Origin
There are many theories about the origins of the word "Kamma" and the social group known as the Kammas but none in conclusive.
- Buddhist origin
- Kambhoja/Pallava origin
Some historians opined that the name Kamma is probably derived from
Kambhoja. Avadh Bihari Lal Avasthi comments as follows:
We find Kambhi, Kamma, Kumbhi etc., castes in South India. Possibly, there has also been a Kamboja country in Southern India[16]. The
Garuda Purana locates a Kambhoja principality/settlement in the neighborhood of Ashmaka, Pulinda, Jimuta, Narrashtra, Lata and Karnata countries, and also specifically informs us that this section of
Kambojas were living in the southern part of
India.
pulinda ashmaka jimuta narrashtara nivasinah
carnata kamboja ghata dakshinapathvasinah.
[17] - Kurmi Origin
[edit]Ancestry
The military persona of
Kammanadu started using the title Nayaka/Nayakudu from 10th century onwards as observed in many inscriptions.
[23] There are about 1200 Kamma surnames (
Intiperu) which are discernible from this time. The surnames and
Gothras of Kammas and
Velamas were catalogued by Badabanala Bhatta in 1068 CE.
[24] The names of the ancestral villages were adopted as
Gothras. This shows that the ancestors of Kammas and Velamas were either
Buddhists or
Jains who did not follow
Gothra system and that both the social groups had a common history. The historical reasons for the dichotomy of the two groups are not known, although many stories abound.
[25] The inscriptions of many Kamma Nayaks mentioned that they belong to Durjaya clan (Vamsa).
[26] For instance, the inscription (1125 CE) of Pinnama Nayudu in the temple of Sagareswara in Madala village mentioned that he belonged to Durjaya clan and Vallutla Gothra.
[27] Another inscription (1282 CE) in the same temple mentioned that Devineni Erra Nayudu, Kommi Nayudu and Pothi Nayudu belonged to the lineage of Buddhavarma, Durjaya clan and Vallutla Gothra.
[28][29]The inscription at Ravuru mentioned that the bodyguards of Queen Rudrama Devi, Ekki Nayudu, Rudra Nayudu, Pinarudra Nayudu and Pothi Nayudu belong to Durjaya vamsa and Vallutla Gothra.
[30][31]. It is worth mentioning here that many of the martial clans of Kammas belong to Vallutla Gothra.
[32] Many of the Telugu Chodas of
Kammanadu had relations with
Eastern Chalukyas and later with
Kakatiyas. According to many inscriptions and “Velugotivari Vamsavali” Kammas with surnames such as Yalampati, Sammeta, Maccha, Choda, Vasireddy, Katta, Adapa etc., belong to
Choda-
Chalukyaancestry.
[5][33] The
Vasireddy Clan had a title “Chalukya Narayana”.
[34]. Historians surmised that by the end of 10th century Durjayas, Chodas, few sections of
Chalukyas and Haihayas of
Kammanadu merged into Kammas.
[35][36][edit]Medieval history
[edit]Identity
The division of warrior class into many castes and their consolidation commenced during the time of
Kakatiya king Rudra I (1158-1195 CE). According to
Velugotivari Vamsavali and
Padmanayakacharitra, texts written in medieval times, farmers (Kapus) became Kammas and Velamas
[37][38]. In medieval times the term 'Kapu' meant a farmer or protector.
"...kaalachoditamuna kaakateevarugolchi kaapulella velama kammalairi"
(
Telugu: "....కాలచోదితమున కాకతీవరుగొల్చి కాపులెల్ల వెలమ, కమ్మలైరి")
Badabanala Bhatta prescribed Surnames and Gothras of Kammas and Velamas. The affiliation of Kammas as a caste to the ruling dynasties could not be ascribed till 11th century. Traces of evidence were found in the inscriptions of
Telugu Cholas/Chodas of Velanadu starting from Gonka I (1075-1115 CE), found in many places in
Kammanadu. The
Dharanikota kings (1130-1251 CE) who belonged to Kota clan of Kammas and Durjaya ancestry had marital alliances with
Telugu Cholas[39][40]. However, there was some controversy regarding the origin of Kota kings
[41]. Kota kings married the women from
Kakatiya dynasty (E.g., Kota Betharaja married Ganapamba, daughter of Ganapati Deva). The
Kakatiya Ganapati Deva married the sisters of
Jayapa Senani, a warrior hailing from
Diviseema.
