Telugu Chodas
Rulers of Andhra Pradesh, 6th-13th century / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Telugu Chodas or Telugu Cholas ruled parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh and Telangana between the 5th and the 13th centuries as samantas of Pallavas and later the Imperial Cholas.[2][3] Various dynasties exist among them including Velanati, Pottapi, Konidena, Nannuru, Nellore, Kunduru etc. The earliest Choda dynasty in the Telugu area was that of Renati Chodas who ruled Renadu region from late 5th century to 7th century. Some of the Telugu Chodas including Renati Chodas claimed descent from the early Sangam Tamil king Karikala Chola.[4] Telugu Chodas contributed much to the early development of Telugu language and are the first dynasty to use Telugu as their official language. The first and oldest Telugu inscription founded so far is Kalamalla inscription dating to 575 CE put up by Renati Chola king Erikal Mutturaju Dhanunjaya.[5] Telugu Chodas are believed to have been migrated from Tamilakam to Andhra country due to invasion of Tamilakam by Kalabhras and increasing power of Pallavas in northern most part of Tamilakam. Kapu (caste) in Andhra is said to have originated from Telugu Cholas who themselves claim descendant from Karikala.