CommunityHistory behind the word REDDY
In the history of many races and castes got great regard for their remarkable services rendered services in education religion and literature and fine arts. One among such castes is 'Reddy'. No other word in India has got such a detailed and convincing history as the word 'Reddy'. Reddy's are farmers, they are Kings, they are Journalists, they are Poets, they are Patriots who stood in front row in the freedom fight, and they are Writers, Politicians. If you question your self what they are not? Answer will be they are everything and they are in every field. Several patriots from REDDY community caring very less for their properties and participated in freedom fight and lost their lives for the Independence of India. Eminent historians like Dr.Beryl and Dr.Mallampally Somasekhara Sharma proved on the basis of inscriptional evidence that The present word "REDDY" has traveled several thousands of years changing its name several times to reach the present day. It was RATTAGUDI in 7th Century and was RATTOTI in the years 894. It was RADDHODI And RATHOD, and RATTADI in 10th century. It has then changed its Communities name As RATTAJIKAMU in1100, RADRIKAMU in 1153, RADI in 1238, and RADDI, and then Finally Settled as "REDDY" Reddy's Population: Till now 36 branches among Reddy Community are located and identified. As per 1991census almost 12%(96lakhs) of Andhra Pradesh state comprises of Reddy's in Karnataka almost 6%(36 Lakhs), Tamilnadu 38 lakhs, Pondichery, Andaman and Nikobar it is 3,00,000. Remaining parts of India and world 10 lakhs. The Okkalinga community identifies itself with Reddy's who are almost 60 lakhs in the state. In this way there are 22.5 million Reddy's through out the world. It is estimated that there nearly 5,000 surnames in this community. But till now 1577 were located and collected. Reddy Kingdoms: Several historians researched to know the origin of the Reddy Community. Having read all the Literature one can come to a conclusion that the famous historian and researcher Mr.B.N.Shastry's writing could give us clear picture about it. Mr. Shastry in his book Reddy Rajya Sarwaswam revealed several interesting facts about Reddy community. Having studied several books one could be able to know that the existence of Reddy community was traced back to 11th and 12th Centuries. After the fall of Kakatiyas Reddys who were army commanders established their own kingdoms and built several dams and lakes for farming and drinking purpose, which still serve the purpose. They loved literature and fine arts. Prolaya Vema Reddy- (1324-1347) made Yerrapragada his court official where as Pedakomati Vema Reddy (1402-1420) appointed Sreenatha as Poet Laureate Though some historians have reservations without any doubts Reddy's were Rajputs. There is concrete evidence for these claim Rashtrakutas are Simhadwaja Lanchanulu. Pedakomati Vema Reddy also had the same Lanchanam. There are authentic proofs that Reddy community has marital relationship with Kshatriy's (Kings). Mahamuni Kavya Kantha Ganapathi Shastry who wrote the fore word for Mr.Shastry's book Reddy Rajya Sarvaswam mentioned this very clearly. Bheema Raju son of Bhakthiswara Choda who belongs to Surya Vamsha Karikala Choda Vamsha married his daughter Vemabika to Allada Reddy who was residing in Raja Mahendra Varam (Now called as Rajahmundry). This was according to the research of the history said to be the 1st marriage between Reddy and Kshatriya Communities. There are proofs that Kind Dantuluri Ganna Bhoopal gave away his daughter Surambika to Ana Vema Reddy who ruled Addanki, Dharanikota, Kondaveedu in the marriage. The history also tells us that the very famous King among Chandra Vamsha Kings Harihara Deva Rayadu married his daughter Hariharamba to Kataya Vema Reddy. All these things prove that Reddy's are kings.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Reddys role in Politics
PoliticsReddys role in Politics
Historically, Reddys dominated the politics of the south India and are the most powerful caste in wealth and are highly educated. Interestingly, the sixth President of India, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy and some of the chief ministers of the State of Andhra Pradesh and many Notable Reddy personalities come from Middle class and very poor families . Dr. Bejawada Gopalareddy served as the chief minister of Andhra State from March, 1955 to October, 1956. Ten of the twenty[3] elected Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh including the present chief minister of Andhra Pradesh Dr. Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy are from the Reddy community. Sixth President of India, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy who was in office from 1977 to 1982 is also from the Reddy community. Even though the population of Reddys is 11% in the state of Andhra Pradesh they occupy 40% of the state legislative assembly seats (MLA) and had played a vital role in the social and economic development of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Situation is changing from the last ten years because of the rise of reservations at every level and more and more people are opposing the reddy dominations. If the same trend continues it is very hard to have many reddy politicicians in the coming days. The community is very devided bacuse of the many sub castes and even religions. for example out of the Five chief ministers of Andhra pradesh four belonged to Christian religion and they are YSR, Janardhan Reddy and Kasu brahmananda reddy .Chenna reddy belonged to the kapu community and Anjaiah belonged to the Gone sub caste.Neelam Sanjiva reddy bolonged to pakanati.Motati and Gudati are yet become chief misisters though they are more popular compared to others as they always fight with the other. Reddys have played a significant role in Andhra politics and a vital role in the social and economic development of the state. They were one of the first non-Brahmin communities to actively participate in the new democracy. The population of Reddys is 6% to 7% in Andhra Pradesh but at one time they occupied up to 40% of the state legislative assembly seats (MLA). Out of the five Reddy chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, one was of the Gudati sub-caste (Chenna Reddy), and one was of the Gone sub-caste (Anjaiah Reddy). Neelam Sanjiva Reddy belonged to Pakanati group. Sanjeeva Reddy wrote his caste as Kapu reddy. The term Reddy comes from "Redu" which is a village term (Vikruthi) of "Raju" means King in telugu. Their percentage of seats occupied has been decreasing because of the many sub-castes and varying religious affiliations that divides the Reddy community and because more and more communities as getting involved because of reservations. In AP Indira Gandhi succeeded in removing the dominant leader (Kasu Brahmaananda Reddy, of the Reddy caste) and replaced him with Narasimha Rao, a Brahmin compromise candidate with no independent electoral base (Srinivasulu 1999). Rao sought to strengthen his position by forming an alliance outside of the Reddy and Kamma groups (Reddy 1990; Vakil 1990). This strategy received the high command's support in the larger, national game of securing Indira Gandhi's dominance by sidelining the dominant castes trying to destabilize her (represented, for instance, by the Syndicate, of which the Reddy leader Sanjeeva Reddy was a part). For instance, Bernstor (1973) wrote an article entitled “The Eclipse of Reddy Raj?