[42] Jayapa Nayudu is also well known for his contributions to the field of Indian dance (1231 CE)
[43] and was the head of the elephant corps in the
Kakatiya army. Around this time many warriors from
Kammanadu joined the forces of the
Kakatiya dynasty. In
Warangal region Kammas are called Kamma Kapus.
[44]Famous
Telugu poet Srinatha (14th century CE), while describing the social divisions during his time, categorized Padmanayaka, Velama and Kamma in his
Bhimeswara Puranamu.
[45].
".....andu padmanayakulana, velamalana, kammalana trimarga gangapravahambulumbole gotrambulanniyeni jagatpavitrambulai pravahimpachunda" -
(
Telugu:
.....అందు పద్మనాయకులన, వెలమలన, కమ్మలన త్రిమర్గ గంగాప్రవాహంబులుంబోలె గొత్రంబులన్నియెని జగత్పవిత్రంబులై ప్రవహింపచుండ)
[edit]Kakatiya period
Kammas grew to prominence during the
Kakatiya dynasty's reign (1083-1323 CE) by also holding important positions in their army. One of the most famous commanders during the time of Rudrama Devi and Prataparudra II was Dadi Nagadeva who played a prominent role in warding off the attack of the
Yadava king of
Devagiri[46]. Nagadeva’s son Ganna Mantri, also called Ganna Senani or Yugandhar, was a great warrior and a patron of arts and literature. Ganna was the commander of Warangal fort. He was captured, converted to Islam and taken to Delhi along with Prataparudra.
[47] Subsequently, he rose to the exalted position of 'Wazir' in Delhi durbar and was sent to rule Punjab.
[48][49]Poet Maarana dedicated his
Markandeya Puranam to Ganna (
Malik Maqbul).
[50] Nagadeva’s other sons Ellaya Nayaka and Mechaya Nayaka were also valiant fighters. Another warrior of repute was Muppidi Nayaka who went on an expedition to
Kanchi, defeated the
Pandya king and merged it with
Kakatiya dynasty in 1316 CE. In prolonged battles with Muslims between 1296 and 1323 CE. thousands of Kamma Nayakas perished along with others, in the defense of
Warangal. The inhuman atrocities perpetrated by the Muslims on Telugu people later prompted two Kamma chieftains, Musunuri Prolaya Nayaka and Musunuri Kapaya Nayaka, who served the Kakatiya king Prataparudra, to raise the banner of revolt.
[51][52] After the fall of Warangal they united the Nayaka chieftains, wrested Warangal from the Delhi Sultanate and ruled for 50 years.
[53] (
Musunuri Nayaks)
[edit]Vijayanagara period
- Kammas controlled large swathes of southern and northern Tamil Nadu for several years under the title of Nayacker or Naicker or Naidu, which was a legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Zamindaris of Ilaiyarasanadal and Kurivikulam in Tamil Nadu belong to Pemmasani families[64]
Martial clans: Many clans belonging to Kamma social group figure prominently in the battles during
Vijayanagara era and in the subsequent years. Some of these clans include Pemmasani, Matcha, Vasireddy, Kodali, Sammeta, Choda/Chode, Dasari, Alamandala, Adapa, Suryadevara, Nadendla, Sakhamuri etc.
[5] The most prominent Kamma commanders in Krishnadevaraya’s army belonged to Suryadevara, Vasireddy, Pemmasani, Ravella and Sayapaneni clans.
