrupted,as the idol of this king kept on gadde (pagidi didde raju>pagidi gadde raju >pagidi gidde raju

> pagididdaraju).But later it would have corrupted to pagididdaraju. This clarifies the close relation between koyas and yellapus. 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 are definitely related to him . I have met one Jampala family, who are practicing Ayurveda in khammam.


 The rest of the story is very well known to everyone in the form of sammakka sarakka story,on which the Jathara helds,which attracts the world’s 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 war on this tribal kingdom. Truly speaking, the kappam was a minor issue. Giving asylum to their enemy medaraju would have enraged the kakatiyas. Kakatiyas declared the war on tribals. 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 treacherously from the back. 

Consequently, she was disappeared after retreating from battle ground. It is believed that Sammakka had cursed the kakatiya kingdom to met with same fate. 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 in the kingdom. Prataparudra was busy in fighting his internal issues( polavasa and medaram)

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 at an early, 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 in the boarders and tribal areas. 

Also, Prataparudra had given much priority to the velamas.It seems that some Yellapus supported the Velamas and got the future opportunities. How many of the yellapus has not supported the kingdom is not know. But , oral stories reveal that many yellapus lost their lives for fighting faithfully in the final war. 
As per the information given by one Veeramalla Somadeva raju,simultaneous attack was made on Valmikipuram and warangal fort.somadeva, a military leader was protecting Valmikipuram. On hearing attack on Kakatiyas at warangal , he moved to warangal. By the time he reached warangal, prataparudra was captured. Most unfortunately the Valmikipuram was destroyed by army of Delhi.This again reveals the faithful participation of yellapus and loss of their lives. 
During the recent research made by the historians, it is observed that after the downfall of kakatiya dynasty at Warangal, Annamadeva, cousin of Prataparudra established a kingdom in the Baster area and it lasted for 600 years ,till the Independence, in which Koyas played very vital role. This reveals their faith on the kingdom even after the sammakka sarakka episode. 

 Though i had many doubts in the story told by Mr.Praveen,Advocate, but there are some substantial evidences to believe certain facts.After the epigraphical evidences are matching with the stories, there is no option but to believe it.Finally , i thank him for telling the story,which enables me to organise this entire information.I also thank Sri.Rapole Ramkumar Bharadwaj for providing the thread of kalyani chalukyas. 

Sri. Dyavanapalli satyanarayana has provided basic information about sammakka and sarakka. Sammakka is grom Chanda family.  This family worshipped Bandi chikki Devatha.Her fathers name is Rayibandani Raju. He ruled over the area of Bhupalapatnam. His brother -in -law is Samudrudu.Samudrudu ruled over kothapally area of Bijapur taluq of Bastar district. He was from Naga vamsha.

Rayibandani Raju has given his daughter sammakka to pagidigidda Raju,  son of samudrudu and nephew of medaraju of polavasa.He become king of medaram area. First name of medaram was mouze medaram. Surname of pagidigidda Raju was mujji.mauze or mujji means village. Pagidigidda Raju ruled over Dharmaram in karimnagar district. It is attested by the fact that mujjem pally village is near dharmaram.Some forts , villages and temples are present here, which are believed to be built by Medaraju and his descendants. 

In 1159 , prataparudra - 1 defeated Meda raju. Medaraju refused to offer the hand of sammakka to prataparudra-1. Subsequently, he left the polavasa and reached the manchukonda forests by crossing River Godavari , as per the Inscription opposite to Thousand pillars temple. 
We can find  the villages of kannepally, kannepeta, kannepuram in the forests of manchukonda. 

Pagidigidda Raju and other relatives of medaraju has established small kingdom in Bayyakkapet near medaram. Prataparudra -1 won't like leave the reminder of enemies,  declared war on the tiny kingdom. 

The rest of the war and death of many soldiers is one and same. The veeragal statues were unearthed in the work site of Jampanna vaagu bridge.It is belied that one statue is of sammakka and other statue is of Jampanna. Also , we can observe statues of Dommaraju and others with their names in the temple of Nagunur.

As per the Literature available, Sammakka took up social welfare activities.  On the day of her marriage,  she saved a person from snake bite by administering a herb.She used to administer the herbal medicines for fertility and tough diseases. 

