Velama Rulers

Introduction

The Velama chieftains, who were originally supporters of the Kakatiya dynasty and later allies of the Musunuri Nayakas, eventually established their own independent kingdom at Rachakonda.

They played an important role in the political history of Telangana, frequently engaging in conflicts with the Reddy kings of Coastal Andhra and the Bahmani Sultans. The Rachakonda rulers were also notable patrons of literature, religion, and culture, contributing significantly to the development of the Telugu language and the spread of Vaishnava traditions.

Origins and Background

Aspect	Details
Original Allegiance	Initially served as loyal supporters of the Kakatiya dynasty.
Later Alliance	After the fall of the Kakatiyas, they allied with the Musunuri Nayakas during the liberation movement against the Delhi Sultanate.
Independent Kingdom	Following the decline of the Musunuri Nayakas, the Velama chiefs established an independent kingdom at Rachakonda.
Region	Their rule was mainly centered in Telangana, especially the present-day Nalgonda district and surrounding regions.
Rivals	Their major rivals included the Reddy kings of Coastal Andhra and the Bahmani Sultans.

Rachakonda Velama Rulers: Chronological List

1 Singama Nayaka I (1325–1361 CE)

Aspect	Details
Role	Founder of the independent Velama kingdom at Rachakonda.
Capital	Amanagallu in the present-day Nalgonda district of Telangana.
Background	A powerful chieftain who received eighty gifts (Ashti Varalu) from the last Kakatiya ruler Prataparudra.
Epithet	Known as "Ashiti Varala Singama Nayaka" (Singama Nayaka of the Eighty Gifts).
Military Expansion	Expanded his territory by annexing the region between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers and extended his kingdom up to Eleswaram.

2 Anapota Nayaka I (1361–1384 CE)

Basic Information

Aspect	Details
Role	Considered the founder of the Rachakonda kingdom.
Capital Shift	Shifted the capital from Amanagallu to Rachakonda in present-day Nalgonda district.
Fortification	Strengthened and fortified Rachakonda, making it the main capital of the Velama rulers.

Major Achievements

Achievement	Description
Vengeance for Father's Death	Together with his brother Madha Nayaka, he attacked Jallipalli Fort and killed the Somavamsha Kshatriya and Reddy leaders responsible for the death of his father Singama Nayaka I.
Title Earned	Earned the title "Semakula Parashurama", meaning the Parashurama who destroyed his enemies.
Fort Construction	Built a massive stone wall around the Rachakonda fort for protection and defense.
Water Reservoir	Constructed a large water reservoir known as "Anapota Samudram".
Territorial Annexation	Expanded the kingdom by annexing Bhuvanagiri and Shanigaram forts.
Pilgrimage	Visited the sacred shrine at Inole (Ainole) and issued an inscription describing his military victories.
Conflict Initiation	During his reign, the long-standing conflicts between Velamas and Reddy rulers began.

Titles of Anapota Nayaka I

Title	Significance
Andhra Desh Adhiswara	Assumed this title after annexing the forts of Bhuvanagiri and Shanigaram.
Hindu Raya Suratrana	Meaning Protector of Hindu Kings.
Khadga Narayana	Meaning Narayana of the Sword, symbolizing his military prowess.
Jaganobba Ganda	Meaning Hero of the World.
Tribhuvana Rama Raya	Meaning a Rama-like ruler of the three worlds.

Administrative Division

Aspect	Details
Action	Divided his kingdom for more effective administration and defense.
Appointment	Appointed his brother Madha Nayaka as the ruler of Devarakonda.
Result	This division led to the formation of two major Velama branches: Rachakonda Velamas Devarakonda Velamas
Relationship	Both branches maintained mutual cooperation and continued to rule the region.

3. Singama Nayaka II (Sarvagna Singana)

Basic Information

Aspect	Details
Role	The greatest ruler of the Velama dynasty.
Other Names	Kumara Singama Nayaka, Sarvagna Singama Bhupala.
Religion	A great patron of Vaishnavism.
Reputation	Renowned as both a powerful ruler and a prolific writer and poet.

Titles

Title	Meaning
Sarvagna Chakravarthy	Emperor of all-knowledge.
Kalyana Bhupati	Auspicious king.
Prati Ganda Bhairava	Bhairava to opposing heroes.
Sarvagna Chudamani	Crest jewel of the all-knowing.
Laksha Lakshana Veda	Knower of a lakh of characteristics.
Khadga Narayana	Narayana of the sword.

