Kamma or the Kammavaru is a social group found largely in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Starting from the 1960s, a sizable number have emigrated to other parts of the world, particularly to the Canada, United States, United Kingdom and Australia.
Kakatiya period
In prolonged battles with Muslims between 1296 and 1323 CE. thousands
of Kamma Nayakas perished along with others, in the defense of
Warangal.
A group of nobles formed in opposition to Muslim rule and were led by a
Kamma called Musunuri Prolaya Nayaka, although details of the
circumstances surrounding his rise are uncertain. Also uncertain are the
methods used that enabled some limited amount of success for the
venture, which saw the rebels defeating the Muslim armies in some
battles and disrupting their cohesion in the region. The nobles were
able to assert control in the Godavari area, over which Musunuri Prolaya
Nayaka became ruler from 1325 until his death in 1333. He left no
children and was succeeded by a cousin, Kapaya Nayaka, who governed
until 1368 and attempted further to expand the Hindu rule. He took
control of Warangal from Malik Maqbul in 1336 and thus also of a wider
swathe of eastern Telangana that was governed from there. He also tried
to support other rebels in surrounding areas, although in the case of
aid given to Jaffar Khan — also known as Alauddin Baharnan Shah the
outcome was that his ambitious, unscrupulous and emboldened fellow rebel
turned on him. Several military engagements with Khan followed over a
period of years, during which Kapaya Nayaka had to cede various forts
and territories. His weakened position was exploited by the Reddis and
the Velamas, the latter of whom caused his death in battle at Bhimavaram and ended the period of Kamma rule.
Vijayanagara period
After the death of Kapaya Nayaka, many Kammas migrated to the Vijayanagara kingdom. During the reign of Sri Krishnadevaraya Kammas belonging to thirty seven gotras were living in the city of Vijayanagar. Kamma Nayaks formed the bulwark of Vijayanagara army and were appointed as governors in many areas of Tamil Nadu.Their role in protecting the last great Hindu kingdom of India was significant.
Golkonda period
The Kammas were largely reduced by the status of peasants in the post-Kakatiya period.The Vijayanagara kingdom underwent very difficult times after the battle of Tallikota in 1565. Pemmasani Nayaks, Ravella Nayaks and Sayapaneni Nayaks
steadfastly helped the Araviti kings in keeping the Muslims at bay. It
took another 90 years to consolidate the Muslim power in Andhra country
with the capture of Gandikota in 1652. Kamma nayaks migrated in large numbers to the Tamil region. During the Golkonda period, the Sayapaneni Nayaks (1626–1802) ruled Dupadu region as vassals of the Golkonda sultans.
The British
gained control of Andhra by 1788 from Golkonda Nawabs. Another Kamma
principality during Golkonda period was Devarakota with Challapalli as
its capital. Its ruler, Yarlagadda Guruvarayudu was subdued by Abdullah Qutb Shah in 1576. His successors ruled as vassals of Golkonda till the French took over in 1751 and later the British in 1765.
Modern history
Kamma landholdings were consolidated, and their influence consequently increased, by the introduction of the ryotwari system as a replacement for the zamindari system in the 19th century.
Construction of dams and barrages and establishment of an irrigation system in Godavari and Krishna River deltas by Arthur Cotton
was a great boon to the Kamma farmers. Availability of water and the
natural propensity for hard work made the Kammas wealthy and prosperous.
The money was put to good use by establishing numerous schools and
libraries and encouraging their children to take up modern education
The Kammas of Southern Tamil Nadu have also excelled in the
cultivation of black cotton soils and later diversified into various
industrial enterprises, particularly in Coimbatore and Kovilpatti.
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