â€Â. Randa (1972) notes that 60% of Congress tickets in the 1972 state elections were given to women, backward classes, SCs, STs, youth, and labor, and a third of the sitting members of the Andhra Assembly were retired. In Rao's 26-member ministry, there were only 9 dominant castes (Brahmins, Reddys, and Kammas). Srinivasulu (1999) writes: “In pursuit of his political survival in the political context dominated by the Reddy, Kamma castes , Rao sought to forge a social bloc consisting of backward castes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minorities by giving them political berths in the Cabinet, greater representation to this bloc, and reducing the Reddy preponderance in the 1972 assembly election. Corresponding to this, measures like the AP Land Ceiling Act of 1972 and the launching of anti-poverty programs, more than their reactive implementation played a catalytic role in furthering the social polarization within the Congress. While on the one hand it led to the closing up of ranks among the landed gentry, it contributed in a significant way to the rise of awareness among the backward communities on the other.â€Â
Historically, Reddys dominated the politics of the south India and are the most powerful caste in wealth and are highly educated. Interestingly, the sixth President of India, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy and some of the chief ministers of the State of Andhra Pradesh and many Notable Reddy personalities come from Middle class and very poor families . Dr. Bejawada Gopalareddy served as the chief minister of Andhra State from March, 1955 to October, 1956. Ten of the twenty[3] elected Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh including the present chief minister of Andhra Pradesh Dr. Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy are from the Reddy community. Sixth President of India, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy who was in office from 1977 to 1982 is also from the Reddy community. Even though the population of Reddys is 11% in the state of Andhra Pradesh they occupy 40% of the state legislative assembly seats (MLA) and had played a vital role in the social and economic development of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Situation is changing from the last ten years because of the rise of reservations at every level and more and more people are opposing the reddy dominations. If the same trend continues it is very hard to have many reddy politicicians in the coming days. The community is very devided bacuse of the many sub castes and even religions. for example out of the Five chief ministers of Andhra pradesh four belonged to Christian religion and they are YSR, Janardhan Reddy and Kasu brahmananda reddy .Chenna reddy belonged to the kapu community and Anjaiah belonged to the Gone sub caste.Neelam Sanjiva reddy bolonged to pakanati.Motati and Gudati are yet become chief misisters though they are more popular compared to others as they always fight with the other. Reddys have played a significant role in Andhra politics and a vital role in the social and economic development of the state. They were one of the first non-Brahmin communities to actively participate in the new democracy. The population of Reddys is 6% to 7% in Andhra Pradesh but at one time they occupied up to 40% of the state legislative assembly seats (MLA). Out of the five Reddy chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, one was of the Gudati sub-caste (Chenna Reddy), and one was of the Gone sub-caste (Anjaiah Reddy). Neelam Sanjiva Reddy belonged to Pakanati group. Sanjeeva Reddy wrote his caste as Kapu reddy. The term Reddy comes from "Redu" which is a village term (Vikruthi) of "Raju" means King in telugu. Their percentage of seats occupied has been decreasing because of the many sub-castes and varying religious affiliations that divides the Reddy community and because more and more communities as getting involved because of reservations. In AP Indira Gandhi succeeded in removing the dominant leader (Kasu Brahmaananda Reddy, of the Reddy caste) and replaced him with Narasimha Rao, a Brahmin compromise candidate with no independent electoral base (Srinivasulu 1999). Rao sought to strengthen his position by forming an alliance outside of the Reddy and Kamma groups (Reddy 1990; Vakil 1990). This strategy received the high command's support in the larger, national game of securing Indira Gandhi's dominance by sidelining the dominant castes trying to destabilize her (represented, for instance, by the Syndicate, of which the Reddy leader Sanjeeva Reddy was a part). For instance, Bernstor (1973) wrote an article entitled “The Eclipse of Reddy Raj?â€Â. Randa (1972) notes that 60% of Congress tickets in the 1972 state elections were given to women, backward classes, SCs, STs, youth, and labor, and a third of the sitting members of the Andhra Assembly were retired. In Rao's 26-member ministry, there were only 9 dominant castes (Brahmins, Reddys, and Kammas). Srinivasulu (1999) writes: “In pursuit of his political survival in the political context dominated by the Reddy, Kamma castes , Rao sought to forge a social bloc consisting of backward castes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minorities by giving them political berths in the Cabinet, greater representation to this bloc, and reducing the Reddy preponderance in the 1972 assembly election. Corresponding to this, measures like the AP Land Ceiling Act of 1972 and the launching of anti-poverty programs, more than their reactive implementation played a catalytic role in furthering the social polarization within the Congress. While on the one hand it led to the closing up of ranks among the landed gentry, it contributed in a significant way to the rise of awareness among the backward communities on the other.â€Â
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
REDDY COMMUNITY
The largest single community grouping in Andhra Pradesh today is of the Reddi community. The name is also written in India in roman characters as Reddy. (No connection to irish reddys).They are found all over Andhra Pradesh and the neighbouring states. In Andhra Pradesh, the Reddis are considered traditional village headmen. The duties of headmen included the collection of tax, guarding the village and basically representing the village in dealing with outsiders or even the government. Physically they are very well built and strong, 'solid farmer stock' according to some english observers, and they retain a residual military -aristocratic tradition. (In short they are upper caste). Several members of the community are very wealthy landowners and businessmen, but most are small farmers. In most areas of Andhra Pradesh, in the small villages it is the Reddi who speaks authoritatively on behalf of the village: they are the traditional "leaders" of the village. But this is changing fast. Younger members are losing interest in living in rural areas and striking out to work in towns ...even to the USA.
