Kuruma (Kuruba) Community and Their History in Telangana:
Kuruma community of Telangana, even though Kurumas are categorized as OBCs in the state.
Kuruma are a caste of Hindus concentrated mainly in the southern states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, India. They are also known as Dhangars in Maharashtra, Kurumba / Kurumans / Kurumbar in Tamil Nadu, Gaddi, Bharwad, Gadaria, Nikher, Pal, Baghel in North India, Bakarwal in Jammu & Kashmir and Oraon in Eastern India. Unofficial population estimate in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka is about 16 million.
In Telangana, the Kuruma (Kuruba) community is considered equivalent to the Golla (Yadav) subcaste. The Kurumas migrated from North Karnataka and Maharashtra and have a rich cultural and historical background. They have built several famous temples, including Sri Inavolu Mallanna Temple and Komuravelli Mallanna Temple.
Kurumas have traditionally served as priests (Pujaris), and the title "Bandari" or "Bandaru" is associated with them. "Bandaru Battu," made of turmeric (Pasupu Bottu), is used in worshiping Mallanna Swamy. The Kurumas are also known for their famous folk storytelling tradition, Oggu Katha, through which they narrate the stories of folk deities and historical legends.
History:
The Kuruma community is one of the oldest existing communities of India, tracing its history back to Mahabharata times. Kurubas have a great love for kannada language .The population of the Kuruba community in Karnataka alone is nearly 80 lakhs. People of the Kuruba community have long practised a variety of professions, and have not been confined to their traditional (and still predominant) occupation as shepherds and farmers. They have been the source of several ruling dynasties, most recently the Holkars of Indore; it has also been stated by some scholars that the Hoysala dynasty may have hailed from this community. Undeniably, a very large section of rural gentry in Karnataka, and many chieftains and feudal barons in past eras, have belonged to the Kuruba community.
Most prominent Kurubas have been Hakkaraya and Bukkaraya, founders of Vijayanagara Empire, ,Hoysalas, Pallavas, Holkars, Sangolli Rayanna,Mauryas, Yadavas etc. Some Kurubas have been social thinkers and poets, such as Kalidasa and Kanakadasa.
The Great Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar was the first freedom fighter who made an army, in 1803, mostly consisting of Kurubas(Dhangars) to fight with the British and to drive them out of India. He built a factory to manufacture tanks. He appealed to the rest of the Kings of India and said, "First Country and then Religion. We will have to rise above caste, religion and our states in the interest of our country. You too must wage a war against the British like me". His appeal fell on deaf ears as all of them had already signed treaties with the British. The Kurubas took part in the revolt of 1857. Many of them were hanged to death in Berar (M.P.). The British were so much afraid of Kurubas that they made a law banning purchase of land by Kurubas stating a reason that they were not Kunbis (agriculturists). They were oppressed in all spheres of life.
He was the only king in India to whom the British approached to sign a peace treaty. Initially he refused to sign any treaty with the British, but when he saw that rest of the kings were not ready to unite and were interested in personal benefits he was the last to sign a treaty with the British on 24 December 1805 at Rajghat. He did not accept any condition which would affect his self respect.
Similar to Kurubas and kurumas who are Yaduvamsha Kshatriyas, there are gouds/Idigas who are Somavamsha Kshatriyas and Palli, Jalari who are Mathsya vamsha kshatriyas.Meat selling community who are Are Kshatriya( Katika). Padmasali/Devanga who are having brahminical lineage.
Allama Prabhu, President of Lingayat Temple at the time of allowing saint Rewad in the temple stated "Kuruba Hutavamunna Kulavilla Gotra Villam, Kuruban fal kani Basawanna." meaning "Before the kurubas there were no gotras, gotras came with kurubas, Basawanna, we are the decendants of kurubas". This shows that many Lingayats were kurubas/Dhangars previously
Etymology
The word Kuruba means "warriors" and "trustworthy people." The word "Kuru" means "do or seek" in Sanskrit, and "Kuruhu" means "trust" in Kannada. "Kuruba" can be inferred to mean "doers" or "trustworthy (male person)". Kuruba can also be inferred to mean Seeker of Knowledge, Kuru (seek), Bha (Knowledge, Light). Kuruba has a direct meaning of one who herds "Kuri" (Sheep) in Kannada, mainly a Shepherd.
