Gavara

{{Short description|Indian community}} {{pp-extended|small=yes}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}} '''Gavara''' is a term used to refer to four distinct and completely unrelated communities in South India.

* Gavara is a trading community and is a sub-caste of Balija.<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last=P. R. G. Mathur |author2=|title=Applied Anthropology and Challenges of Development in India |volume= |publisher=Punthi-Pustak |year=1994|page=341|isbn=9788185094793|quote=Similarly too the Balija community, with two sub-divisions, Gajalu Balija and Gavara Balija, migrated originally from Tamil Nadu. The Balija Gavarai are popularly known as Naidus and the other as Chetties Valai Chatties, Chettiars. It is said that they originally spoke Telugu. They are mainly traders and jewellers. | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PuuAAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Pradip K. Bhowmick |author2=|title=Man and Life |volume= 28|publisher=Institute of Social Research and Applied Anthropology |year=2002|page= 59|quote=Balija, a Telugu speaking migrant caste to Kerala, is segmented into two sub-castes, viz., Gavara Naidu and Gajaiu Balija (Vala Chetti).| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D5CAAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Alpana Pandey |author2=|title=Medieval Andhra: A Socio-Historical Perspective |volume= |publisher=Partridge Publishing |year=2015|page=44|isbn=9781482850178|quote=Balijas: Their main profession was and commerce. They added “Settis” to their names, which showed their supremacy over other castes in trade. The subsects of the Balijas indicate the professions pursued by them. some prominent subdivision were Gajula Balija, Gandhamvallu, Kavarai, etc. | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qtxlCgAAQBAJ }} </ref> They have marriage relationship with the Balijas.<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=G. Karunanithi |author2=|title=Caste and Class in Industrial Organisation |volume= |publisher=Commonwealth Publishers|isbn=9788171691425 |year=1991|page=45|quote=A section of the Naidu migrants in Tamilnadu call themselves Kavarais. They are included in the list of backward classes. They have marital relationship with the Balijas.| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=agocAAAAIAAJ }}</ref> They are present in Tamil Nadu. Kavarai is the Tamil name for Balijas who have settled in Tamil Nadu and is the Tamilised rendition of Gavara.<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last=Kumarasamy Rajaram |author2=|title=History of Thirumalai Nayak |volume= |publisher=Ennes Publications|isbn= |year=1982|page=82|quote= Kamma, Gavarai, Padma Velama and Kambalathar are the Telugu speaking communities. Gavarais are also called Balijas or bangle merchants. Kambalathars are called Tottiars ( those with a Kambalam or blanket ). The Kamma and the Gavarai topped the list as merchants and agriculturists par excellence. The Padma Velamas are good agriculturists.| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_QFCAAAAIAAJ }} *{{cite book |last=Mukund |first=Kanakalatha|author-link=Kanakalatha Mukund |title=The Trading World of the Tamil Merchant: Evolution of Merchant Capitalism in the Coromandel |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tjXdDYChdGsC&pg=PA46 |date=1999 |publisher=Orient Blackswan |isbn=978-81-250-1661-8 |page=46|quote=Kavarai (the Tamil word for Balija merchants)}} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Niels Brimnes |author2=|title=Constructing the Colonial Encounter: Right and Left Hand Castes in Early Colonial South India |volume= |publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781136819209 |year=2019|page=189|quote=The deserters, who defined themselves as maga nadu tesattar, consisted of right hand castes and were headed by Vellalas and Tamilized Balijas, known as Kavarais. | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fIsECwAAQBAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=R. Nagaswamy |author2=|title=Studies in South Indian History and Culture |volume= |publisher=V.R. Ramachandra Dikshitar Centenary Committee |year=1997|page=321|quote=Turning now to another Telugu group, the Balijas, also called Kavarai, it appears that although this was a trading caste, members could also take to textile manufacture.| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_kRuAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Jawaharlal Nehru University. Centre for Historical Studies |author2=|title=Studies in History |volume=11, 6 |publisher=Sage|isbn= |year=1995|page=8|quote=English trade in Madras, the much sought after, and obviously lucrative, exclusive contracts for trading with the English Company (both for supplying textiles and other goods and buying the European goods) had been cornered by the Right side merchants, especially the Balijas (often referred to as the Kavarai in Tamil).| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LG0MAQAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Ananda Ranga Pillai, John Frederick Price |author2=|title=The Private Diary of Ananda Ranga Pillai, Dubash to Joseph François Dupleix, Governor of Pondicherry: A Record of Matters, Political, Historical, Social, and Personal, from 1736-1761 |volume=2 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |year=1984|page=67|isbn=|quote=The Kavarais, known also as Balijas, are the trading caste of the Telugus, and belong to the right hand.| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7yRuAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=R. Roque, K. Wagner |author2=|title=Engaging Colonial Knowledge: Reading European Archives in World History |volume= |publisher=Springer |year=2011|page=170|isbn=9780230360075 |quote=Within the right hand division the leading individuals were from the communities of Vellalas and Kavarais. The former constituted, as in other parts of Tamil Nadu, the established agricultural elite, while the latter were Telugu-speaking Balija Chetties, who had settled in Tamil country. | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y2OADAAAQBAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Christopher John Baker, D. A. Washbrook |author2=|title=South India: Political Institutions and Political Change. 1880-1940 |volume= |publisher=Springer |year=1976|page=223|isbn=978-1-349-02746-0|quote=Kavarai was merely the Tamil equivalent of the Telugu word Balija| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fHCwCwAAQBAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Venkatesa Iyengar |author2=|title=The Mysore Tribes and Castes |volume= |publisher=Mittal Publications |year=1932|page=102|quote=In the Tamil Districts, Balijas are known as Kavarais | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zseCqGFRpyQC }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Raju Kalidos |author2=|title=History and Culture of the Tamils: From Prehistoric Times to the President's Rule |volume= |publisher=Vijay Publications |year=1976|page=239, 240|quote=Chief among the Telugu speaking communities in Tamilaham are the Kammavar, Kavarai or Balijas (bangle merchants), Uppuliya (salt merchants) , Seniya (textile workers), Tottiar or Kambalattar (those with a kambalam or blanket), Oddar, Sakkiliar (the menial jobbed), Dombas (acrobats) etc. The Kavarai and Kammavar topped the list as merchants and agriculturists par excellence. In contemporary times they take the name suffix like Naidu and Naicker. The Chettis and Komatis among the Telugu speaking were (and are) noted for their subtle and ingenious practices in trade.| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zG1uAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last= |author2=|title=Baptist Missionary Review |volume=15 |publisher=Methodist Publishing House|isbn= |year=1909|page=441|quote=Among the Nayudus there is a class called Balijas in Telugu and Kavarais in Tamil, many of whom are addicted to drinking - so much so that there is a Telugu proverb that if you are born a Balija it is your prerogative to drink, or, as it is sometimes put, you cannot enjoy the Bavarian bottle unless you are born a Balija.| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4mdQAQAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=P. Rajaraman |author2=|title=The Justice Party: A Historical Perspective, 1916-37 |volume= |publisher=Poompozhil Publishers |year=1988|page=19|isbn=|quote=The Balija Naidus, the chief Telugu trading caste were found scattered throughout the Presidency of Madras. In the Tamil districts they were known as Vadugan and Kavarais| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GGMmAAAAMAAJ }} </ref> The often use the title Naidu and Chetti.<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last=David Arnold |author2=|title=Police Power and Colonial Rule, Madras, 1859-1947 |volume= |publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780195618938 |year=1986|page=114|quote= | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cTYFAQAAIAAJ }} *{{cite journal |last1=Vijaya |first1=M. |last2=Kanthimathi |first2=S. |last3=Srikumari |first3=C. R. |last4=Reddy |first4=P. Govinda |last5=Majumder |first5=P. P. |last6=Ramesh |first6=A. |year=2007 |title=A Study on Tamil – Speaking Immigrants of Andhra Pradesh, South India |url=http://www.krepublishers.com/02-Journals/IJHG/IJHG-07-0-000-000-2007-Web/IJHG-07-4-277-333-2007-Abst-PDF/IJHG-07-4-303-07-288-Vijaya-M/IJHG-07-4-303-07-288-Vijaya-M-Tt.pdf |journal=International Journal of Human Genetics |volume=7 |issue=4 |pages=303–306 |doi=10.1080/09723757.2007.11886010 |s2cid=55044174}}</ref> The Telugu-speaking Gavara community of Tamil Nadu is related to Balijas.<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Vijaya Ramaswamy |author2=|title=Historical Dictionary of the Tamils |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=9798216208211 |year=2017|page=43| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H1aAEQAAQBAJ }}</ref> Gavara Balijas are distinct from both Gavara Komatis and the Gavara caste of former Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. * Gavara is also the name of a Komati sub-caste.<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last=K. Ramachandra Murty |author2=|title=Parties, Elections, and Mobilisation |volume= |publisher=Anmol Publications |year=2001|page=18|isbn=9788126109791|quote= The Vysyas (Komati) are the most important traditional Telugu trading caste comprising 3 per cent of the State population. They are broadly divided into two endogamous sub-castes, viz., Gavara Komatis and Kalinga Komatis.| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LSeOAAAAMAAJ }}

