Vaidiki Velanadu
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Vaidiki Velanadu is a sub-caste of
Adi Shankaracharya and are located in Andhra Pradesh. However, There is a small subset of them who remain Shrauta brahmins. Most Vaidiki Velanadu Brahmins follow the Apastamba Dharmasutra and belong to the Taittiriya Shakha of the Krishna Yajur Veda
.
The earliest reference to Vaidiki Velanadu starts from 12th century. Early references mention that the Velanadu Brahmins have a martial tradition, and many have fought bravely in the Battle of Palanadu on the side of
Brahma Naidu
.
Most of the Telugu-speaking priests of Smarta tradition and all of the Telugu Shrauta brahmins are from this sect. However, the people have diversified into other professions like military service, sports, politics, arts, medicine, advocacy, science, engineering and academics.
References
- B S L Hanumantha Rao, Social Mobility in Medieval Andhra, Telugu Academy Press
- Christopher Alan Bayly, Rulers, Townsmen, and Bazaars: North Indian Society in the Age of British Expansion, 1770–1870, Cambridge University Press, 1983
- Durga Prasad, History of the Andhras up to 1565 A. D., P. G. PUBLISHERS, GUNTUR (1988)