Religious Beliefs and Worship
Kurumas worship a variety of deities, most of whom are forms of Lord Shiva. Some of their most important gods include:
Mailara, Mallanna, Mallikarjuna, Vitthal (in his original Shiva form), Beerappa, Arivamma (Aluvelu Mangamma), Yellamma
Historical Connection with the Kakatiya Dynasty
There is historical evidence suggesting that Kakatiyas were also a Yadava clan of Kurumas. During the Kakatiya period, many Mallanna temples were built, highlighting their close association with the Kuruma community. Both Kakatiyas and Kurumas contributed to the construction of several Mallanna temples across Telangana.
Culture:
In Karnataka and telangana Kurubas are Hindus who follow Halumatha. Halumatha is also referred to as palamatha in some parts of India. Religion of the Palakas. Worshiping Almighty Source in stone (Linga) form might have originated from Halumatha. Stone is the source for the soil. Soil is the source for the plants. Plants are the source for the animals. This may be the reason for worshiping Almighty in Stone. Through the ages, this stone worship tradition might have led to worshiping Shiva (Pashupati) as Beeralingeswara, Mailara Linga, Khandoba, Mahadeshwara, Nanjundeswara, Mallappa, Mallara, Mallikarjuna, Junjappa etc.) Even the worshiping of shakti as Yellamma, Renuka, Chowdamma, Kariyamma,hallehoramma,thottilhiramma Chamundi, Bhanashankari, Gullamma etc. might have come from this tradition. Even today ancestral worship as deities is very common. The worship of ancestors like Revanasidda, Rama,Hanuman, Krishna, Keshava, Ranganatha, Eera Thimmanna, Tirupati Thimmappa, Venkateswara, Kalidasa, Siddarama, Kanakadasa, etc. as Devaru very much exists in Kuruba traditions.
Beeralingeswara temples have Balaga with Gowda, Buddhivanta, Bandari, Kolkara etc. Generally priests in Beeralingeshwara and Milaralingeshwara temples are Kurubas. Kurubas were great warriors and had established many ancient kingdoms such as the Hoysala kingdom in Karnataka and Pallava kingdom in present day Tamil Nadu; they reached their zenith of prosperity between AD 1300 and AD 1600 under the great Vijayanagara Empire.
Kurubas are known by different names in different regions of the country. In some locations in Karnataka, people from the Kuruba community use Naiker as surname. It means the same as Gowda (a leader of village or temple).
Names of the Kuruma caste in different states:
Andar, Ahiyaru, Ahir, Appugol, Maldhari / Bharwad / Rabari, Bharavadaru, Dhangar, Dhangad / Dhanwar / Dhanka /Dhangod, Doddi Gowda, Goravar,Gadhariya, Gadaria, Gowda, Gaddi, Gadri, Gollavadu, Gounder, Halumatha, Heggades, Idyar, Kaude, Khuruk, Kuda, Kuruba, Kuruba Gowda, Kurama, Kurumba, Kurmar, Kurumbar, Kalavar, Kuruma, Kurumavaaru, Kurkhi, Kurupu, Naikers, Nikhers, Oraon, Pal / Pala, Palaru, Paalakyatriya, Poduvar, Yadavalu,Mane(being the upper class of the following).
Kuruba kingdoms:
- Vijayanagara Empire
- Sangama Dynasty
- Holkars
- Pallavas
- Hoysalas
- Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri
- Rashtrakutas
- Maurya
Connection to Vijayanagara Empire:
Harihara Raya and Bukka Raya, the founders of the Vijayanagara Empire, were of Kuruma (Kuruba) lineage and were relatives of the Kakatiya dynasty. After the Delhi Sultanate attacked the Kakatiya kingdom in 1323 CE, Kakatiya ruler Prataparudra was defeated by Ulugh Khan. During this period, Harihara and Bukka were captured and taken to Delhi, where they were forced to convert to Islam. However, after gaining power, they reconverted to Hinduism and waged war against the Delhi Sultanate, eventually establishing the Vijayanagara Empire.
