Telugu Brahmins
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Telugu Brahmins are members of the Indian Brahmin caste whose native language is Telugu. Most of them hail from the region of Andhra Pradesh, located in South India. Telugu Brahmins are known for their accomplishments in religious, social, economic, cultural, and scientific endeavors (especially software), but have less presence in politics.
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[edit] Origin
The earliest Brahmins who arrived in Andhra were most probably sage Viswamitra's students around 1200 BC.[citation needed] The Satavahana dynasty, founded by Srimukha (221-198 BC), ruled for five centuries and extended over Andhra and central India supported Brahminism and Vedic traditions. One of the most important features of the Satavahana dynasty was granting land to Brahmins. Sangam era Chera, Chola and Pandya kings in the deep south also used to grant land to Brahmins.
Brahmin families in Andhra Pradesh have been making an impact in the state for centuries. The Brahmin migration to the South has been featured in the legend of sage Agastya. The Vindhya mountain range in central India continued to grow in height, obstructed cloud movement causing drought. Sage Agastya decided to solve the problem and traveled south. The Vindhya mountain bowed to Agastya and the sage requested Vindhya to stay prostrated until he returns. Vindhya complied with this request and sage Agastya never returned to the north.
[edit] Groups
Most of the Brahmins in Andhra Pradesh belong to the Smarta Brahmin group, i.e., the followers of smritis and followers of Adi Sankaracharya. The Smarta Brahmins follow Apastamba Smriti or Apastamba Sutra not the Manusmriti. Apasthamba (~600 BC) was one of the earliest lawmakers of south India who lived on the banks of the River Godavari. Boudhayana, Parasara, Yajnvalkya sutras and other laws were also important in the courts of Srikrishnadevaraya. Smartha Brahmins are worshippers of Lord Shiva and various other Acharyas who have contributed to the spread of the faith. The Smaarta Brahmins in Andhra Pradesh can be grouped into two major divisions formed about 700-1000 years ago (most probably during Kakatiya rule), The Niyogi and Vaidiki.
[edit] Telugu Brahmin Kingdoms
- Satavahana
- Pallava ( Claim as Brahmins of Bharadwaja gotra )
- Salankayanas
- Brihatpalayana
[edit] Zamindars
- Polavaram. Polavaram was ruled by Kotcharlakota family.
- Lakkavaram. Ruled by the Mantripregada family.
- Aska Tripasuri/Tripasuru Family
- Gajjaram Estate and Divi Taluk ( until late 19th century)-Kandregula family
- Chilakaluripeta- Manur Rao/Rajamanuri family
