Velama

Connecting to the Velama's

All India Velama Association

AIVA

Mana Velama

Padmanayaka Velama

velamasamkshemasangam

Velama Samkshema Sangam

Velama Association of North America (VANA)

velamasamachar

velama samachar

In modern times the Velamas are classed as "Upper Shudras". However, they consider themselves to once have been warriors. The division of warrior clans of Telugu land into many social groups commenced during the time of Kakatiya king Rudra I (1158-1195).

According to Velugotivari Vamsavali and Padmanayakacharitra, texts written in medieval times, farmers (Kapus) became Kammas and Velamas. In medieval times the term Kapu meant a farmer or protector.

Badabanala Bhatta, the minister in the court of Ganapatideva prescribed Surnames and Gothras of Velamas. Kakatiya king Prataparudra entrusted the defence of Warangal to 77 Padmanayaka clans. Velamas constituted a significant proportion of the broader "Padmanayaka" group. Velamas have 77 gothras and 77 flags in earlier times.[citation needed] According to Cynthia Talbot, Velama and Padmanayaka are not synonymous. Velama and Padmanayaka were listed as separate communities in Bhimeswara Puranamu. Famous Telugu poet Srinatha (14th century CE), while describing the social divisions during his time, categorized Padmanayaka, Velama and Kamma in his Bhimeswara Puranamu.

In addition, an inscription in Telangana from 1613 described one man as a Padmanayaka and ascribed Velama clan status to another

Earlier Velama community was primarily confined to villages and it was a problem to send their children for higher education to Hyderabad. In 1950′s and 60′s, some of the elders of the community made attempts to extend facilities to students in rented premises. These include “Anantha Vilas Mess” by Late Sri JV Narsing Rao, “Velama Vigynavardhini” by Sri Bonala Kishan Rao a Senior High Court Advocate, Sri R Madhava Rao a Lecturer and many others with the help of some affluent people belonging to Zamindari families. In Mid 70′s, a strong need was felt to establish a permanent hostel as the number of students coming to Hyderabad for higher education was increasing

Consequently A.P. Velama Association was formed on 9th May 1974 under the Chairmanship of Late Sri C Anna Rao mainly to establish hostels and promote education. The association had purchased an old building on Liberty Road, Himayathnagar, Hyderabad in 1977 and started a hostel with 40 students. This was increased to 60 students by 1983. Considering the demand for students accommodation, the old building was demolished and foundation was laid for new building on 1st May 1987 by Sri C Ananda Rao, the then Hon’ble Minister for Law and Commercial Taxes, Govt of AP.

From then the association with the donations and support from the community elders has developed several assets for the benefit of the Velama Community. These include VNR Sr Citizens home, Choultries at Srisailam, JVNR Eductional trust, J.B. Girls hostel, J.B. Kalyana Mandapam, Commercial Complex.

Velama History

Velamas are one of the ancient and powerful communities in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. They ruled parts of Andhra Pradesh for several centuries. The history of Velamas is as old as telugu bravery. Their military exploits form an important part of Telugu tradition, history and folklore. The battles of Palnadu, Bobbili and their battles on behalf of Kakatiya and Vijaynagar empires speak volumes about the martial spirit, chivalry and fearless nature of these warriors.

Origin

Several conflicting theories have been postulated on the origin of the Velama community. But, the general perception is that, during the time of Kakatiya king Rudra I (1158-1195 CE), the warrior clans of Telugu country have been divided into many castes including Velamas, Kammas and Reddies.

“Rao” Varu

Maharaja Pratapa Rudra Venkatagiri Samstanam, Velama Dora “Pratapa Charithra” t