Cultural Contributions and Court Poets

Poet	Work	Significance
Vishweswara	Chamatkara Chandrika	A work on Alankara Sastra (science of figures of speech). He described Singama II as "Sahitya Ship Avadhi", meaning master of literature.
Bommakanti Appayya Matya	Commentary on Amarakosham	Commentary on the famous Sanskrit dictionary Amarakosham.
Vedanta Deshika	Tatva Sandesham, Rahasya Sandesham, Subhasha Nithi	Renowned logician and poet who dedicated these works to Singama II.
Shakalya Ayyalaryudu	Bhaskara Ramayanam	A Telugu version of the Ramayana.

Literary Works of Singama Nayaka II

Work	Subject
Rasarnava Sudhakara	Work on Alankara Sastra (poetics).
Sangeeta Sudhakaram	Book on music.
Ratna Panchalika (also Kumalayavali)	A drama depicting the marriage of Sri Krishna with Kumalayavali. Traditionally performed in the Prasanna Gopala Temple during the annual Vasanta Yatra (spring festival).

Shakalya Mallu Bhattu

Aspect	Details
Title	"Chaturbasha Kavita Pithamaha".
Works	Nirdoshya Ramayanam, Udara Raghaviyam (poetry), and Avyaya Sangraham (dictionary).
Notable Event	He was defeated in a scholarly debate by Varada Charya, the son of Vedanta Deshika.

4. Anapota Nayaka II

Aspect	Details
Other Names	Kumara Anapota Nayaka, Pinna Annama Nayaka, Immadi Anapota Nayaka.
Role	A powerful ruler of the Rachakonda Velama kingdom.
Challenges	Faced continuous warfare against the Bahmani Sultanate on one side and the Reddy kings of Kondaveedu on the other.

5 Rao Madha Nayaka

Aspect	Details
Role	A devoted follower and patron of Vaishnavism.
Donation	Donated the village of Thorrur (Tadur) as Sri Rangapura Agraharam to Lord Sri Ranganatha Swamy.
Family Contribution	His wife Nagambika constructed a large irrigation tank known as Naga Samudram near Rachakonda and issued the Naga Samudram inscriptions.
Literary Work	Authored Raghavam, a commentary on the Ramayana, and dedicated it to Lord Sri Rama.

6 Singama Nayaka III (1430–1475 CE)

Basic Information

Aspect	Details
Role	The last ruler of the Rachakonda Velama kingdom.
Period	1430–1475 CE.
Other Names	Dhivishaludu, Sarvagna Rao Singama Nayaka, Mummadi Singama Nayaka.

Titles

Title	Meaning
Dhivishaludu	The greatly intelligent one.
Sarvagna Rao Singama Nayaka	All-knowing king Singama Nayaka.
Mummadi Singama Nayaka	The third Singama Nayaka.

Key Inscriptions

Inscription	Date	Issued By	Significance
Bellamkonda Inscription	1453 CE	Singama Nayaka III	Records his rule and achievements.
Shayampet Inscription	1464 CE	Dharma Naidu (his brother)	Provides information about the period.
Tirupati Inscription	1475 CE	Singama Nayaka III	Records donations to Lord Venkateshwara.
Kanjeevaram Inscription	1437 CE	Vasantha Nayaka	Mentions Velama presence in Kanchi.

Literary Mention

Poet	Reference
Srinatha	Described Singama Nayaka III as "Singama Bhupala" in his literary works.

Patronage

Poet	Works
Bammera Potana	Translated the Bhagavata Purana into Telugu (Andhra Maha Bhagavatam).
Gourana	Lakshana Deepika, Navanadha Charita, Harishchandra Upakhyanam.
Bhairava Kavi	Sriranga Mahatmyam, Ratna Pariksha.

End of Dynasty

Aspect	Details
Fate	The Rachakonda Velama kingdom eventually fell to the expanding Bahmani Sultanate and internal conflicts.
Legacy	Marked the end of the Rachakonda Velama line in Telangana history.

Introduction

The Devarakonda Velamas were an important branch of the Velama chieftains, established as a subsidiary line to the main Rachakonda Velama kingdom. They ruled from their fortified capital in the Nallamala hills and played a significant role in defending and administering the Velama territories. The Devarakonda rulers cooperated closely with the Rachakonda branch to maintain stability and military protection of their domains.