*{{cite book|editor1-last=C. Dwarakanath Gupta, Sepuri Bhaskar |author2=|title=Vysyas: A Sociological Study |volume= |publisher=Ashish Publishing House |year=1992|page=11|isbn=9788170244509|quote=Komatis are mainly divided into two sections called Gavara and Kalinga| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e8BGAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Krishna Prakash Bahadur |author2=|title=Caste, Tribes & Culture of India: Karnataka, Kerala & Tamil Nadu |volume=4 |publisher=Ess Ess Publications |year=1977|page=16|isbn=|quote=They are two main sections among the Komatis, namely the Gavara and the Kalinga| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bZ6AAAAAMAAJ }} *{{Cite book |last1=Yandell |first1=Keith E. Yandell Keith E. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v8UeAgAAQBAJ&dq=Gavara+komati&pg=PA35 |title=Religion and Public Culture: Encounters and Identities in Modern South India |last2=Paul |first2=John J. |date=2013-11-19 |publisher=Routledge|quote=The main part of the Komati caste community in Masulipatnam were Gavara Komatis, one of the two main Komati groups on the Coromandel coast. The Gavara Komatis did not eat fish or meat. |isbn=978-1-136-81801-1 |pages=35 |language=en}} *{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QrjUAAAAMAAJ&q=Gavara+komati |title=Census of India, 1961: Andhra Pradesh |date=1962 |publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India |pages=7–9 |language=en |quote=The two major sects among Komati caste are Gavara Komati and Kalinga Komati. The Gavara Komatis are strict vegetarians while the Kalinga Komatis are non-vegetarians.}} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Ramendra Nath Nandi |author2=|title=State Formation, Agrarian Growth, and Social Change in Feudal South India, C. AD 600-1200 |volume= |publisher=Manohar Publishers & Distributors |year=2000|page=161|isbn=9788173042904|quote=Gavara Komatis, who are a prominent section of the Telugu speaking merchant community.| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b5vvAAAAIAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=A. Vaidehi Krishnamoorthy |author2=|title=Social and Economic Conditions in Eastern Deccan from A.D. 1000 to A.D. 1250 |volume= |publisher= |year=1970|page=47|isbn=|quote=The Gavaras, the Gavara Komatlu as they are called formed another community which claimed the status of Vaisyas. | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YekEAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Kumar Suresh Singh |author2=|title=People of India: Andhra Pradesh |volume= |publisher=Anthropological Survey of India |year=1992|page=1940|isbn=978-81-7671-006-0|quote= The Gavara and Kalinga are the two main sections of the Komati. The Gavara Komati live far north of Vizianagaram. | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jA4uRbWoGfUC }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=K. N. M. Raju |author2=|title=Family and Household Functions: A Demographic Study |volume= |publisher=Sunrise Publications |year=1998|page=209|isbn=|quote=Gavara is an important subdivision of Komatis and these Gavaras are probably in reality Gavara Komati.| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cvTrAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=G. Sudharshan Reddy |author2=|title=Caste Mobility in Andhra : A Study of Vaisya Mahasabha, 1907-1930 |volume= 59|publisher=Proceedings of Indian History Congress |year=1998|page= 652|isbn= |quote=The Komatis are, broadly divided into two sections called Gavara and Kalinga. | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CA2sr0dfyJUC }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=L. Krishna Anantha Krishna Iyer |author2=|title=The Mysore Tribes and Castes |volume= |publisher=University of Mysore |year=1930|page=541|isbn=|quote=There are three main groups among the Kōmatis which constitute practically different castes, without either commensality or inter marriage, namely, Gavara, Tuppada and Trai - Varnika. | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KdYBAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last= |author2=|title=Journal of the Andhra Historical Research Society |volume=8 |publisher=Andhra Historical Research Society |year=1934|page=138|isbn=|quote=There are several sects amongst the Komatis - such as Yajna Komati, Gavara Komati, Kalinga Komati, Arava Komati, Neti Komati, Vidura Komati, Raipak Komati etc.| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HOsVAQAAMAAJ }} </ref> They are a trading community. Gavara Komatis are distinct from Gavara-Balijas as well as the Gavara caste of former Visakhapatnam district.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tapper |first=Bruce Elliot |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h-vZAAAAMAAJ&q=Gavara+komati |title=Rivalry and Tribute: Society and Ritual in a Telugu Village in South India |date=1987 |publisher=Hindustan Publishing Corporation |isbn=978-81-7075-003-1 |language=en |author-link=Bruce Elliot Tapper}}</ref> * Alternatively, Gavara is also the name of a small caste mostly present in former Visakhapatnam district (present-day Anakapalli and Visakhapatnam districts) and in some parts of the former Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh.<ref name=":1"> *{{Cite book |last=Murthy |first=B. E. V. V. Narasimha |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kqpBg02R-50C&dq=Gavara+visakhapatnam&pg=PA91 |title=Entrepreneurship in Small Towns |date=1989 |publisher=Mittal Publications |pages=91 |language=en}} *{{cite book|editor1-last= |author2=|title=Journal of the Andhra Historical Research Society |volume= 26-28|publisher=Andhra Historical Research Society |year=1960|page=75|isbn=|quote=| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V-4VAQAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last= |author2=|title=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress |volume=65 |publisher=|isbn= |year=2006|page=429|quote= The traditional and primary occupation of the gavara is agriculture. In recent times, a few have taken up business as their primary occupation. However, the major economic resource is land and the subsidiary sources are business and government employment. The majority of the gavara live in Visakhapatnam District.| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wBNDAAAAYAAJ }} </ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-04-02 |title=Kapu, Gavara votes to determine Anakapalli assembly seat's fate |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/kapu-gavara-votes-to-determine-anakapalli-assembly-seats-fate/articleshow/68678219.cms |access-date=2023-06-10 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> They are not related to Gavara Balija caste. They are predominantly agriculturists and are also involved in petty trade.<ref name=":1" />