Kuruma Language and Cultural Heritage:
In the past, Kuruma elders, such as our great-grandfathers, spoke Kannada (Kuruma language) because Kurumas originally migrated from Karnataka and Maharashtra. However, over time, this language has disappeared, and no one speaks it anymore.
Kurumba Gounder Pallava Kings – A Forgotten Legacy:
Long ago, in the rich lands of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, the Pallava dynasty flourished, bringing prosperity and progress to its people. Among the many rulers of this mighty kingdom, the Kurumba Gounder lineage played a crucial role. Known for their bravery, wisdom, and deep connection to their land, these kings were not just warriors but also great administrators and protectors of their people.
The Rise of Vikrama Pallava
In the heart of the Pallava Empire, a young prince named Vikrama Pallava was born into the Kurumba Gounder clan. From an early age, he was trained in the arts of war, governance, and philosophy. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of his ancestors, who believed in justice, honor, and devotion to the welfare of their people.
As he grew older, Vikrama Pallava proved himself to be a fearless warrior, defending his kingdom from external invasions. The neighboring Chalukyas and other rival dynasties often tried to challenge Pallava rule, but Vikrama stood strong, leading his army with unmatched valor.
The Golden Age of Kurumba Gounder Rule
Under Vikrama Pallava and his descendants, the Kurumba Gounder influence in the Pallava court grew stronger. They were known for their fair governance, agricultural advancements, and support for temple architecture. Magnificent temples like those in Kanchipuram flourished under their patronage, showcasing intricate sculptures and spiritual wisdom.
These kings ensured that trade routes remained open, allowing merchants to bring prosperity to their lands. They also promoted Tamil, Sanskrit, and Prakrit literature, making their courts centers of learning and culture.
The Final Stand and Legacy
As time passed, the Pallava dynasty faced growing threats from the Cholas and Rashtrakutas. Despite fierce resistance, the once-mighty kingdom began to decline. However, the legacy of the Kurumba Gounder Pallava kings lived on through folklore, temples, and historical records.
Traditional Occupation and Crafts:
Kurumas belong to the Chandeeshwara Gotram, which is associated with Lord Shiva's lineage. They have two main subgroups:
1. Unni Kankana
2. Patti Kankana
Traditionally, Kurumas have been shepherds and landlords in Telangana. They are also known for making Gongadi, a handmade woolen blanket woven from sheep wool.
The Kuruma community in Telangana has contributed significantly to various fields, including politics, literature, and social activism. Notable individuals from this community include:
1. Doddi Komaraiah
Recognized as Telangana's first freedom fighter, Doddi Komaraiah played a pivotal role in the region's struggle against the Nizam's rule. His legacy is honored with the establishment of the Doddi Komaraiah Bhavan in Hyderabad, serving as a community center for the Kuruma people.
2. Bandaru Dattatreya
A seasoned politician, Bandaru Dattatreya has held various significant positions, including serving as the Governor of Haryana. His political journey reflects the active participation of the Kuruma community in mainstream politics.
3. Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd
An esteemed political theorist, writer, and Dalit rights activist, Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd is known for his critical works on caste and social structures in India. His notable publications include Why I Am Not a Hindu and Post-Hindu India, which have sparked discussions both nationally and internationally.
4. Belli Lalitha
A celebrated folk singer and founder of the Telangana Kala Samithi, Belli Lalitha was an ardent supporter of the Telangana statehood movement. Her contributions to folk music and activism left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the region.
5. Kollur Mallappa
Serving as the first President of the Hyderabad Pradesh Congress Committee before the merger of Hyderabad state into Andhra Pradesh, Kollur Mallappa was a prominent political figure. He was also a mentor to leaders like P.V. Narasimha Rao and founded the Kuruba Sangham and a hostel in Hyderabad to support the community.
6. Yegge Mallesham
As the President of the Telangana Kuruma Sangam and a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), Yegge Mallesham has been instrumental in advocating for the rights and development of the Kuruma community.