Founder: Madha Nayaka

Aspect	Details
Role	Founder of the independent Devarakonda Velama kingdom.
Background	Brother of Anapota Nayaka I, the founder of the Rachakonda kingdom.
Appointment	Appointed by Anapota Nayaka I to govern the Devarakonda region for better protection of the kingdom from the south-east.
Capital	Devarakonda in present-day Nalgonda district, a naturally fortified hill fortress.

Contributions and Constructions

Contribution	Description
City Built	Constructed a city near Devarakonda called Madhavapuram in his own honor.
Dwara Mandapa	Built an entrance gateway for the pilgrimage site Umamaheshwaram, a sacred shrine located in the Nallamala forest.
Significance	This gateway became known as the Northern gateway to the shrine, facilitating pilgrim access and demonstrating the presence of Velama authority in the region.

Last Ruler: Lingamanidu

Aspect	Details
Role	The last ruler of the Devarakonda Velama kingdom.
Fate	The kingdom was eventually annexed by the expanding Bahmani Sultanate.
Cause of Decline	The powerful Bahmani forces expanding across the Deccan gradually overcame the Velama defenses.
Result	The Devarakonda fortress and its territories were brought under Bahmani control.

1 Administrative Model

Aspect	Details
Source of Influence	The administration followed principles laid down in the work "Vratha Kannada Kalpataru" written by Hemadri.
Purpose	The primary objective of governance was to protect the Vedic religion and uphold the Varna (caste) system.
Nature	The administrative structure was largely shaped by continuous warfare and the need to safeguard Hindu dharma.

2 Village Administration

Aspect	Details
Smallest Unit	The village formed the most important and smallest unit of administration.
Village Functionaries	Village administration was handled by a group of twelve village officials known as Ayagars, collectively called "Pannida Raya Gandru".
Village Security	Security of villages was entrusted to guards known as "Muthaka Raju".

3 Military Organization

Aspect	Details
State Expenditure	A large portion of state revenue was spent on the military due to frequent wars with rival powers such as the Reddy kings and the Bahmani Sultanate.
War Tactics	They employed a harsh defensive strategy of poisoning lakes and wells near roads used by invading enemy armies, preventing them from accessing water supplies.
Source for Tactics	This strategy is mentioned in the work "Sakala Neeti Sammatham" written by Madiki Singana.

1. Agriculture

Aspect	Details
Primary Occupation	Agriculture was the main occupation of the people.
Brahmins in Agriculture	Brahmins also engaged in cultivation during this period, as mentioned in the works of Potana and Srinatha.

Land Types

Type	Description
Metta	Upland or dry land.
Tari	Moist land or wetland.
Horticulture Land	Land used for garden cultivation.

Crops

Crop	Details
Main Crop	Jowar (Sorghum) was the main crop due to the predominance of Metta lands.
Rice	Rice was mostly consumed by the wealthy. Varieties included Shiramukhi, Kalama, Shali, and Hayapa ethanga Hoyana.

Cattle Rearing

Aspect	Details
Significance	Cattle rearing was an important secondary occupation.
Temple Animal Houses	Every temple maintained an animal shelter called "Kilaras".

2. Taxation

Aspect	Details
Main Source of Income	Land tax was the main source of revenue, generally one-sixth (1/6) of the crop produce.
Storage	Each village maintained centralized grain storage units called "Rachagadelu" to store tax collections.

3. Industries

Textile Industry

Aspect	Details
Importance	The most important industry of the Velama period.
Major Centers	Orugallu (Warangal), Rachakonda, and Devarakonda.

Saree Names

Type	Varieties
Cotton Sarees	Rama Singaram, Vasantha Singaram, Sri Krishna Vilasam, Rama Vilasam, Vasantha Vilasam.
Pattu (Silk) Sarees	Hema Pattu, Pulli Goru Pattu, Vela Pattu, Vajra Pattu, Udaya Pattu. (Source: Simhasana Dwatrimshika by Koravi Goparaju)

Other Textile Arts

Art Form	Details
Kalamkari	A famous textile art form during this period.

Other Industries

Industry	Details
Metallurgy	Iron swords produced during the Velama period were renowned internationally.
Trunk Industry	Mentioned in the literary work Rukhmangadha Charita.