[edit]Golkonda period
Vasireddy Sadasiva Nayudu ruled
Nandigama paragana from 1550 to 1581.
[67] He was granted the paragana by
Ibrahim Qutb Shah of
Golkonda. According to Mackenzie, Virappa Nayudu was appointed as Deshmukh of Nandigama paragana in 1670. Chinapadmanabha Nayudu got a grant of 500 villages from
Abul Hassan Tanisha in 1685.
[68] He built a fort at Chintapalli and ruled it until 1710 CE. His successors ruled until 1760. During this period the
French and the
British were trying to gain control of the
Andhracountry. Jaggayya ruled Chintapalli from 1763 onwards. He was killed by French troops sent by Basalat Jung, brother of the
Golkonda Nawab in 1771. Jaggayya’s wife Acchamma committed
Sati. Jaggayya’s son Venkatadri recovered Chintapalii in 1777 and earned fame as a benevolent and illustrious ruler.
[69](
Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu and
Vasireddy Clan). The
British gained control of
Andhra by 1788 from
Golkonda Nawabs. Another Kamma principality during
Golkonda period was Devarakota with Challapalli as its capital. Its ruler, Yarlagadda Guruvarayudu was subdued by
Abdullah Qutb Shah in 1576. His successors ruled as vassals of
Golkonda till the
French took over in 1751 and later the British in 1765.
[edit]British period
By the end of 18th century the
British East India Company had consolidated their rule in
Andhra. The armies of Zamindars and Deshmukhs were dismantled and only the power of tax collection was left intact. The well-known Kamma Zamindaris under the British rule were Muktyala, Chintapalli (Amaravati), Challapalli, Devarakota, Kapileswarapuram etc. These Zamindars encouraged modern education by establishing many schools and libraries.
[edit]Modern history
After the decline of major kingdoms, Kammas controlled large fertile areas in
Andhra Pradesh and
Tamil Nadu, as a legacy of their martial past. The
British recognized their prominence and made them village heads(Talari) also known as
Chowdary to collect taxes. The association of Kammas with the land and
agriculture is legendary. The martial prowess of Kammas was put to good use to tame the lands in modern times. There are many proverbs in
Telugu language which speak of the Kammas’ adeptness in agriculture and their emotional attachment to the soil.
For example:
- Kammavani Chetulu Kattinaa Nilavadu (Telugu: కమ్మవాని చేతులు కట్టినా నిలవడు) (Though you tie Kamma's hands he will not be quiet)
- Kammavaariki Bhumi Bhayapaduthundi (Telugu: కమ్మవారికి భూమి భయపడుతుంది ) (The earth fears Kammas)[70].
English historians like Edgar Thurston and noted agricultural scientists like M. S. Randhawa eulogized the spirit of Kamma farmers.
[71][72]. The emotional attachment of Kamma farmers to the land and soil was poignantly depicted by
Tripuraneni Gopichand in a short story
Mamakaram[73].
Construction of dams and barrages and establishment of an irrigation system in
Godavari and
Krishna riverdeltas by Sir
Arthur Cotton was a great boon to the Kamma farmers. Availability of water and the natural propensity for hard work made the Kammas wealthy and prosperous.
[74] The money was put to good use by establishing numerous schools and libraries and encouraging their children to take up modern education. Among all communities, Kammas were one of the first to take to education in large numbers.
[75]Over a period of 10 years, in
Guntur District alone, 130 High schools and hostels were established by their initiative. The
zamindars of Challapalli and Kapileswarapuram founded many schools and libraries. In the modern times, the pace of the growth in wealth accelerated due to their enterprise and notable achievements in business, real estate, farming, arts and movie industry, education, medicine, engineering, media and high technology.
[76]With the power of knowledge and education, a large number of Kammas have migrated to the
USA,
Canada,
Australia,
New Zealand etc. This migration is continuing in line with the many socio-cultural changes being experienced by the state of
Andhra Pradesh.
