Koppula Velama

Koppula Velama or Koppu Velama is a Telugu caste found in Andhra Pradesh, India.^[2] They are primarily found in the Uttarandhra region with smaller populations in other districts of the state. They are classified under the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.^[3] They are politically well-represented in the Uttarandhra region.^[4]

Koppula Velama
Classification	Other Backward Classes
Religions	Hinduism[1]
Languages	Telugu
Populated states	Andhra Pradesh, Telangana

Etymology

The caste name possibly originated from the practice of their men not cutting their hair but tying it on their heads in the form of a knot, known in Telugu as Koppu (కొప్పు). Hence, they are named as Koppu Velama or Koppula Velama.^[2][5]

History

In 1972, the Government of Andhra Pradesh included the Koppula Velama community in the Backward Castes-D (BC-D) category due to their backwardness.^[6][7][8] But the community leaders resent the inclusion of new communities in BC-D category and demanded the state government to stop including any new communities in the list.^[6] Koppula Velama community is also seeking their inclusion in Backward Castes-A (BC-A) list of Andhra Pradesh government.^[9]

Koppu Velamas are a kindred group to Polinati Velama caste who are also present in Uttarandhra region.^[10][11][12]

Koppula Velamas hold key positions in erstwhile Visakahapatnam district along with Kapu and Gavara castes. These three castes are economically and numerically dominant in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts.^[13]

Notable People

• Puri Jagannadh^[14]
• Kinjarapu Yerran Naidu^[15][16][17]
• Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu^[14][18]
• Parasuram
• Shiva Nirvana