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Community of Telugu speaking Brahmins From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Telugu Brahmins[lower-alpha 1] are Telugu-speaking Brahmin communities native to the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.[1][2] They fall under the Pancha Dravida Brahmin classification of the Brahmin community in India. Telugu Brahmins are further divided into sections like Vaidiki, Niyogi, Deshastha, Dravida, Golkonda Vyapari among others.[3][4][5]
The Apastamba Dharmasutra is posited to have been composed in the region of modern-day Andhra Pradesh between the Godavari and Krishna rivers, but this is not certain.[6][7] It is dated to approximately 600-300 BCE,[8] and more narrowly to between 450 and 350 BCE.[9]
Telugu Brahmins fall under the Pancha Dravida Brahmin classification of the Brahmin community in India.[10] They are further divided into various sections based on their occupation, denomination, region etc.[4]
Sub-groups
Vaidiki (Velanati,Veginati, Telaganya, Mulukanadu), Niyogi (Aruvela, Pakanati, Prathamasaki etc.), Golkonda Vyapari, Deshastha and Dravida.[citation needed]
Denominational divisions
Smartha, Madhva, Vaikhanasa, Sri Vaishnava, Shaiva and Shakta.
A specific area of Vaidiki Telugu Brahmins have curated a specific style of classical dance called Kuchipudi- named after the village they are from. Around five-hundred families belonged to this village, and its classical dance form is referenced in Machupalli Kaifat of 1502. Mainly a male dominated dance field in its early stages, Kuchipudi was known for its dance dramas and lively depictions of characters.
Wedding rituals for Telugu Brahmins differ from others vastly. Although the beginning of the preparations remain similar, including Pelli Choopulu, Nischaya Tambulaalu, Wedding saree, and the custom of Eduru Sannaham. However, the differences start with the actual ceremonies themselves. In the olden days, the ceremonies would be performed at the bride's residence but have migrated to special wedding venues in recent times. Although other customs also differ, the biggest different would be the 'Kasi Yatra', which is when the sacred silver thread- from the threading ceremony does years prior- is wrapped around the groom, he adorns himself as a sanyasarama dharma, holding an umbrella an wooden sandals. He then proclaims he is not interested in the materialistic world and wishes to go into sainthood- otherwise known as 'Kasi Yatra'. As the groom is about to leave, it is the bride's brother who is supposed to convince the groom that the bride is waiting for him and it is the groom's responsibility to enter 'Grihastasrama'- marriage- before sainthood. In Hindu scriptures it explains the different levels of spirituality and the order of importance. However, it is a fun and playful, experience meant to unite both parties of the marriage with much laughter.[28]
Niyogi Brahmins served as village record keepers (karanams/Kombattulas), poets, and sometimes ministers. Deshastha Brahmins also served as village record keepers (karanams)[29] and many also served as high-level administrators and bureaucrats such as Deshmukhs, Sheristadars, Tehsildars, Deshpandes and Majumdars under Qutb Shahis of Golkonda and Nizams of Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.[30]
Niyogi Brahmins and Deshastha Brahmins also ruled Andhra Pradesh as zamindars. In Guntur district, one of the four major zamindars i.e., Chilakaluripet zamindari and Sattenapalle zamindari were ruled by Deshastha Brahmins, whose title was "Deshmukh",[31][32] The Polavaram zamindari of West Godavari district and Lakkavaram zamindari of Prakasam district were ruled by Niyogi Brahmins. Due to their secular occupations, marriage alliances between Deshastha Brahmins, Golkonda Vyapari Brahmins and Niyogi Brahmins was very common since centuries.[33][34] Vaidiki Brahmins and Dravidulu are priests and teachers.[35][36]
After the implementation of the Land Ceiling Reforms Act in 1973, Niyogi Brahmins and Deshastha Brahmins who had huge amounts of land lost their lands and properties as a result of this.[37] In 1983, after becoming Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. T. Rama Rao abolished Patel–Patwari system prevailing in Andhra Pradesh. As a result of this many Brahmins who had control over the villages as Karanams (revenue officers) lost their control over villages as well as many of their lands and properties.[38]
As per the 1931 census, Brahmins were about three percent in the region constituting present-day Andhra Pradesh (then part of Madras State).[39] According to a survey by Outlook India in 2003, Brahmins were estimated to be around 5% of United Andhra Pradesh population.[40][citation needed]
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