The daughter -in-law of sammakka family  (chanda family ) has got constructed Burrikunta for the advantage of the people. Jalakam Bavi is constructed in similar manner.The traces of that well can be seen in Bayyakkapeta. We can also observe the tank built by family members of sammakka in medaram in Dharmaram mandal.

The Gotra of Chanda family was Kashyapa.Domma Raju and Edaraju of this gotra got constructed the Someshwara and Nagareshwara temples. Sri. Dyavanapalli satyanarayana,  a reasercher have discovered a inscription in Gujjal village near Tadwai in Nizamabad district, in which the operations and maintenance charges of temple and pandits. It is pertinent to mention that Medaram village of warangal district is also in Tadwai mandal. There are 3 pagidipally villages in the neighbourhood of Dharmaram and Medaram,  possibly on the name of pagidigidda Raju. It would have constructed by sammakka and pagidigidda Raju,  beyond any doubt.

We can deduct many things out of the information given by historian Sri. D. Satyanarayana. 
1. The only Kashyapa gotra left in yellapu families is Bonagiri.  Hence, Bonagiri families would have belongs to Chanda family. Their surname changed when they migrated to karimnagar district with little delayed than others.
2. Dommaraju may be also related to polavasa kingdom and their relatives.
3. Sammakka is expert in ayurveda like other yellapu ancestors. 
4. They took up social welfare activities like other Yellapu rulers.
5. The Gotras of kakatiyas and sammakka are one and same.
6. Veeragal tradition was continued upto the days of elagandula fort of present days.
7. The Gujjal village clearly attests the Rajasthan relations of yellapus. 


References:
1.Oral stories by caste elders.
2.Shodganga website.
3.Banajipet Inscription.
4.Padmakshi temple Inscription.
5.Indian History -K.krishna Reddy.
6.sammakka,sarakka story- warangal district official website .
7.Andhrula Charithra of telugu academy.



*  Prataparudra-2 belongs to 14th century. Samajika belongs to 13th century. Khaljis and Tughlaqs waged war on Kakatiya kingdom. The inconsistencies has to be removed.

Are we related to Saluva Dynasty

It was proposed by the fallen emperor that the saluvaji families are descent of saluva Narasa naika. Hence, our people established the dynasty under vijayanagara also. Here I put pros and cons on the proposal basing on my research so far made. for many of the things the oral history played the vital role. Whether any of our elders said about it?It is clear that soon after the downfall of kakatiya and Rachakonda dynasties, the yellapu soldiers and leaders migrated to the vijayanagara kingdom to reallocate themselves. There are historical evidences available for such migration. They played vital role in the wars against the kalinga Gajapathi and father of Vishwanatha naika during the period of Srikrishnadevaraya ,basing on the migration patterns. 

Further, yellapus are north Indian descent. They stayed in the areas of Jharkhand and Chattisgarh.The word Salva means army in hindhi. The respected person in the army is called as salvaji.The word salva can be changed to saluva is mostly possible,as these people are north Indian descent in south India.In other way , till recent times the system of veil is followed. It can be assumed that North Indian traditions were followed.Here we have to examine what is the meaning of saluva mentioned in the history books. If it is something related to army, the proposal of the fallen emperor may be correct subject to fulfillment of following criteria
: • What is the Gotra of saluva people? 

•     Whether it is matching with the present Salvaji families? 
• What is the originating point of saluva families and staying point of salvaji families at that time? 
•  What is the source of information for relating saluva and salva other than the book mentioned?                                                                                                                                For obtaining my full opinion, please send me the book published by the t.t.d and also try to answer my questions for indepth analysis For information and analysis I am here with sharing the history of saluva dynasty, with the similarities and dissimilarities of salvaji families. The Saluva Dynasty was created by the Saluvas who by historical tradition were natives of the Kalyani region of northern Karnatakain modern India. The Gorantla inscription traces their origins to this region from the time of the Western Chalukyas and Kalachuris of Karnataka.[1] The term "Saluva" is known to lexicographers as "hawk" used in hunting. They later spread into the east coast of modern Andhra Pradesh, perhaps by migration or during the Vijayanagara conquests during the 14th century.[1] 
• 
  