4. Trade

Aspect	Details
Trading Communities	Balijas and Vaisyas were the main trading communities, engaging in both local and international trade.
Major Port	Vadapalli, located on the banks of the Krishna River.
Conflict	Frequent conflicts occurred between the Velamas and the Reddy kings for control over the strategically important Vadapalli port.

1. Caste System

Aspect	Details
Prevalence	The caste system was prevalent in society.
Brahmins	Brahmins became stronger and more influential during this period.
Kshatriyas	The influence of Kshatriyas declined somewhat due to political fragmentation and continuous warfare.

2. Position of Women

Aspect	Details
Overall Status	The status of women deteriorated significantly during this period.

Factors Affecting Women

Factor	Impact
Constant Fear of Invasions	Women were often restricted from leaving their homes, leading to practices similar to purdah.
Social Evils	The practice of Sati (self-immolation of widows) became more common.
Child Marriages	Child marriages increased as a reaction to the threat of foreign invasions.

Dowry System

Aspect	Details
Term	The dowry system was known as "Aranam".
Practice	Royal marriages were conducted with great pomp, including gifts and dowry.

3. Dress and Ornaments

Group	Attire
Men	Men usually wore dhotis and shirts.
Women	Women wore colorful sarees.

Saree Varieties

Source	Details
Simhasana Dwatrimshika	Mentions 49 varieties of silk sarees and 14 varieties of ornaments made of gold, silver, and bronze.

Social Marker

Community	Saree Pallu Style
Higher Castes	Wore the saree pallu on the right side.
Lower Castes	Wore the saree pallu on the left side.

4. Dance Forms

Type	Dance Forms
Indigenous	Perini, Bharatanatyam, Jakini, Goundilu.
Foreign	Paarashika Mathali — a dance form influenced by Persian/Mughal culture.

The Velama rulers were notable builders who constructed strong forts for defense and several temples for religious worship.

1. Temples

Dynasty / Branch	Temples Built
Rachakonda Velamas	Bhairava Temple, Rama Temple, Lakshmi Devi Temple.
Devarakonda Velamas	Shiva Temple and Rama Temple in Devarakonda.
Bhuvanagiri	Someshwara Temple.

2. Forts

Aspect	Details
Purpose	Forts were built mainly for defending territories against enemies such as the Bahmani Sultans and the Reddy kings.
Type	Many strong and nearly impregnable hill forts were constructed.
Major Forts	Rachakonda, Devarakonda, Bhuvanagiri, and Orugallu (Warangal).

3. Rachakonda Fort: Detailed Features

Structure

Feature	Description
Wall Arrangement	The fort walls were arranged in three concentric rings for strong defense.

Inner Structures

Location	Features
Inside First Fort Wall (West Side)	Rama Temple.
Inside Fort	A mosque built later by the Bahmani Sultans after conquering the region.
Fort Complex	A statue of Bhairava is present.

Hilltop Features

Feature	Local Name
Pleasure Pavilions	"Bhogamdani Mancham" and "Bhogamdani Gudulu" (two Bhoga Mandapas).

Paintings

Aspect	Details
Location	A Vaishnava temple located in the southeastern direction of the fort.
Discoverer	Dyavanavalli Satyanarayana.
Depicted Scenes	Paintings depict scenes from the Ramayana, including: Putrakameshti Yagam (Dasharatha’s ritual for children) Ashwamedha Yagam (horse sacrifice ritual)

4. Ranamu Kudu: A Barbaric Tradition

Aspect	Details
Period	Practiced during the rule of the Recharla Velamas.
Literal Meaning	"War Rice".
Practice	Rice was cooked with the blood of enemies killed in battle.
Purpose	It was offered as a ritual sacrifice to the War Goddess and vengeful spirits to celebrate victory and appease deities associated with war.

1. Religious Transition

Period	Patronage
Initially	Patronized Shaivism.
Towards End of Rule	Shifted patronage to Vaishnavism.

2. Shaivism

Aspect	Details
Type	People followed Theravada Shaivism.
Deities Worshipped	Fierce forms of Shiva such as Bhairava and Mailaru.
Martial Practices	Violent and martial religious practices such as "Ranamu Kadupu" and "Chapudu Gudi" were prevalent.
Role as Protectors	The Velama rulers positioned themselves as protectors of Hindu culture after defeating Muslim rulers.
Agrahara Renovation	Many Brahmin Agraharas destroyed during invasions were renovated.

