Parichchedi

The Parichchedis were a medieval chiefly lineage in Andhra.[1] They belonged to the Vasistha gotra.[2][3] According to V. Yashoda Devi, the Parichchedis are one of the four lineages—alongside the Kotas, Kakatiyas, and Varnatas—from whom the Kshatriyas of the Telugu country have descended.[2]

History

The Parichchedis were initially the samantas (vassals) of the Chalukyas.[4] They originated from social groups such as the besta (fisherman) and peasant groups of the Shudra varna.[4] After becoming rulers, they claimed Kshatriya status.[5] They also claimed descent from Durjaya, a legendary chieftain of ancient Andhra.[6][7] These claims of Kshatriya origin and descent from semi-mythical and mythical persons demonstrate a tendency of the medieval Brahmanical society to absorb lower caste rulers into Kshatriya fold.[7] They were staunch patrons of Hindu Dharma in contrast to the Chalukyas, who initially were patrons of Jainism.[8]

References

  1. ^ Talbot, Cynthia (20 September 2001). Precolonial India in Practice: Society, Region, and Identity in Medieval Andhra. Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 53. ISBN 978-0-19-803123-9.
  2. ^ a b V, Yashoda Devi (1975). Sri Venkateswara University Oriental Journal [Social and Economic Structure in Ândhradesa in the Reddi Age]. Vol. 18. Sri Venkateswara University Oriental Research Institute. p. 58.
  3. ^ Sōmaśēkharaśarma, Mallampalli (1946). History of the Reddi Kingdoms (circa. 1325 A.D. to Circa 1448 A.D.). Andhra University. p. 267.
  4. ^ a b Congress, Indian History (1997). Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. Vol. 57. Indian History Congress. p. 145.
  5. ^ Pande, Rekha (13 September 2010). Divine Sounds from the Heart—Singing Unfettered in their Own Voices: The Bhakti Movement and its Women Saints (12th to 17th Century). Cambridge Scholars Publishing. p. 50. ISBN 978-1-4438-2525-2.
  6. ^ Talbot, Cynthia (20 September 2001). Precolonial India in Practice: Society, Region, and Identity in Medieval Andhra. Oxford University Press. p. 53. ISBN 978-0-19-803123-9.
  7. ^ a b "Volume 38, Part 2". Quarterly Journal of the Andhra Historical Research Society. Andhra Historical Research Society.: 119 1986.
  8. ^ Mediaeval Jainism: With Special Reference to the Vijayanagara Empire By Bhasker Anand Saletore [1]