There are various sects/clans among the reddis. The ones I could get some details about are the Panta reddis, including the Velanadu , Paakanadu and Motati Reddis ( these are old geographical areas) i.e. the Krishna-Guntur , Nellore and Chittoor Reddis and upland area. In Telangana there are the the Keti Reddis, There are other subdivisions but I am still collecting information.
According to manu, the four varna grouping (loosely called caste) brahman-kshatriya-vaisya-sudra are all aryan. They differ in their duties, rights etc but are ALL 100% arya according to manu. (the rest of you fallen aryans dont figure ;-)
Roots of the Reddis:
The Reddis do not constitute a ethnic group, really. There are several strands which go to make the Reddis of today. They appear to be basically Deccan plateau inhabitants, which includes Maharashtra, karnataka and Andhra of today. Another point to note, in several areas the term Reddi was treated as a sort of title for anyone who was appointed as village headman. Usually this meant a soldier, who got along fine with the other headmen. Gradually the descendants would be absorbed into the larger Reddi grouping.
The earliest reference we have to anyone resembling the Reddis are the Rathis and the Maha rathis before 200 BC. These kings ruled over small principalities in the Deccan plateau area of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra before the Satavahanas and mauryas. They have left coins in northern Andhra Pradesh, also in Kurnool district, and near Pune etc. The coins are found in the levels between the megalithic and satavahana levels in excavations. The term Rathi might refer to "one riding a chariot" (Ratha=horse drawn chariot in prakrit and old sanskrit). A grander Rathi king might be called Maha rathi. Actually this "Rathi" can be traced directly to the people riding horse drawn chariot during the time of the rgveda and avesta ( 'rathaesthar' in avestan), but I dont have any specific evidence linking today's Reddis so far back in time. Could be some connection, of course.
Some scholars trace "ratthi" to mauryan governor title raTThi ~rashtri. But I don't think so: in that case you'd expect to see these names elsewhere in the Mauryan empire, not just in west India. And those who want more speculation and still older connections, try this--there was a region to the west of India called ARATTA. Maybe this later became m'aratta and ratta and reddi eventually.
The Satavahanas intermarried with the maharathis. Sri Satakarni married Naaganika Devi, daughter of a maha rathi.(221 -198 BC). The Satavahanas ruled over Malwa Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat as well and clashed with the Sakas -Pahlavas (scythians and pallavas) but eventually intermarried with them. The Deccan was covered with thick forests, only scattered areas were under agriculture, and that too likely slash and burn primitive agriculture. Castes and communities were still forming. Even feudalism hadn't really developed in those days, the tribal structure was slowly dissolving with the influence of Buddhism. So one shouldn't take the caste thing too seriously.
The next prominent mention of the Reddis seems to be during the rise of the Rashtrakutas. The Reddis are also called raTThi, raddi and raTTodi in old inscriptions dating back to the 9th century. The Rashtrakuta soldiers were among the elite troops of the Badami Chalukyas: they founded an empire after the Badami chalukyas faded from the scene. The Rashtrakutas expanded from their native Deccan plateau all the way to Kannauj. Over a century or so, they expelled the Gurjara pratiharas from Ujjain, then Gujarat and further attacked them in Kannauj. A section of the Rashtrakutas later became the well known rathodis, who later are found as one of the Rajput clans. Incidentally the famous Pramaras also are descended from the deccan Rashtrakutas.
After the Rashtrakuta empire faded away we find interesting inscriptions of the succeeding Kalyani Chalukyas in Andhra Pradesh, where Reddis are mentioned (900 AD). They were soldiers appointed as headmen of villages in Medak district by the kalyani Chalukyas. I've put a pic and rough translation of the inscription, see link below for more details.
The Reddis in the Telangana region were active in the kakatiya kingdom. (AD 1000-1223). They were knights and barons and subordinate kings who ruled regions, in turn they had to pay taxes/ a part of the plunder and organise troops for campaigns. Several large dams and lakes and large sized wells were constructed by the reddis of the time, and they still serve their purpose as planned a thousand years ago.
After the kakatiya kingdom broke up, many Reddis migrated to coastal Andhra---Addanki and Kondaveedu, and later Rajahmundry on the Godavari and founded their own independent kingdoms which flourished between 1325-1448 AD. Komati Prolaya Vemareddy , son of Komati Prola reddy founded this kingdom . There are foolish elaborate explanations of why the name Komdi or Komati was their surname (apart from silly fake legends, there is an attempt to discover some "jain goddess".)
One actual very simple reason, which sems to have escaped scholars, is Komdi or Komda is a name of a tribal deity Kumara, Kumra, Kartikeya, Mayura, Mora, Velan, Murugan--- the warlike son of Siva. A merchant community called komati also is derived from this ancient name, while they have very little to do with reddis. There is one more derivation --from Kumuda , Khumdi, Cimmerian which also rings true.
While the area and extent may not have been large, these Reddi Raja states are historically significant because Telugu literature got a strong impetus. Vemareddi has left many inscriptions, the well preserved ones detailing the repairs he made to temples like Srisailam and Ahobilam and Drakshaaram.
During the Vijayanagar empire (roughly 1300 -1600 AD) too they were prominent especially in Rayalseema, where they became independent zamindars or landholders and were constantly engaged in clan feuding. (the feuds continue to this day). The Rayalseema reddis are closely related to the landlord Gowdas of karnataka and the Reddiars of Tamilnad. There are also a few Reddi principalities which managed to survive independently between large warring states, in Mahabubnagar district (Old Palamoor) like Gadwal and Wanaparthi. The Reddis around these areas have a tradition they are descended from ancient Chalukya ancestors.
