velamacaste

The history of Velamas is as old as Telugu bravery. Their military exploits form an important part of Telugu tradition, history, and folklore. The battle of Palnadu, Palnati Charitra, battle of Bobbili etc speak volumes about their chivalry. They are known to be fearless and battle hardy warriors. The lives of popular velamas such as Thandra Papa Rayudu, Palnati Brahmanaidu, and Rani Mallama Devi are synonymous of bravery. Their heroic traditions such as ‘ Sati ‘ prove that they are of Aryan descent with extensive inter mingling with other martial races of India. Velamas are well known for their liberal outlook, which is obvious from the war of Palnadu. Velama kings regularly clashed with the Reddy’s but had friendly dealings with the Orissa Gajapatis and the Bahmanis due to political compulsions at that time.