• The yellapus including the salvaji families have migrated to Karnataka during the vijayanagara, after downfall of the kakatiyas and subsequently after Rachakonda downfall.Here the period is not matching. If they would have merged with the local population in northern Karnataka,who would have been staying there from westernchalukyas.Also, the meaning of Salva is Army.Other similarity is that yellapu families also migrated to A.P during the vijayanagara conquests. 
• 
  
• The earliest known Saluva from inscriptional evidence in the Vijayanagara era was Mangaldeva, the great grandfather of Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya. Mangaldeva played an important role in the victories of King Bukka Raya I against the Sultanate of Madurai. His descendents founded the Saluva Dynasty and were one of the ruling lines of the Vijayanagara Empire of Southern India.[1] Three kings ruled from 1485 to 1505 after which the Tuluva Dynasty claimed the throne. They ruled almost the entire South India withVijaynagar as their capital. Saluva Narasimha was the first king of the dynasty ruling from 1485–1490. Narasimha spent his reign in relatively successful campaigns to reduce his vassals throughout the kingdom to submission and in unsuccessful attempts to stop the encroachment of the king of Orissa. Narasimha also opened new ports on the west coast so that he could revive the horse trade, which had fallen into Bahmanī hands. At his death in 1491, following the siege of Udayagiri and his own imprisonment there by Orissa, Narasimha left his kingdom in the hands of his chief minister, Narasa Nayaka. The King did not think his sons were ready to take charge of the throne so he gave that power to his most trusted general and minister Narasa. The minister in effect ruled Vijayanagar from 1490 until his own death in 1503. Narasimha's eldest son, Thimma Bhupa, was murdered by an army commander and one of Narasa's enemies in 1492 so Narasimha's youngest son, Narasimha Raya II, ascended his brother to the throne as king. He was enthroned as Immadi Narasimha. Although he was named king, the authentic control came from Narasa’s eldest son and successor, best known as Vira Narasimha. He ordered the murder of Immadi Narasimha in 1505. He then ascended the throne and inaugurated the Tuluva dynasty, the third dynasty of Vijayanagar and reigned from 1503-1509. It is undoubted that yellapu families were working under Vijayanagara dynasty.The Salva families were belongs to warrior community and they merged with different castes like Rajputs,yellapus, kapus,etc.They established many villages on their names as follows: 
• 
  
•  SALVA Villages IS NOW A DAYS KNOWN BY NAME PAPAR ROAD and it is in Pipar district in Rajasthan state. This may be village inhabited by the soldiers.The present Salvaji families may be one of them. Earlier, it was thought that Chattisgarh state might have brought this name of Salva, but it is clarified that even there are Salva villages in Rajasthan and this surname is originating in Rajasthan itself. There is one village near by this village by name kosana, which may be a village inhabitated by the kosna families of yellapu community. This clarifies that these people and Salvaji families would have inhabitated in neibouring villages. Salva is a Village in Dharangaon Taluk in Jalgaon District in Maharashtra State in India . Salva is 27.7 km distance from its District Main City Jalgaon Kh . And 335 km distance from its State Main City Mumbai . . Other villages in Dharangaon Taluk are Bhavarkhade , Bhod Bk. , Bhod Kh. , Bhone Bk , Bilkhade , Borgaon Bk. ,Near By towns are Erandol(10.4 k.m.) ,Amalner(22 k.m.) ,Parola(22.1 k.m.) ,Chopda(27.8 k.m.) ,Salva Pin Code is 425121 and Post office name is .The presence of Salva village in Maharastra , which is in the migratory route clarifies the presence of these families. Salva village (2113400) in Kalamnuri Taluka of Hingoli district in Maharashtra, India, proves the presence of these people. Also Salva village is found in State:Rajasthan District:BhilwaraTehsil:Mandal Village:Salva Salva is a village in the tehsil/mandal of Khambha in the Amreli district of Gujarat.Other villages in Khamba tehisil are - Bhaniya -Dadhiyali - Dadli. One of these three villages, Bhaniya reveal the presence of business community in nearby area of Salva. It is quite common that Business communities always followed the Yellapu community.Also the Dadi families would have also present with them in near by villages. There is salva village in azerbeijan in Garabagh region.It reveals that these people have established villages on their names in central asian countries. Salva is on of the Village in Mouda Taluk , Nagpur District , Maharashtra State . It is located 719 km distance from its State Main City Mumbai .Other villages in Mouda Taluk are Aadegaon , Aashti(Nav) , Anjangaon , Aroli , Babdeo , Banor , Towns Near By Kuhi(14.2 k.m.) ,Kamptee(19.5 k.m.) ,Ramtek(28 k.m.) ,Umred(31.4 k.m.) . Salva is on of the Village in Kuhi Taluk , Nagpur District , Maharashtra State . It is located 714 km distance from its State Main City Mumbai .Other villages in Kuhi Taluk are Aakoli , Ambadi , Ambhora , Banor , Bhatra , Bori(N) , Towns Near By Mouda(14.2 k.m.) ,Umred(17.3 k.m.) ,Kamptee(29 k.m.) ,Bhivapur(31.1 k.m.) Salva (Hungarian: Szálva) is a commune in Bistriţa-Năsăud County, Romania. It is composed of a single village, Salva, and included Runcu Salvei village until the latter was split off to form a separate commune in 2005.It is a relatively important local railway junction on the line to Sighetu Marmaţiei and line to Vatra Dornei and Suceava. 