Reddis are also prominent in Nellore and Chittoor district also. ---(some claim they are descended from pallava ancestors, but proof is lacking). In these areas, during British times they often visited closeby Madras, took to modern education in the Madras presidency, and also joined the military.
In the Golkonda region, all during the Turkish rule and recent Nizams too , the Reddis continued to be headmen, village policemen and tax collectors and farmers. The larger Reddi landlords were styled as Desais and Doras. ( and continued their bitter nine-hundred year old rivalry with the Velamas, another feudal clan. This rivalry also exists to this day in rural areas). Several Reddis were noblemen during the Nizams time, too.
There does not seem to be any ethnic /social connection between the plains Reddis and the tribal Kondareddi of the Godavari hills.
The Reddis of all the various regions mentioned have different traditions and notions and do not seem to have very much in common with each other : they have more in common with other communities of their regions. Given the background one would expect they are all feudal reactionary upper caste bigots : not so, they were prominent in reform activities too. In medieval times they were enthusisatic backers of Saivite and Vaishnavite reform movements too. In south coastal areas --guntur, for instance--- reddis intermarried with Brahmins and others under the influence of saivite reformers. In Telangana area they used to wed girls from other communities but the offspring wouldn't bear the clan name. In north Andhra Pradesh, during the communist-led Telangana people's movement against the feudal Nizam state in the 1940's, there were many comrades from a Reddy background. Eventually, a large number of Reddis went into business especially construction and films and have made a name for themselves in the field. --Nagi reddi , etc. Don't forget Kalabandhu Subbiramireddy. In recent times they are prominent in the world pharmaceutical industry too, like Dr Anji Reddy. Dr. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was a President of India. (etc etc, many others too long to list. Generally they are embarrassed if listed.)
Taken as a whole, they are healthy, strong, cheerful, generally smiling, broadminded, and impulsively generous. They are somewhat conservative, but not really clannish: managing soldiers or running a village or district or kingdom efficiently means you have to take along everybody with you: the feudal man management skills honed over the centuries are still useful.
Socially overall, it appears today their outlook or watchword is " status quo" or 'slow gradual change is best'. Womenfolk are not as independent minded as in some other communities. In politics they are usually backers of the Congress : they were not well represented in the Telugu Desam party which was in power until recently. Now, the Reddis are back with a bang.
While the older generation of Reddis had a feeling for the "land" and flair for farming, and leadership of the villages, nowadays there is a rapid change in rural areas: the younger Reddis are losing interest in rural life (not just farming, but the ramifications like district politics) and migrating to the cities, becoming urban professionals and businessmen. Most younger Reddis I recently asked expressed distaste for living much longer in their villages (?--I think this is due to the social churning going on at a very rapid pace all over India currently, and what they perceive as loss of positions of respect and privilege. They said they would rather live in medium sized towns or cities..or even abroad). Fairly large numbers have migrated to the USA. They are prominent in Telugu organisations in the USA. Australia and NZ also seem to be attracting Reddis.
The largest single community grouping in Andhra Pradesh today is of the Reddi community. The name is also written in India in roman characters as Reddy. (No connection to irish reddys).They are found all over Andhra Pradesh and the neighbouring states. In Andhra Pradesh, the Reddis are considered traditional village headmen. The duties of headmen included the collection of tax, guarding the village and basically representing the village in dealing with outsiders or even the government. Physically they are very well built and strong, 'solid farmer stock' according to some english observers, and they retain a residual military -aristocratic tradition. (In short they are upper caste). Several members of the community are very wealthy landowners and businessmen, but most are small farmers. In most areas of Andhra Pradesh, in the small villages it is the Reddi who speaks authoritatively on behalf of the village: they are the traditional "leaders" of the village. But this is changing fast. Younger members are losing interest in living in rural areas and striking out to work in towns ...even to the USA.
There are various sects/clans among the reddis. The ones I could get some details about are the Panta reddis, including the Velanadu , Paakanadu and Motati Reddis ( these are old geographical areas) i.e. the Krishna-Guntur , Nellore and Chittoor Reddis and upland area. In Telangana there are the the Keti Reddis, There are other subdivisions but I am still collecting information.
According to manu, the four varna grouping (loosely called caste) brahman-kshatriya-vaisya-sudra are all aryan. They differ in their duties, rights etc but are ALL 100% arya according to manu. (the rest of you fallen aryans dont figure ;-)
Roots of the Reddis:
The Reddis do not constitute a ethnic group, really. There are several strands which go to make the Reddis of today. They appear to be basically Deccan plateau inhabitants, which includes Maharashtra, karnataka and Andhra of today. Another point to note, in several areas the term Reddi was treated as a sort of title for anyone who was appointed as village headman. Usually this meant a soldier, who got along fine with the other headmen. Gradually the descendants would be absorbed into the larger Reddi grouping.
The earliest reference we have to anyone resembling the Reddis are the Rathis and the Maha rathis before 200 BC. These kings ruled over small principalities in the Deccan plateau area of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra before the Satavahanas and mauryas. They have left coins in northern Andhra Pradesh, also in Kurnool district, and near Pune etc. The coins are found in the levels between the megalithic and satavahana levels in excavations. The term Rathi might refer to "one riding a chariot" (Ratha=horse drawn chariot in prakrit and old sanskrit). A grander Rathi king might be called Maha rathi. Actually this "Rathi" can be traced directly to the people riding horse drawn chariot during the time of the rgveda and avesta ( 'rathaesthar' in avestan), but I dont have any specific evidence linking today's Reddis so far back in time. Could be some connection, of course.
Some scholars trace "ratthi" to mauryan governor title raTThi ~rashtri. But I don't think so: in that case you'd expect to see these names elsewhere in the Mauryan empire, not just in west India. And those who want more speculation and still older connections, try this--there was a region to the west of India called ARATTA. Maybe this later became m'aratta and ratta and reddi eventually.
