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Kaikalas
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Pondicherry, Kerala | |
| Languages | |
| Telugu, Tamil | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism
| |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Kaikolar |
Kaikalas are a Telugu, Tamil-speaking weaving caste. Kaikalas live in the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions of the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.They are classified as Other Backward Class (OBC) by the Government of India. They are also known as Karikala Bhaktulu, Kaikala, Kaikkolar, Sengundar.[1][2]During the rule of Chola dynasty, some of the Kaikolars who formed major portion of the Chola army migrated to Andhra region from Tamilakam. They consider the Chola emperor Karikala Chola as their hero who is said to have conquered Andhra region around 1st century CE.
The community is divided into sects based on Sampradaya as Shaivas and Vaishnavas. While the Shaivas give preference to worshipping Shiva, the Vaishnavas give preference to worshipping Vishnu.
The Kaikalas form a very important part of the Thathayagunta Gangamma Jatara, the annual folk festival held at Tirupati.[3]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ No., 47- Kaikala. "National Commission for Backward Classes". www.ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ↑ Suresh Singh, Kumar (1996). Communities, Segments, Synonyms, Surnames and Titles. ISBN 978-0-19-563357-3.
- ↑ "Various hues mark Ganga Jatara". The Hindu. 12 May 2008. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 1 April 2018.