* Kavara (also known as Gavara) is a Tulu speaking caste mostly present in Ernakulam, Palakkad and Thrissur districts of Kerala.<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last=K. S. Singh |author2=|title=People of India: pt.1-3 Kerala |volume=27 |publisher=Anthropological Survey of India |year=1992|page=596|quote=The Kavara also known as Gavara are distributed mainly in Ernakulam, Palakkad and Thrissur districts. The community perceives its distribution at medium range and its identification is at the regional level. Iyer (1981) writes that Kavara is a Tulu caste, found in the Chittur taluk of the Cochin State, who speak mutilated form of Tulu and make wicker work of all kinds. The Kavara still speak a mutilated form of Tulu language, called Kavara dialect with family members. With others they speak Malayalam.| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5lulZT2JJzYC }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Nagendra Kr Singh |title=Global Encyclopaedia of the South Indian Dalit's Ethnography|location= |publisher= Global Vision Pub House |year=2006|page=340|quote=The Kavara, also known as Gavara, is a Tulu caste, found in the Chittur taluk of the Cochin State, who speak mutilated form of Tulu and make wicker work of all kinds. They belong to the Scheduled Castes. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xcpa_T-7oVQC}} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Ajit K. Danda, S. B. Chakrabarti |author2=|title=L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer: 125th Birth Anniversary Tribute |volume= |publisher=Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Culture, Government of India |year=1989|page=118|quote=Kavaras and Gavaras have been again listed as separate Scheduled Castes lifting the area restrictions within Kerala. As already mentioned that the Kavara / Gavaras subsist on basket making. They speak some kind of Tulu - Malayalam dialect.| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KLwiAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=David Levinson |title=Encyclopedia of World Cultures: South Asia|quote=Kavara A Tulu - speaking caste found in northern and central Kerala. They do wicker work |publisher= G.K. Hall |year=1991|page=325 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ds0ZAQAAIAAJ}} </ref> They are classified as a Scheduled Caste in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last=Pradip K. Bhowmick |author2=|title=Man and Life |volume= 28|publisher=Institute of Social Research and Applied Anthropology |year=2002|page=58, 59|quote=Kavara is one of those castes belonging to the sixty - eight Scheduled Castes of Kerala. They subsist on basket - making and are mainly found in the district of Palhgat. | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D5CAAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Tulsidas Vithooji Gedam |author2=|title=Untouchability and Its Origin |volume= |publisher=Yugantar Education Society|isbn= 978-81-7169-142-5|year=1999|page=286|quote=| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=agocAAAAIAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=P. R. G. Mathur |author2=|title=Applied Anthropology and Challenges of Development in India |volume= |publisher=Punthi-Pustak |year=1994|page=356|isbn=9788185094793|quote=| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PuuAAAAAMAAJ }} </ref> They are not related to Gavara Balija caste. == Origins == === Medieval history === The Gavara were a trading community of southern India and members of the Ayyavole guild.<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last=Ramendra Nath Nandi |author2=|title=State Formation, Agrarian Growth, and Social Change in Feudal South India, C. AD 600-1200 |volume= |publisher=Manohar Publishers & Distributors |year=2000|page=162|isbn=9788173042904| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b5vvAAAAIAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=A. V. Venkata Ratnam |author2=|title=Local Government in the Vijayanagara Empire |volume= |publisher=Prasaranga, University of Mysore |year=1972|page=124| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8l5XAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Meera Abraham |author2=|title=Two Medieval Merchant Guilds of South India |volume= |publisher=Manohar Publications |year=1972|page=82|isbn=9788185054483| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WnRCAAAAYAAJ }} </ref> They specifically worshipped the god Gavareswara<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last=Mallampalli Somasekhara Sarma |author2=|title=History of the Reddi Kingdoms (circa. 1325 A.D. to Circa 1448 A.D.) |volume= |publisher=Andhra University |year=1948|page=396| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=diYLAQAAIAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Kambhampati Satyanarayana |author2=|title=A Study of the History and Culture of the Andhras |volume=2 |publisher=People's Publishing House |year=1975|page=52| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zb21AAAAIAAJ }} </ref> and were known for protecting the Vira Balanja Dharma.<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last=T. Venkateswara Rao |author2=|title=Prasasti of The Vira Balanja |volume=6 |publisher=Itihas|isbn= |year=1978|page=74| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZwpDAAAAYAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=K. Sundaram |author2=|title=Studies in Economic and Social Conditions of Medieval Andhra, A. D. 1000-1600| chapter = The Balanja Merchant Community of Medieval Andhra, (A. D. 1300 - 1600) |volume= |publisher=Triveni Publishers|isbn= |year=1968|page=72| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HJFXAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Vasant K. Bawa |author2=|title=Aspects of Deccan History |volume= |publisher=Institute of Asian Studies |isbn= |year=1975|page=120| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i1HRAAAAMAAJ }} </ref> According to historical inscriptions, the Gavaras were the lords of Ayyavalipura.