The Satavahanas intermarried with the maharathis. Sri Satakarni married Naaganika Devi, daughter of a maha rathi.(221 -198 BC). The Satavahanas ruled over Malwa Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat as well and clashed with the Sakas -Pahlavas (scythians and pallavas) but eventually intermarried with them. The Deccan was covered with thick forests, only scattered areas were under agriculture, and that too likely slash and burn primitive agriculture. Castes and communities were still forming. Even feudalism hadn't really developed in those days, the tribal structure was slowly dissolving with the influence of Buddhism. So one shouldn't take the caste thing too seriously.
The next prominent mention of the Reddis seems to be during the rise of the Rashtrakutas. The Reddis are also called raTThi, raddi and raTTodi in old inscriptions dating back to the 9th century. The Rashtrakuta soldiers were among the elite troops of the Badami Chalukyas: they founded an empire after the Badami chalukyas faded from the scene. The Rashtrakutas expanded from their native Deccan plateau all the way to Kannauj. Over a century or so, they expelled the Gurjara pratiharas from Ujjain, then Gujarat and further attacked them in Kannauj. A section of the Rashtrakutas later became the well known rathodis, who later are found as one of the Rajput clans. Incidentally the famous Pramaras also are descended from the deccan Rashtrakutas.
After the Rashtrakuta empire faded away we find interesting inscriptions of the succeeding Kalyani Chalukyas in Andhra Pradesh, where Reddis are mentioned (900 AD). They were soldiers appointed as headmen of villages in Medak district by the kalyani Chalukyas. I've put a pic and rough translation of the inscription, see link below for more details.
The Reddis in the Telangana region were active in the kakatiya kingdom. (AD 1000-1223). They were knights and barons and subordinate kings who ruled regions, in turn they had to pay taxes/ a part of the plunder and organise troops for campaigns. Several large dams and lakes and large sized wells were constructed by the reddis of the time, and they still serve their purpose as planned a thousand years ago.
After the kakatiya kingdom broke up, many Reddis migrated to coastal Andhra---Addanki and Kondaveedu, and later Rajahmundry on the Godavari and founded their own independent kingdoms which flourished between 1325-1448 AD. Komati Prolaya Vemareddy , son of Komati Prola reddy founded this kingdom . There are foolish elaborate explanations of why the name Komdi or Komati was their surname (apart from silly fake legends, there is an attempt to discover some "jain goddess".)
One actual very simple reason, which sems to have escaped scholars, is Komdi or Komda is a name of a tribal deity Kumara, Kumra, Kartikeya, Mayura, Mora, Velan, Murugan--- the warlike son of Siva. A merchant community called komati also is derived from this ancient name, while they have very little to do with reddis. There is one more derivation --from Kumuda , Khumdi, Cimmerian which also rings true.
While the area and extent may not have been large, these Reddi Raja states are historically significant because Telugu literature got a strong impetus. Vemareddi has left many inscriptions, the well preserved ones detailing the repairs he made to temples like Srisailam and Ahobilam and Drakshaaram.
During the Vijayanagar empire (roughly 1300 -1600 AD) too they were prominent especially in Rayalseema, where they became independent zamindars or landholders and were constantly engaged in clan feuding. (the feuds continue to this day). The Rayalseema reddis are closely related to the landlord Gowdas of karnataka and the Reddiars of Tamilnad. There are also a few Reddi principalities which managed to survive independently between large warring states, in Mahabubnagar district (Old Palamoor) like Gadwal and Wanaparthi. The Reddis around these areas have a tradition they are descended from ancient Chalukya ancestors.
Reddis are also prominent in Nellore and Chittoor district also. ---(some claim they are descended from pallava ancestors, but proof is lacking). In these areas, during British times they often visited closeby Madras, took to modern education in the Madras presidency, and also joined the military.
In the Golkonda region, all during the Turkish rule and recent Nizams too , the Reddis continued to be headmen, village policemen and tax collectors and farmers. The larger Reddi landlords were styled as Desais and Doras. ( and continued their bitter nine-hundred year old rivalry with the Velamas, another feudal clan. This rivalry also exists to this day in rural areas). Several Reddis were noblemen during the Nizams time, too.
There does not seem to be any ethnic /social connection between the plains Reddis and the tribal Kondareddi of the Godavari hills.
The Reddis of all the various regions mentioned have different traditions and notions and do not seem to have very much in common with each other : they have more in common with other communities of their regions. Given the background one would expect they are all feudal reactionary upper caste bigots : not so, they were prominent in reform activities too. In medieval times they were enthusisatic backers of Saivite and Vaishnavite reform movements too. In south coastal areas --guntur, for instance--- reddis intermarried with Brahmins and others under the influence of saivite reformers. In Telangana area they used to wed girls from other communities but the offspring wouldn't bear the clan name. In north Andhra Pradesh, during the communist-led Telangana people's movement against the feudal Nizam state in the 1940's, there were many comrades from a Reddy background. Eventually, a large number of Reddis went into business especially construction and films and have made a name for themselves in the field. --Nagi reddi , etc. Don't forget Kalabandhu Subbiramireddy. In recent times they are prominent in the world pharmaceutical industry too, like Dr Anji Reddy. Dr. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was a President of India. (etc etc, many others too long to list. Generally they are embarrassed if listed.)
Taken as a whole, they are healthy, strong, cheerful, generally smiling, broadminded, and impulsively generous. They are somewhat conservative, but not really clannish: managing soldiers or running a village or district or kingdom efficiently means you have to take along everybody with you: the feudal man management skills honed over the centuries are still useful.
Socially overall, it appears today their outlook or watchword is " status quo" or 'slow gradual change is best'. Womenfolk are not as independent minded as in some other communities. In politics they are usually backers of the Congress : they were not well represented in the Telugu Desam party which was in power until recently. Now, the Reddis are back with a bang.