 Indepth analysis is required to accept or reject whether we are related to Saluva families  , who established the one of the dynasty under Vijayanagara.But, I have done an act of initializing.also it is undoubtful that Yellapus had very close contacts with the relatives of the vijayanagara kings.  

References:

1. Saluva dynasty-wikipedia

2.Village names on salva- www.oneinfive.com

3.oral stories by elders.

Kapu relations of Yellapus

  

Kapus were migrated from Bihar and Utterpradesh. A few of them were also migrated from the other areas including the Rajasthan.Where as yellapus were migrated to south from Rajasthan after migrating to U.P.Some bihar people may be also included in this  community.Hence, there may be historical relations.

The principle occupation of yellapus was soldiers and to work as leaders of soldiers, and business.A few people maintained their own forts and tiny areas.Whoever who maintained the big kingdoms lost their identity as yellapus.

The principle occupation of kapus were protection of villages and Agriculture in olden days.However, many families were invoved in the military activity.many people have taken up business or business classes merged with kapus.Kapus have maintained and established their own kingdoms like musunuri,etc.

Kapus have many sub-divisions among them( in various places) like munnuru kapu, telaga,balija, ontari, turpu kapu,hazari,etc.Some people believe that yellapus are also telagas migrated from the North coastal area.Yellapus in olden days were called in adilabad district as Telagalollu.Here in adilabad district, they are different from Munnurukapus.

However, yellapus maintain close relations with Hazaris of Warangal district.There are matrimonial relations are existing between them.The yellapus in Warangal , Khammam and Nalgonda are thoroughly merged with kapus.However, they maintain the matrimonial relations with yellapus.

Yellapus entered in to Andhra Pradesh during rule of Kakatiyas. Kapus were already there prior to that period. During the kakatiyas , both the Kapus and Yellapus had very good relations with the kingdom.Both of them had fight for the kingdom during the difficult times. Gundam, Recherla , etc. families among the kapus were faithful warriors of kakatiya kingdom. Yellapus were also exhibited faith in the last war of the kingdom with the tughlaqs of Delhi sulthanate.

            
There are historical evidences that most of the Nayakas ,whos includes both kapus and yellapus have fled to Vijayanagara Kingdom after the downfall of Kakatiyas. Also, some  warriors migrated to Rachakonda dynasty, whos includes yellapus and kapus, including Gundam families.Here , Gurjara warriors were also migrated.Subsequently, they merged with both yellapus and Kapus.The surnames present in these caste is one more evidence to my opinion.

            As per the accepted opinion, the vijayanagara kingdom is belongs to Balija naidu caste.This is one of the sub-division of the kapu caste. During this period yellapus enjoyed the confidence of kings, for one reason or other.They have become part of trouble shooting army.During this period, SrikrishnadevaRaya has purposefully motivated matrimonial relations among the warrior classes includes Kapu, Kamma, Gavara and Yellapu. As a part of that yellapus would have established matrimonial relations with telagas.

