There are many theories about the origins of the word "Kamma" and the social group known as the Kammas but none is conclusive.
- Buddhist origin
The theory is that the people who lived in the Krishna river valley, where Buddhism prevailed, got the name from the Theravada Buddhist concept of Kamma (in Pali) or Karma (in Sanskrit).[5] This region was once known as Kammarashtram / Kammarattam / Kammanadu, which was under the control of the Pallavas, Eastern Chalukyas and Cholas. mentioning Kammanadu are available since 3rd century C.E. According to some historians the Kammas existed since the time of the Christ.
Some historians opined that the name Kamma is probably derived from Kambhoja. Avadh Bihari Lal Avasthi comments as follows: We find Kambhi, Kamma, Kumbhi etc castes in South India. Possibly, there has also been a Kamboja country in Southern India. The Garuda Purana locates a Kambhoja principality/settlement in the neighborhood of Ashmaka, Pulinda, Jimuta, Narrashtra, Lata and Karnata countries, and also specifically informs us that this section of Kambojas were living in the southern part of India.
pulinda ashmaka jimuta narrashtara nivasinah
carnata kamboja ghata dakshinapathvasinah.
- Kurmi origin
Another origin of Kammas is speculated as: Buddhist Kurmis from the Gangetic plains migrated to the Krishna river delta in large numbers to escape the persecution of Pushyamitra Sunga (184 BCE).[18] Buddhism was already flourishing in Dharanikota, Bhattiprolu, Chandavolu etc in this fertile area.[19] Historians surmised that the Sanskrit word Kurmi/Kurma became Kamma in later years.[20] The first records of the word Kammarashtram appeared in the Jaggayyapeta inscription of the Ikshvaku King Madhariputra Purushadatta (3rd century CE).[21] Kammarashtram extended from the Krishna River to Kandukur (Prakasam Dt.). The next record was that of Pallava King Kumara Vishnu II followed by that of Eastern Chalukya king Mangi Yuvaraja (627-696 CE). The subsequent inscriptions of Telugu Cholas/Chodas and Kakatiya dynasty mentioned ‘Kammanadu’. This region is also known as Pallavanadu/Palanadu/Palnadu due to Pallava rule.
I would like to share a couple of real life experiences as to the origins of Kamma Chowdary ancestry.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it may be of interest to people tracing our ancestry and present day attitude.
Quite by chance, I came across a gentleman who commented on my skull shape and looks while waiting to pick up my son from a dance class. After elaborate introspective looks (rather irritating stares), on a man to man basis he queried in Hindi if I hailed from Haryana. Caught by surprise I replied 'Andhra'. He introduced himself as an anthropologist with the government and insisted my origins could only be in or near Haryana, as per my skull and body bone structure. I reconfirmed my Kamma Chowdary and Andhra origins. He persistently commented on his vast experience and exposure in his field to certify his observations. With an awkward grin, I collected my son and took a hasty exit.
The 2nd incident happened a couple of days back while reclaiming some lost documents from the finder. A wealthy and well-settled aged gentleman,he enquired on my antecedents and remarked 'oh you Kamma Chowdharys are originally from Haryana and belong to the same Jat class. Your ancestors immigrated to fertile areas in the south due to socio-economic conditions related to population growth and repeated foreign (muslim) invasions. You retain exclusivity traits here in south to maintain your blood lines or lineage. Your pride stems from the code of conduct laid by your ancestor settlers and has evolved along maternal domination in your families'.
These incidents and observations from intellectual sections of society kindled my curiosity to seek more clarity.
BTW, before any adverse comments happen,I am blessed with very sharp features (my friends call me handsome) and am around 6 ft tall with a pleasant outlook & million dollar smile. The MNC company I work for posted my photo on their 2014 calendar as the centre peice. Am having a new found sense of pride to be born Kamma Chowdary by the blessings of the almighty.
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