Gajula Balija Naidu - the caste of my families - traces its roots to a story about Parvati's penance to look beautiful for Shiva. In this attempt, she invoked the powers of a sacred fire, from which a person emerged. This person is supposed to be the ancestor of all gajula balijas. He brought forth combs, bangles, perfumes, sandals, powder, beads and coloured palm-leaf rolls for the ears. [Ref. - Government of Madras Staff P. 105 Gazetteer of the Nellore District.]
A similar story of the same times traces the origins to Himavan (father of Parvati) when he offered a sacrifice of a bull to Brahma, through the powers of a sacred fire, from which the person emerged.
Balijas, also often referred to alongside Kapus, migrated from the north, and are supposed to be descendants of the indo-aryan Kaampu tribe that migrated southwards from Kampilya and Mithila. The reference to Kapus, are for those who were engaged in trade, were known as Balijas. The Balijas who joined the armed forces and protected the trade caravans were known as Balija Nayakulu or Balija Naidus. Some historians believe that the Balijas / Kapus /Kaampu are also with roots in the Kossar tribe that led to the Satavahana dynasty and several other ancient dynasties. Several variants of the group, during their movement from Kampilya and Mithila towards south India have ended up in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh and Orissa.
Several dynasties established by the Balija - Kapu communities include - Telugu Chodas, Ananda Gotrikas, Kona Kings, Madurai Nayaks, Thanjavur Nayaks, Vijayanagar - Araveeti Dynasty, Koppula Chiefs, Poligars of Anantapur, Musunuri Nayaks and the Korukonda Nayaks.
The word "Naidu" is acceptably related etymologically in Kerala ("Nair"), Maharashtra ("Naik"), Tamil Nadu ("Naicker" or "Naickan") and Orissa ("Nayaks" or "Pattanayak").
There is a twist to the story. There is another caste - Kacher - located in Rajasthan, of whom there are both Hindus and Muslims, who also claim their roots to the same story. Here is an excerpt -
A similar story of the same times traces the origins to Himavan (father of Parvati) when he offered a sacrifice of a bull to Brahma, through the powers of a sacred fire, from which the person emerged.
Balijas, also often referred to alongside Kapus, migrated from the north, and are supposed to be descendants of the indo-aryan Kaampu tribe that migrated southwards from Kampilya and Mithila. The reference to Kapus, are for those who were engaged in trade, were known as Balijas. The Balijas who joined the armed forces and protected the trade caravans were known as Balija Nayakulu or Balija Naidus. Some historians believe that the Balijas / Kapus /Kaampu are also with roots in the Kossar tribe that led to the Satavahana dynasty and several other ancient dynasties. Several variants of the group, during their movement from Kampilya and Mithila towards south India have ended up in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh and Orissa.
The excerpt from the Gazetteer of the Nellore District - about Balijas
Several dynasties established by the Balija - Kapu communities include - Telugu Chodas, Ananda Gotrikas, Kona Kings, Madurai Nayaks, Thanjavur Nayaks, Vijayanagar - Araveeti Dynasty, Koppula Chiefs, Poligars of Anantapur, Musunuri Nayaks and the Korukonda Nayaks.
The word "Naidu" is acceptably related etymologically in Kerala ("Nair"), Maharashtra ("Naik"), Tamil Nadu ("Naicker" or "Naickan") and Orissa ("Nayaks" or "Pattanayak").
Excerpts from - Castes and Tribes of Southern India - Volume 1
by Edgar Thurston. (Copyright no longer applicable)
Photograph of a traditional Gajula Balija with his trade
From - Castes and Tribes of Southern India - Volume 1
by Edgar Thurstaon (Copyright no longer applicable)
from a Handbook of Muslim Caste Names
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