Kapu (caste)

Kapu is a Hindu caste primarily found in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Kapus are classified as a Forward caste, and are a community of land-owning agriculturists. Historically, they also served as military generals (Nayakas) and warriors in Hindu kingdoms such as the Vijayanagara Empire. Kapus are a dominant caste of Andhra Pradesh. They are primarily present in Coastal Andhra, with a major concentration in the Godavari-Krishna delta region. Kapus commonly use the title Naidu.

The Kapu caste includes the subcastes Telaga and Ontari, both historically recognized as warrior communities known for their honour and bravery. The terms Kapu and Telaga are often used interchangeably. The origins of the Telagas are linked to the Velanadu chiefs (1076–1216 CE), who ruled Coastal Andhra and gradually became known as Telagas. In most of Coastal Andhra, Kapu, Telaga, and Ontari are all referred to as Kapu, except in the former Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts, where they are specifically known as Telagas. The Kapu caste is closely related to the Balija community of Rayalaseema, and the two groups are often categorized together in governmental and sociological contexts.

Kapus of Coastal Andhra are distinct from other similarly named communities like the Munnuru Kapus of Telangana, the Turpu Kapus of Uttarandhra, and the Reddys of Rayalaseema and Telangana.