Parichchedi

The Parichchedis were a medieval ruling clan in Andhra.[1]

History

The Parichchedis were initially the samantas (vassals) of the Chalukyas.[2] They originated from social groups such as the besta (fisherman) and peasant groups of the Shudra varna.[2] After becoming rulers, they claimed Kshatriya status.[3] They also claimed descent from Durjaya, a legendary chieftain of ancient Andhra.[4][5] 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.[5] They were staunch patrons of Hindu Dharma in contrast to the Chalukyas, who initially were patrons of Jainism.[6]

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 Congress, Indian History (1997). Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. Vol. 57. Indian History Congress. p. 145.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ a b "Volume 38, Part 2". Quarterly Journal of the Andhra Historical Research Society. Andhra Historical Research Society.: 119 1986.
  6. ^ Mediaeval Jainism: With Special Reference to the Vijayanagara Empire By Bhasker Anand Saletore [1]