Parichchedi Explained

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. 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. They were staunch patrons of Hindu Dharma in contrast to the Chalukyas, who initially were patrons of Jainism.^[6]

Notes and References

1. Book: Talbot . Cynthia . Precolonial India in Practice: Society, Region, and Identity in Medieval Andhra . 20 September 2001 . Oxford University Press . Oxford . 978-0-19-803123-9 . 53 . Thus, Durjaya is cited as an ancestor by many chiefly lineages from Telangana—including the Kakatiyas (IAPW.29), Malyalas (HAS 13.8), Viryalas (IAP-W.27)—as well as by lineages from coastal Andhra such as the Konakandravadis (SII 4.780), the Ivani Kandravadis (SII 10.253), the Kondapadmatis (ARE 346 of 1937-38), the Parichchhedis (SII 10.430), and the Chagis (SII 4.748). . en.
2. Book: Congress, Indian History. Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 1997. Indian History Congress.. 57. 145. en.
3. Book: Pande . Rekha . Divine Sounds from the Heart—Singing Unfettered in their Own Voices: The Bhakti Movement and its Women Saints (12th to 17th Century) . 13 September 2010 . Cambridge Scholars Publishing . 978-1-4438-2525-2 . 50 . en.
4. Book: Talbot . Cynthia . Precolonial India in Practice: Society, Region, and Identity in Medieval Andhra . 20 September 2001 . Oxford University Press . 978-0-19-803123-9 . 53 . en.
5. 1986 . Volume 38, Part 2 . Quarterly Journal of the Andhra Historical Research Society . en . Andhra Historical Research Society. . 119.
6. Mediaeval Jainism: With Special Reference to the Vijayanagara Empire By Bhasker Anand Saletore