While the older generation of Reddis had a feeling for the "land" and flair for farming, and leadership of the villages, nowadays there is a rapid change in rural areas: the younger Reddis are losing interest in rural life (not just farming, but the ramifications like district politics) and migrating to the cities, becoming urban professionals and businessmen. Most younger Reddis I recently asked expressed distaste for living much longer in their villages (?--I think this is due to the social churning going on at a very rapid pace all over India currently, and what they perceive as loss of positions of respect and privilege. They said they would rather live in medium sized towns or cities..or even abroad). Fairly large numbers have migrated to the USA. They are prominent in Telugu organisations in the USA. Australia and NZ also seem to be attracting Reddis.
History of Reddys
Reddy is the name of a socio-economically and politically dominant caste found in Southern India. Reddy caste has this great history and the various people from this cast has helped people in large way throughout the ages. The largest single community grouping in Andhra Pradesh today is of the Reddi community. The name is also written in English as Reddy.
Reddy community found all over Andhra Pradesh and the neighboring states Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. In Andhra Pradesh, the Reddy’s are considered traditional village headmen. The duties of headmen included the collection of tax, guarding the village and basically representing the village in dealing with outsiders or even the government. Physically they are very well built and strong, 'solid farmer stock' according to some english observers, and they retain a residual military -aristocratic tradition.
Several members of the community are very wealthy landowners and businesmen. Reddys regard Andhra Pradesh as their homeland and telugu is their mother tongue. It was in reddies kingdom Telugu language developed. However they form an intricate part of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharastra society as well and are proficient in those languages too. Many Reddys migrated to tamilnadu centuries ago and have formed a distinct community that is completely incorporated into andhra culture and doesn't necessarily feel a closer affinity to their Andhra cousins.
In most areas of Andhra Pradesh, in the small villages it is the Reddy who speaks authoritatively on behalf of the village: they are the traditional “leaders” of the village. But this is changing fast. Younger members are losing interest in living in rural areas and striking out to work in towns …even to the USA.
There are various sects/clans among the reddis. The ones I could get some details about are the Panta reddis, including the Velanadu , Paakanadu and Motati Reddys ( these are old geographical areas) i.e. the Krishna-Guntur , Nellore and Chittoor Reddis and upland area. In Telangana there are the the Keti Reddis, There are other subdivisions but I am still collecting information.
Roots of the Reddis:The Reddis do not constitute a ethnic group, really. There are several strands which go to make the Reddis of today. They appear to be basically Deccan plateau inhabitants, which includes Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra. Another point to note, in several areas the term Reddi was treated as a sort of title for anyone who was appointed as village headman. Usually this meant a soldier, who got along fine with the other headmen. Gradually the descendants would be absorbed into the larger Reddi grouping.
The earliest reference we have to anyone resembling the Reddis are the Rathis and the Maha rathis before 200 BC. These kings ruled over small principalities in the Deccan plateau area of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra before the Satavahanas and mauryas. They have left coins in northern Andhra Pradesh, also in Kurnool district, and near Pune etc. The coins are found in the levels between the megalithic and satavahana levels in excavations. The term Rathi might refer to "one riding a chariot" (Ratha=horse drawn chariot in prakrit and old sanskrit). A grander Rathi king might be called Maha rathi. Actually this "Rathi" can be traced directly to the people riding horse drawn chariot during the time of the rgveda and avesta ( 'rathaesthar' in avestan), but I dont have any specific evidence linking today's Reddis so far back in time. Could be some connection, of course.
The Satavahanas intermarried with the maharathis. Sri Satakarni married Naaganika Devi, daughter of a maha rathi.(221 -198 BC). The Satavahanas ruled over Malwa and parts of Gujarat as well and clashed with the Sakas -Pahlavas (scythians and pallavas) but eventually intermarried with them. The Deccan was covered with thick forests, only scattered areas were under agriculture, and that too likely slash and burn primitive agriculture. Castes and communities were still forming. Even feudalism hadn't really developed in those days, the tribal structure was slowly dissolving with the influence of Buddhism. So one shouldn't take the caste thing too seriously.
The Reddis in the Telangana region were active in the kakatiya kingdom. (AD 1000-1223). They were knights and barons and subordinate kings who ruled regions, in turn they had to pay taxes/ a part of the plunder and organise troops for campaigns. Several large dams and lakes and large sized wells were constructed by the reddis of the time, and they still serve their purpose as planned a thousand years ago.
After the kakatiya kingdom broke up, many Reddis migrated to coastal Andhra---Addanki and Kondaveedu, and later Rajahmundry on the Godavari and founded their own independent kingdoms which flourished between 1325-1448 AD. Komati Prolaya Vemareddy , son of Komati Prola reddy founded this kingdom . There are foolish elaborate explanations of why the name Komdi or Komati was their surname (apart from silly fake legends, there is an attempt to discover some "Jain goddess").
One actual very simple reason, which seems to have escaped scholars, is Komdi or Komda is a name of a tribal deity Kumara, Kumra, Kartikeya, Mayura, Mora, Velan, Murugan--- the warlike son of Siva. A merchant community called komati also is derived from this ancient name, while they have very little to do with reddis. There is one more derivation --from Kumuda , Khumdi, Cimmerian which also rings true.
While the area and extent may not have been large, these Reddi Raja states are historically significant because Telugu literature got a strong impetus. Vemareddi has left many inscriptions, the well preserved ones detailing the repairs he made to temples like Srisailam and Ahobilam and Drakshaaram.
During the Vijayanagar empire (roughly 1300 -1600 AD) too they were prominent especially in Rayalseema, where they became independent zamindars or landholders and were constantly engaged in clan feuding. (the feuds continue to this day). The Rayalseema reddis are closely related to the landlord Gowdas of karnataka and the Reddiars of Tamilnadu. There are also a few Reddi principalities which managed to survive independently between large warring states, in Mahabubnagar district (Old Palamoor) like Gadwal and Wanaparthi. The Reddis around these areas have a tradition they are descended from ancient Chalukya ancestors.