[edit]Distribution
In the state of
Andhra Pradesh, Kammas are predominantly found in
Guntur and
Krishna district, followed by
Prakasam and
KhammamDistricts. Significant numbers are also found in the districts of
West Godavari,
East Godavari,
Chittoor,
Nizamabad,
Hyderabad (India),
Rangareddy,
Anantapur and
Nellore;
Bellary and
Bangalore districts of
Karnataka; and
Chennai,
Madurai,
Coimbatore,
Tirunelveli,
Tuticorin,
Kovilpatti,
Virudhunagar,
Theni,
Dindigul,
North Arcot and
South Arcot districts of
Tamil Nadu.
[edit]Zamindaris
- Challapalli - Yarlagadda Clan
- Chintapalli/Amaravati - Vasireddy clan
- Kapileswarapuram - Sri Balusu clan
- Muktyala - Vasireddy clan
- Melkalathuru (Old Arcot Dt) - Bollina/Bollineni/Bollini Clan
- Ilayarasanendal (Tirunelvelli Dt) - Ravilla clan
- Neikarapatti (Dindugal Dt) – Pemmasani clan
[edit]Surnames
Several Kamma surnames that end with 'neni' denote the descent from an ancestor having the title 'Nayakudu/Nayudu/Nayuni'. For example, the surname 'Veeramachaneni' originated from 'Veeramacha Naidu'. Other surnames indicate the villages to which the persons originally belonged to. Kammas use different titles in different regions such as
Chowdary,
Naidu,
Rao,
Reddy and
Naicker. In
Tamil Nadu and Southern
Andhra Pradesh,
Naidu is commonly used.
Naicker title is used in the areas south of
Coimbatoredistricts. However,
Telugu speaking communities like
Kapu and
Velama also use the title "Naidu".
[edit]Sub-Divisions
According to the census of British India (1891) there were six divisions viz.,
Peda Kamma, Godachatu Kamma and
Illuvellani Kamma(Krishna, Guntur, Anantapur districts);
Bangaru Kamma (North Arcot);
Vaduga Kamma (Coimbatore) and
Kavali Kamma (Godavari districts)
[82]. In addition, divisions such as
Gandikota Kamma, Gampa Kamma and
Macha Kamma also exist. In modern times these divisions have all but vanished.
[edit]Politics
Kammas are politically active, in all the regions of
Andhra Pradesh and parts of
Tamil Nadu and
Karnataka.
B. Munuswamy Naidu was the first Chief Minister from the Justice Party with an agriculturist background and first Kamma Chief minister.During the twentieth century a number of leaders like Prof
N.G. Ranga, Paturi Rajagopala Naidu,
Kotha Raghuramaiah,
Gottipati Brahmaiah,
Moturu Hanumantha Rao and
Kalluri Chandramouli played prominent roles in the national freedom movement. Several Kammas were also attracted to leftist ideals and joined the
Communist Party. It was a strong political force in the state until the mid sixties. Many wealthy Kammas willingly relinquished their lands and actively worked for the land distribution reforms. This helped many landless individuals attain middle class status and brought about greater economic development of the state as a whole rather than to just one particular community. We are witnessing the benefits of this sacrifice now in the state as
Andhra Pradesh has developed into an economic hub. However, their affinity towards the
Communist party in the early days led them to lose political clout along with the diminished influence of the
Communist party throughout the world.
[edit]Crossroads
A large number of Kamma families have already transplanted themselves to urban centres in
India and abroad. Their enterprising nature and hard work created a class of ‘neo-rich’. In villages,
land reforms forced many Kammas to give away their lands to the government, to be donated to the poor and landless. Subsequently, land holdings got fragmented and presently most of the Kammas living in rural areas are small farmers. The vagaries of weather and a lack of good "support prices" made agriculture unremunerative. Loss of interest in agriculture coupled with the opportunities in urban areas have only exacerbated the situation.