<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last=Ramendra Nath Nandi |author2= |title=State Formation, Agrarian Growth, and Social Change in Feudal South India, C. AD 600–1200 |volume= |publisher=Manohar Publishers & Distributors|year=2000|page=162|isbn=9788173042904| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b5vvAAAAIAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last= |author2=|title=Epigraphia Indica |volume=19 |publisher=Archaeological Survey of India |year=1986|page=40| url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.56256/page/n60/mode/1up? }} </ref> Similarly, the Dalavay Agraharam Plates of Venkata I bestow the title lord of Ayyavalipura ('Lords of the town of Ayyavole') upon Virappa Nayaka, the grandson of Madurai ruler Viswanatha Nayak.<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last= |author2=|title=Epigraphia Indica |volume=12 |publisher=Department of Archaeology |year=1982|page=187| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DVboAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last= |author2=|title=Tamil Civilization: Quarterly Research Journal of the Tamil University |volume=5 |publisher=Tamil University, Thanjavur |year=1987|page=158|quote=| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0tO1AAAAIAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Bhasker Anand Saletore |author2=|title=Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346-A.D. 1646) |volume= 2|publisher=B.G. Paul & Company |year=1934|page=263| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MhRuAAAAMAAJ }}</ref> Consequently, these records firmly demonstrate that the Gavara Nayakas ruled the Madurai region.<ref name="MN" /> The lords of Ayyavolu were called Vira- Balanjas.<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last=K. Sundaram |author2=|title=Studies in Economic and Social Conditions of Medieval Andhra, A. D. 1000–1600 |volume= |publisher=Triveni Publishers |year=1968|page=69|quote= | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HJFXAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Kambhampati Satyanarayana |author2=|title=A Study of the History and Culture of the Andhras: From stone age to feudalism |volume= |publisher=People's Publishing House |year=1975|page=334|quote= | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bYsBAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last= |author2=|title=Itihas |volume=6 |publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh |year=1978|page=71| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZwpDAAAAYAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Mallampalli Sōmaśēkharaśarma |author2=|title=History of the Reddi Kingdoms (circa. 1325 A.D. to Circa 1448 A.D.) |volume= |publisher=Andhra University |year=1948|page=397|quote= | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=diYLAQAAIAAJ }} </ref> The term Vira-balija in Telugu, Vira-Banajiga in Kannada and Vira-Valanjiyar in Tamil, all of them mean valiant merchants.<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last=Sakkottai Krishnaswami Aiyangar |author2=|title=Ancient India and South Indian History & Culture: Papers on Indian History and Culture; India to A.D. 1300 |volume= |publisher=Oriental Book Agency |year=1941|page=801|quote=| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W3tDAAAAYAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=S.S. Shashi |author2=|title=Encyclopaedia Indica: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh |volume=106 |publisher=Anmol Publications |year=2000|page=86|isbn=9788170418597|quote= | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_wUwAQAAIAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last= |author2=|title=The Indian Antiquary |volume=56 |publisher=Popular Prakashan |year=1927|page=197| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XqTaGy9KOfsC }} *{{cite book|editor1-last= |author2=|title=The Journal of Oriental Research, Madras |volume=30 |publisher=Kuppuswami Sastri Research Institute, Mylapore |year=1963|page=174|quote= | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RV5OAAAAYAAJ }} </ref> and their capital was at Ayyavole or Aihole in Bijapur district of Karnataka.<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last=Aravind Kumar |author2=|title=Studies in Kannada Inscriptions in Telangana |volume= |publisher=Department of History, Archaeology and Culture, Dravidian University |year=2006|page=88|quote= | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Gz9mAAAAMAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=A. Satyanarayana, Mukkamala Radhakrishna Sarma |author2=|title=Castes, Communities, and Culture in Andhra Desa, 17th & 18th Centuries, A.D |volume= |publisher=Osmania University |year=1996|page=105| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sbm_Oyo8XFMC }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Angadipuram Appadorai |author2=|title=Economic Conditions in Southern India (1000–1500 A.D.) |volume= |publisher=University of Madras |year=1936|page=394|quote= | url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.39545/page/n407/mode/1up }} *{{cite book|editor1-last= V. Vedachalam |author2=|title=Avanam |volume=20 |publisher=Tamil Nadu Archaeological Society, Thanjavur |year=2009|page=171|quote= | url=https://archive.org/details/aavanam-volume-20 }} </ref>