Reddis are also prominent in Nellore and Chittoor district also. ---(some claim they are descended from pallava ancestors, but proof is lacking). In these areas, during British times they often visited closeby Madras, took to modern education in the Madras presidency, and also joined the military.
In the Golkonda region, all during the Turkish rule and recent Nizams too , the Reddis continued to be headmen, village policemen and tax collectors and farmers. The larger Reddi landlords were styled as Desais and Doras. (and continued their bitter nine-hundred year old rivalry with the Velamas, another feudal clan. This rivalry also exists to this day in rural areas). Several Reddis were noblemen during the Nizams time, too.
The Reddis of all the various regions mentioned have different traditions and notions and do not seem to have very much in common with each other : they have more in common with other communities of their regions. Given the background one would expect they are all feudal reactionary upper caste bigots : not so, they were prominent in reform activities too. In medieval times they were enthusiastic backers of Saivite and Vaishnavite reform movements too. In south coastal areas --guntur, for instance--- reddis intermarried with Brahmins and others under the influence of saivite reformers. In Telangana area they used to wed girls from other communities but the offspring wouldn't bear the clan name. In north Andhra Pradesh, during the communist-led Telangana people's movement against the feudal Nizam state in the 1940's, there were many comrades from a Reddy background. Eventually, a large number of Reddis went into business especially construction and films and have made a name for themselves in the field. --Nagi reddi , etc. Don't forget Kalabandhu Subbiramireddy. In recent times they are prominent in the world pharmaceutical industry too, like Dr Anji Reddy. Dr. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was a President of India. (etc etc, many others too long to list. Generally they are embarrassed if listed).
While the older generation of Reddis had a feeling for the "land" and flair for farming, and leadership of the villages, nowadays there is a rapid change in rural areas: the younger Reddis are losing interest in rural life (not just farming, but the ramifications like district politics) and migrating to the cities, becoming urban professionals and businessmen. Fairly large numbers have migrated to the USA. They are prominent in Telugu organizations in the USA. Australia and NZ also seem to be attracting Reddis.
OriginRegarding the origin of the term and specific caste there are various theories:
The oral traditions of Reddys state (first Reddy is a charioteer who impressed the king with his courage in the battle and own some lands) that Reddy is a corruption of Ratti meaning chariot or charioteer and their ancestors were charioteers for the Rashtrakutas. The Reddys may have been early practitioners of agriculture and farming. "Reddy" is derived from the Telugu word "redu" which means farm land. Some linguists surmised the word Reddy originated from the medieval term Rattodu, which is derived from Rashtrakutudu. The Rashtrakutas employed wealthy local farmers to head villages and collect taxes in the empire and conferred the title of Reddy. The usage of the word Reddy specifically was first seen in the inscriptions made during the Renati Chola times (7th century CE)).
Another theory relates the Reddies to the Rathis, who ruled over small principalities in the Deccan plateau before 200 BCE and before the Satavahanas and Mauryas. The Rathis left coins in northern Andhra Pradesh, Kurnool district, and near Pune. The coins are found in the levels between the megalithic and Satavahana levels in excavations.
Reddy is the name of a socio-economically and politically dominant caste found in Southern India. Reddy caste has this great history and the various people from this cast has helped people in large way throughout the ages. The largest single community grouping in Andhra Pradesh today is of the Reddi community. The name is also written in English as Reddy.
Reddy community found all over Andhra Pradesh and the neighboring states Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. In Andhra Pradesh, the Reddy’s are considered traditional village headmen. The duties of headmen included the collection of tax, guarding the village and basically representing the village in dealing with outsiders or even the government. Physically they are very well built and strong, 'solid farmer stock' according to some english observers, and they retain a residual military -aristocratic tradition.
Several members of the community are very wealthy landowners and businesmen. Reddys regard Andhra Pradesh as their homeland and telugu is their mother tongue. It was in reddies kingdom Telugu language developed. However they form an intricate part of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharastra society as well and are proficient in those languages too. Many Reddys migrated to tamilnadu centuries ago and have formed a distinct community that is completely incorporated into andhra culture and doesn't necessarily feel a closer affinity to their Andhra cousins.
In most areas of Andhra Pradesh, in the small villages it is the Reddy who speaks authoritatively on behalf of the village: they are the traditional “leaders” of the village. But this is changing fast. Younger members are losing interest in living in rural areas and striking out to work in towns …even to the USA.
There are various sects/clans among the reddis. The ones I could get some details about are the Panta reddis, including the Velanadu , Paakanadu and Motati Reddys ( these are old geographical areas) i.e. the Krishna-Guntur , Nellore and Chittoor Reddis and upland area. In Telangana there are the the Keti Reddis, There are other subdivisions but I am still collecting information.
Roots of the Reddis:The Reddis do not constitute a ethnic group, really. There are several strands which go to make the Reddis of today. They appear to be basically Deccan plateau inhabitants, which includes Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra. Another point to note, in several areas the term Reddi was treated as a sort of title for anyone who was appointed as village headman. Usually this meant a soldier, who got along fine with the other headmen. Gradually the descendants would be absorbed into the larger Reddi grouping.
The earliest reference we have to anyone resembling the Reddis are the Rathis and the Maha rathis before 200 BC. These kings ruled over small principalities in the Deccan plateau area of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra before the Satavahanas and mauryas. They have left coins in northern Andhra Pradesh, also in Kurnool district, and near Pune etc. The coins are found in the levels between the megalithic and satavahana levels in excavations. The term Rathi might refer to "one riding a chariot" (Ratha=horse drawn chariot in prakrit and old sanskrit). A grander Rathi king might be called Maha rathi. Actually this "Rathi" can be traced directly to the people riding horse drawn chariot during the time of the rgveda and avesta ( 'rathaesthar' in avestan), but I dont have any specific evidence linking today's Reddis so far back in time. Could be some connection, of course.