Krishnadeva raya has sent his armies to Kalinga to defeat the king of kalinga. In his second attempt, he sent his loyal armies ,which include yellapus and telagas.Thus , yellapus have migrated to kalinga area from Karnataka and Rayalaseema areas. In due course of time, due to revolt of father of vishwanathanaika, the loyal armies were sent to tamilnadu, under the leadership of vishwanathanaika.the army consists of different castes, may be due to strategic reasons, which includes kammas, telagas,Gavaras  and yellapus.even now we could see the migrated population in the various districts of tamilnadu.

Due to the historical relations, it is understood that yellapus have merged with telagas and other castes in tamilnadu.However, I have a doubt that yellapus have established their own villages in various districts includes surroundings of Madhurai and Thirunalvelvi.they have also influenced the plant names on the caste name and family names. But, what made yellapus in tamilnadu to lost their identity? Also,  what made them to become scheduled tribes in kerala. These points are to be  worth answered.

By the time of Bobbili, Yellapus and telagas had matrimonial relations with velamas.After the bobbili war, yellapus were pushed to different parts like palakonda, vishakapatnam and Khammam.some migrated with velamas and some people migrated with telagas. Thus, may be continued the matrimonial relations with telagas.Later, yellapus shifted to Warangal and nalgonda.Nalgonda branch has shifted to karimnagar. During this migration kapus also shifted to karimnagar along with yellapus. Though the yellapus were close to velamas in karimnagar district, rural yellapus had matrimonial relations with kapus.Similar was happened in Adilabad.

During my observation in different districts,it revealed certain facts. some of the Telagas in Nalgonda district, who again claim themselves as MunnuruKapus for sake of reservation certificate, even they are vatandars. The family names of Bonagiri, , Kandula, salwadi,Thota, Gandham,Parepally,Mudarapu, Ramishetty, Lakkakula, Mekala, Puppala,Sairi, kotte, Jangeti, Thoom, Palle, puram,etc. amongst the telagas (munnuru kapus) suggests that they are non other than people of yellapus. Here in Nalgonda district the telagas and munnuru kapu has no difference and it is one and same. Only a few people use the suffix of Naidu along with their name amongst the telagas. Unless otherwise these people have the advantage, these people do not reveal that they are telagas.

Another, Important feature that observed among the telagas(kapus) in Nalgonda district is that the surnames of them are similar to that of the Nirmal Kapus, who are believed to have been migrated along with Nimmanaidu from warangal. Hence, the origin of kapus of Nirmal , Nalgonda district and of yellapus are same.All the three have connections with the kakatiyas of Warangal.

For curiosity, i have examined the surnames of telagas of Nalgonda town,which do not match with this. Some family names are corrupted.For instance I mention some surnames matched amongst the kapus of nirmal and Nalgonda district as follows:

Marugonda, Kummari , Anumula, Adumula, Bonagiri, Menga, Poddelli, Koona, Gojja, Aindla, Penta, Munigela, Mallepoola, Arikari, Kotte, Jangiti,Manoori, Thoom, Pathike, Panthike, Akula, Naidi, Sriramraju, Dyavarshetti, Ramolu, Japa, Ravula, Vantala, Palle, Chirutha, Cheruku, Munigela, Kunta, Basetti, Nandedapu,Pogula, Manglarapu, Manda, etc.

Interestingly, the surnames of Sangu, Bahroju, Bahunuthula, Chenchi are of Gurjara- Pratihara origin, who migrated from Rajasthan and part of Telagas of suryapet.Yellapus also have the strong relation/ descent of Gurjara- pratihara dynasty.

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 livingfrom 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.

        
 Similarly, the kapus at Nuzivid has been maintaining matrimonial relationship with Warangal and Nalgonda Yellapus.

            Thus, Yellapus have close relations with the kapus and Telagas.Many of the yellapus merged with kapus and vice versa.Despite of that yellapus maintained individuality in many places.In many districts kapus identify yellapus belongs to their own caste as many yellapus merged with them. A few  yellapu people of karimnagar district ,due to their richness, show aversion to maintain relationship with kapus/telagas.

 References:

1.