=== Dynasties === Some Gavara families were appointed to supervise provinces as Nayaks (governors, commanders) by the Vijayanagara kings,<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last=Velcheru Narayana Rao, Sanjay Subrahmanyam|author2=|title=Symbols of Substance Court and State in Nāyaka Period Tamilnadu |volume= |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1992|page=74|isbn=978-0-19-563021-3| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=znFuAAAAMAAJ }} * {{Cite journal|editor1-last=Vijaya Ramaswamy |author2=|title=Richly Textured Narrative |journal=The Book Review |volume=18-19 |publisher=C. Chari for Perspective Publications Institute |year=1994|page=6 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aiDhAAAAMAAJ}} </ref> some of which are:

* Madurai Nayaks :

The Madurai Nayaks belonged to the Kavarai community.<ref name="MN"> * {{Cite journal|editor1-last=Kolluri Suryanarayana |author2=|title=A Brief Study On The History Of The Gaura Community |journal=Itihas |volume=18 |publisher=Andhra Pradesh State Archives and Research Institute |year=1992|page= 67 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8wpDAAAAYAAJ }} * {{Cite conference|editor1-last=S. Harikrishnan |author2=|title=Socio-Cultural Setting of the Pandya Country Up to A.D. 1736 |chapter=Castes In Madurai An Overview |volume= |journal=ResearchGate|year=2020|page=78|publisher=Devanga Arts College, Aruppukkottai| url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340183948_PROCEEDINGS_OF_THE_NATIONAL_SEMINAR_Sponsored_PANDIYA_NADU_CENTRE_FOR_HISTORICAL_RESEARCH_PCHR_SOCIO_-CULTURAL_SETTINGS_OF_PANDIYA_COUNTRY_UPTO_1736_AD_Published_by_DEPARTMENT_OF_HISTORY_DEVANGA_ARTS_ }} * {{Cite journal|author=Parthiban Rajukalidoss |editor=Claus Peter Zoller|title=The Spice Road ‘Vaṭakarai Zamīndāri’ Its Historicity and Architectural Remains |volume=74 (2013) |journal=Acta Orientalia|year=2019|page=101|doi=10.5617/ao.4469| url=https://journals.uio.no/actaorientalia/issue/view/379}} </ref> The Kaifiyat of the Karnataka Kotikam Kings (c. 1800–1804) notes that the dynasty's founder, Viswanatha Nayak, descended from a lineage of bangle traders.<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=T. Sreetharamurthy, K.Damodaran|author2=|title=Pandya Nayaka Rajulu |publisher=Madras Government Oriental Manuscripts Library |year=1999|page=19|language=te| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q1IWGwAACAAJ }}</ref> As recorded in the 17th-century Tamil literary work Thondaimandala Sadhagam, members of the Kavarai community were historically traditional bangle traders.<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Padikkaasu Pulavar|author2=|title=Thondaimandala Sadhagam |volume= |publisher=Victoria Press, Vellore |year=1887|page=274}}</ref> Furthermore, according to the 1850 census report, the Kavarai community was the largest Telugu-speaking group in Madurai district.<ref>{{Cite book|editor1-last= |author2=|title=Statistical Appendix for Madura District|chapter=Tabular statement showing the numbers and languages of castes various inhabiting the Madura District in the year 1850-51, alpha betically arranged |page=8|publisher=Superintendent, Government Press}}</ref>