The Satavahanas intermarried with the maharathis. Sri Satakarni married Naaganika Devi, daughter of a maha rathi.(221 -198 BC). The Satavahanas ruled over Malwa and parts of Gujarat as well and clashed with the Sakas -Pahlavas (scythians and pallavas) but eventually intermarried with them. The Deccan was covered with thick forests, only scattered areas were under agriculture, and that too likely slash and burn primitive agriculture. Castes and communities were still forming. Even feudalism hadn't really developed in those days, the tribal structure was slowly dissolving with the influence of Buddhism. So one shouldn't take the caste thing too seriously.
The Reddis in the Telangana region were active in the kakatiya kingdom. (AD 1000-1223). They were knights and barons and subordinate kings who ruled regions, in turn they had to pay taxes/ a part of the plunder and organise troops for campaigns. Several large dams and lakes and large sized wells were constructed by the reddis of the time, and they still serve their purpose as planned a thousand years ago.
After the kakatiya kingdom broke up, many Reddis migrated to coastal Andhra---Addanki and Kondaveedu, and later Rajahmundry on the Godavari and founded their own independent kingdoms which flourished between 1325-1448 AD. Komati Prolaya Vemareddy , son of Komati Prola reddy founded this kingdom . There are foolish elaborate explanations of why the name Komdi or Komati was their surname (apart from silly fake legends, there is an attempt to discover some "Jain goddess").
One actual very simple reason, which seems to have escaped scholars, is Komdi or Komda is a name of a tribal deity Kumara, Kumra, Kartikeya, Mayura, Mora, Velan, Murugan--- the warlike son of Siva. A merchant community called komati also is derived from this ancient name, while they have very little to do with reddis. There is one more derivation --from Kumuda , Khumdi, Cimmerian which also rings true.
While the area and extent may not have been large, these Reddi Raja states are historically significant because Telugu literature got a strong impetus. Vemareddi has left many inscriptions, the well preserved ones detailing the repairs he made to temples like Srisailam and Ahobilam and Drakshaaram.
During the Vijayanagar empire (roughly 1300 -1600 AD) too they were prominent especially in Rayalseema, where they became independent zamindars or landholders and were constantly engaged in clan feuding. (the feuds continue to this day). The Rayalseema reddis are closely related to the landlord Gowdas of karnataka and the Reddiars of Tamilnadu. There are also a few Reddi principalities which managed to survive independently between large warring states, in Mahabubnagar district (Old Palamoor) like Gadwal and Wanaparthi. The Reddis around these areas have a tradition they are descended from ancient Chalukya ancestors.
Reddis are also prominent in Nellore and Chittoor district also. ---(some claim they are descended from pallava ancestors, but proof is lacking). In these areas, during British times they often visited closeby Madras, took to modern education in the Madras presidency, and also joined the military.
In the Golkonda region, all during the Turkish rule and recent Nizams too , the Reddis continued to be headmen, village policemen and tax collectors and farmers. The larger Reddi landlords were styled as Desais and Doras. (and continued their bitter nine-hundred year old rivalry with the Velamas, another feudal clan. This rivalry also exists to this day in rural areas). Several Reddis were noblemen during the Nizams time, too.
The Reddis of all the various regions mentioned have different traditions and notions and do not seem to have very much in common with each other : they have more in common with other communities of their regions. Given the background one would expect they are all feudal reactionary upper caste bigots : not so, they were prominent in reform activities too. In medieval times they were enthusiastic backers of Saivite and Vaishnavite reform movements too. In south coastal areas --guntur, for instance--- reddis intermarried with Brahmins and others under the influence of saivite reformers. In Telangana area they used to wed girls from other communities but the offspring wouldn't bear the clan name. In north Andhra Pradesh, during the communist-led Telangana people's movement against the feudal Nizam state in the 1940's, there were many comrades from a Reddy background. Eventually, a large number of Reddis went into business especially construction and films and have made a name for themselves in the field. --Nagi reddi , etc. Don't forget Kalabandhu Subbiramireddy. In recent times they are prominent in the world pharmaceutical industry too, like Dr Anji Reddy. Dr. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was a President of India. (etc etc, many others too long to list. Generally they are embarrassed if listed).
While the older generation of Reddis had a feeling for the "land" and flair for farming, and leadership of the villages, nowadays there is a rapid change in rural areas: the younger Reddis are losing interest in rural life (not just farming, but the ramifications like district politics) and migrating to the cities, becoming urban professionals and businessmen. Fairly large numbers have migrated to the USA. They are prominent in Telugu organizations in the USA. Australia and NZ also seem to be attracting Reddis.
OriginRegarding the origin of the term and specific caste there are various theories:
The oral traditions of Reddys state (first Reddy is a charioteer who impressed the king with his courage in the battle and own some lands) that Reddy is a corruption of Ratti meaning chariot or charioteer and their ancestors were charioteers for the Rashtrakutas. The Reddys may have been early practitioners of agriculture and farming. "Reddy" is derived from the Telugu word "redu" which means farm land. Some linguists surmised the word Reddy originated from the medieval term Rattodu, which is derived from Rashtrakutudu. The Rashtrakutas employed wealthy local farmers to head villages and collect taxes in the empire and conferred the title of Reddy. The usage of the word Reddy specifically was first seen in the inscriptions made during the Renati Chola times (7th century CE)).
Another theory relates the Reddies to the Rathis, who ruled over small principalities in the Deccan plateau before 200 BCE and before the Satavahanas and Mauryas. The Rathis left coins in northern Andhra Pradesh, Kurnool district, and near Pune. The coins are found in the levels between the megalithic and Satavahana levels in excavations.
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