Velanadu

Velandu is a name of the region on the banks of River Krishna in the ancient Telugu country. The terms Velandu or velnadu are often used synonymous with present Guntur district.

Geography

The coastal area of the Krishna delta from Guntur to Srisailam is called Velanadu.

History

This area showed the evidences of Palaeolithic (old stone) age in India and one of the ancient places of presence of human being. Chebrolu excavations found terracotta figurines and old coins showing the relations with Roman Empire. Many inscriptions left by kings found throughout the region reveal that it was a base for lot of ancient Hindu kingdoms. Bhattiprolu was the capital of Prati Palaputra kingdom since the 5th century B.C.E. Amaravathi was an ancient Buddhist place and also the capital of Satavahanas, the first great south Indian Kingdom in 3rd century B.C.E. It was successively ruled by famous dynasties such as the Ikshavakus, Pallavas, Anandagothrins, Vishnukundins, Chalukyas, Cholas, Kakatiyas, Reddies, Vijayanagaras and Qutb Shahis. Later it became part of British state Madras until Andra Pradesh state was formed.

Since 12th century, several subordinate kingdoms like Velanati Chodas of Chandolu also brought fame to this region. They fought wars along with mighty Cholas. This region also witnessed several wars with outsiders and as well between local groups, like the famous Palnadu battle which was treated as "Andhra Kurukshetra" between local clans and the Godavari battle which decimated the presence of Kalyani Chalukyas in Andhra Pradesh.

Few brahmins from this region still carry the name 'Velanadu' as their subsect and treat the Rishis like Bharadvaja, Gouthama, Kousika, Koundilya, etc as their Gothra (ancestors)

See also

• Velanadu Chodas
• Circar

External References

• Durga Prasad, History of the Andhras up to 1565 A. D., P. G. PUBLISHERS, GUNTUR (1988)