* Tanjavur Nayaks : A 1556 A.D. inscription at the Tiruvannamalai Temple records that Timmappa Nayaka belonged to the Kavarai community and that his son, Sevappa Nayaka, was appointed ruler of the Thanjavur Nayak kingdom.<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last=Kudavayil Balasubramanian |author2=|title=Thanjavur Nayakkar Varalaru ( 1535 - 1675AD ) |volume= |publisher=Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji's Saraswathi Mahal Library |year=1999|page=5|isbn=|quote= | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3ZmQpwAACAAJ }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=P. R. Srinivasan |author2=|title=Tiruvannamalai: A Saiva Sacred Complex of South India |volume= |publisher=French Institute of Pondicherry |year=1989|page=523|isbn=|quote= | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5KxvZIgf2icC }} *{{cite book|editor1-last=Kalladan |author2=|title=Varalatru vayilgal |volume= |publisher=Kuzhali publication |year=2003|page=37|isbn=|quote= | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wDBuAAAAMAAJ }} </ref>

* Gingee Nayaks :

The Thirukovilur Veerapandi Kari Varadaraja Perumal Temple inscription (A.D. 1568) mentions that the founder of the Gingee dynasty, Krishnappa Nayaka, belonged to the Kavarai community.<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=C. R. Krishnamachari, A. S. Ramanatha Ayyar |author2=|title=Annual Report on South Indian Epigraphy (1934-1935) |volume= |publisher=Archaeological Survey of India, Delhi|year=1938|page=73|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Tsmqi0LFvDYC}}</ref> Furthermore, the Tamil Jains Kaifiyat states that the Gingee ruler, Venkatapati Nayaka, was also from Kavarai community.<ref> * {{cite book|editor1-last=B. S. Baliga |author2=|title=Madras District Gazetteers: South Arcot |volume=3 |publisher=|year=1962|page=458| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dGVDAAAAYAAJ}} * {{cite book|editor1-last=Edgar Thurston |author2=|title=Castes and Tribes of Southern India |volume=2 |publisher=|isbn= |year=1909|page=429| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7WRTAAAAYAAJ }} </ref>