3. Vaishnavism

Aspect	Details
Period	Vaishnavism was patronized during the later period of Velama rule.

Sects of Vaishnavism

Sect	Description
Thengalai	Southern school of Vaishnavism.
Vadagalai	Northern school of Vaishnavism.

Preacher of Vadagalai Sect

Aspect	Details
Preacher	The Vadagalai sect was propagated by philosopher-poet Vedanta Desika, who served as a court poet of Singama Nayaka II.

The court of Singama Nayaka III was enriched by several eminent poets who made significant contributions to Telugu literature.

1. Bammera Potana

Basic Information

Aspect	Details
Background	The most famous court poet of the Velamas, hailed from Bammera village in present-day Warangal district.

Titles

Title	Meaning
Sahaja Kavi / Sahaja Panditya	Natural poet / natural scholar.
Bhaktha Potana	Devotee Potana.
Maha Bhagavata Kartha	Author of the great Bhagavatam.

Literary Works

Work	Description
Veera Bhadra Vijayam	A poem celebrating the exploits of Veerabhadra, a fierce form of Shiva.
Andhra Maha Bhagavatam	Telugu translation of the Sanskrit Bhagavata Purana, considered one of the greatest works in Telugu literature.
Narayana Shatakam	Collection of 100 devotional poems dedicated to Lord Narayana.
Bhogini Dandakam	A unique poetic composition describing the love story of Sarvagna Singama Nayaka and his beloved Bhogini.

Relationship with Court

Aspect	Details
Nature	Known for his simple and pious character despite being a royal poet.
Attitude	Disliked palace intrigues and luxurious court life.
Final Days	Left the royal court and lived a simple life supported by agriculture.
Personal Connection	Believed to be a relative of the famous poet Srinatha.

2. Gourana

Aspect	Details
Background	Lived in Ramagiri of Telangana.
Title	"Sarasa Sahitya Lakshana Chakravarti" — Emperor of elegant literature and grammar.

Literary Works

Work	Subject
Lakshana Deepika	Work on prosody and poetic grammar.
Navanadha Charita	Story of the Nine Nath saints associated with the Nath tradition.
Harishchandra Upakhyanam	Telugu narrative about the truthful king Harishchandra.

3. Bhairava Kavi

Aspect	Details
Literary Contribution	First poet to introduce the "Banda Kavitha" style in Telangana.
Banda Kavitha Style	A poetic style characterized by rhythmic, martial, and alliterative patterns, suitable for praising heroes and oral recitation.

Literary Works

Work	Description
Sriranga Mahatmyam	A work glorifying the Srirangam temple and its deity.
Ratna Pariksha	A treatise on the testing and evaluation of gems and jewels.

4. Koravi Goparaju

Basic Information

Aspect	Details
Background	Court poet of Rana Mallu, from Veligallu (Bheemgal) in present-day Nizamabad district.

Pioneering Contribution

Aspect	Details
Significance	Considered one of the earliest writers to analyze dreams long before modern psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud.
Method	Wrote 32 stories about the legendary king Vikramarka (Vikramaditya), many centered on dreams and their interpretations.

Major Literary Work: Simhasana Dwatrimshika

Aspect	Details
Title	Simhasana Dwatrimshika — a famous Telugu poem.
Original Source	Adaptation of the Jain Sanskrit text Tri Shashti Salakapuru Satcharitra.
Structure	Consists of 32 tales associated with the throne of King Vikramaditya.

Aspect	Rachakonda Branch	Devarakonda Branch
Founder	Singama Nayaka I (1325–1361 CE)	Madha Nayaka (brother of Anapota Nayaka I)
Capital	Amanagallu → Rachakonda	Devarakonda
Greatest Ruler	Singama Nayaka II (Sarvagna Singana)	Madha Nayaka
Last Ruler	Singama Nayaka III (1430–1475 CE)	Lingamanidu
Major Contributions	Patronage of literature (Potana, Vedanta Desika); temple construction.	Construction of Umamaheshwaram gateway; establishment of Madhavapuram city.
Cause of Decline	Expansion of the Bahmani Sultanate and internal conflicts.	Annexation by the Bahmani Sultanate.
Cultural Legacy	Promotion of Telugu literature, Vaishnavism, and fort architecture.	Development of strong hill-fort architecture.