== Notable people ==

=== Personalities from Tamil Nadu ===

* Vijayakanth, actor and politician<ref> *{{cite book|editor1-last=Andrew Wyatt |author2=|title=Party System Change in South India: Political Entrepreneurs, Patterns and Processes |volume= |publisher=Routledge |year=2009|page=122|isbn=9781135182014| url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=u82MAgAAQBAJ }} {{cite book|editor1-last=Arild Engelsen Ruud, Pamela Price |author2=|title=Power and Influence in India: Bosses, Lords and Captains |volume= |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=2012|page=161|isbn=9781136197987| url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=Vq6YvOM__nsC }} </ref> * Parthiban, actor<ref> *{{cite web|editor1-last=Suresh Kumar |author2=|title= Tamil actor-director-producer Parthiban to get ‘no caste, no religion’ certificate, says Madras high court|volume= |publisher= The Times of India|date= 21 April 2026|quote= My parents belong to Hindu gavara community, he said.|url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-actor-director-producer-parthiban-to-get-no-caste-no-religion-certificate-says-hc/amp_articleshow/130401852.cms }} *{{cite web|editor1-last=Mohamed Imranullah S |author2=|title= Actor Parthiban moves Madras High Court seeking ‘no caste, no religion’ certificate|volume= |publisher= The Hindu|date= 19 April 2026|quote= However, he claimed to have been born and raised as a Hindu by his parents, who belonged to the ‘Gavara’ community.|url= https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/actor-parthiban-moves-madras-high-court-seeking-no-caste-no-religion-certificate/article70880041.ece}}</ref> * Dhanush, actor<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xiZF9zAZrM |title=Exclusive - "இப்பவும் நான் 'சைக்கோ'தான்!" - கஸ்தூரி ராஜா {{!}} Part 1 {{!}} Rewind with Ramji {{!}} HTT |date=2020-01-21 |last=Hindu Tamil Thisai |language=Ta |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250812041152/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xiZF9zAZrM |archive-date=12 August 2025 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}</ref> * Mann Vasanai Pandiyan, actor<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=S. Shanmugasundaram |author2=|title=Bharathiraja: Mannum Makkalum |volume= |publisher=Kaavya |year=1997|page=176| url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=IHV4AAAAIAAJ }} </ref> * M. Vijay Balaji, Minister for Textiles<ref>{{cite web|author-last=N. Sai Charan|author2=|title=Meet the new Ministers in Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s expanded Cabinet |date= May 22, 2026|publisher= The Hindu| url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/meet-the-new-ministers-in-tamil-nadu-cm-vijays-expanded-cabinet/article71005003.ece }}</ref> * E. V. Velu, Former Minister for PWD<ref name="GN"> *{{Cite AV media | title=Tamil Nadu Gavara Naidu Welfare Association Press Conference|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EDU0TeI5viA}} *{{cite book|editor1-last=S.Seenivasan |author2=|title=Ethiopia Muthal Ellainayakkanpatti Varai |publisher=Sri Ranga Pathippagam |year=2014|pages=458 - 473 }} </ref> * K. Pitchandi, Former Minister for Housing<ref name="GN" /> * Trichy R. Soundararajan, Former Minister for Health<ref name="GN" /> * D. Janardhanan, Former Minister for Milk and Animal Husbandry<ref name="GN" /> * G. Lakshmanan, Former Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha<ref>{{cite book|title=The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7AgfAQAAMAAJ|accessdate=28 March 2021|year=1979|publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Company|page=789}}</ref> * Pattukkottai Alagiri, social reformer<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Alandur Mohanarangan |author2=|title=Maaveeran Anjanenjan Alagiri |volume= |publisher=Meena Gopal Pathippagam |year=2002|page=196| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9IXaAAAAMAAJ }} </ref>

=== Personalities from Andhra Pradesh ===

* S. R. A. S. Appala Naidu, Former Minister for Fisheries and Ports<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Bruce Elliot Tapper |author2=|title=Rivalry and Tribute : Society and Ritual in a Telugu Village in South India |volume= |publisher=Hindustan Publishing Corporation |year=2009|page=47|isbn=9788170750031| url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=h-vZAAAAMAAJ }} </ref> * Dadi Veerabhadra Rao, Former Minister for Information & Public Relations<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2013/May/03/dadi-quits-tdp-may-join-ysr-congress-473747.html |title=Dadi quits TDP, may join YSR Congress |date=3 May 2013|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref> * Konathala Ramakrishna, Former Minister for Commercial Taxes<ref> *{{Cite news |date=2024-02-25 |title=New JS entrant Konathala to contest from Anakapalli |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/new-js-entrant-konathala-to-contest-from-anakapalli-visakhapatnam/articleshow/107978591.cms |access-date=2024-04-18 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} *{{Cite news |date=2024-01-17 |title=Ex YSRCP leader Konatala Ramakrishna may join Janasena Party |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/ex-ysrcp-leader-konatala-ramakrishna-may-join-janasena-party/articleshow/106933097.cms |access-date=2024-06-20 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} </ref> * Appala Narasimham, Former M.P. for Anakapalle<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/ganababu-ratnakar-racing-neck-and-neck/article5975867.ece |title=Ganababu, Ratnakar racing neck and neck |date=17 November 2021|work=The Hindu }}</ref> * Beesetti Venkata Satyavathi, Former M.P. for Anakapalle

== References == {{Reflist}}

Category:Social groups of Andhra Pradesh Category:Long stubs with short prose

{{India-ethno-stub}}