The Jambuvulu, Jambu Dwipa, Jambavantha

The Jambuvulu are a 15,800 strong (2001 census) jathi of Andhra Pradesh. I am excited to think of the connection between the Jambuvulu and the Epic Rksha Warrior Hero Jambavantha. There is a temple near Nellore that marks the spot where Sri Krishna won the Syamantaka Mani from Jambavantha and married his daughter.

Literally Jambuvulu means “The Jambus”. Our land was called Jambu Dvipa or ‘the island of the Jambus’ till the time of Asoka, (Brahmagiri Edict).  Any legend or history that the Jambuvulu can tell us should give us some great clues.

I have also found a jathi called the Arundhatiyas of 38500 people, Chandala only 35 people, Gosangi 20,000, Mala Hannai just 3 people, Mala Sanyasi 120, Matangi 657, Sindhollu (can it be people of Sindh?) 2274… and there are a lot more jathis on the census list some  with very few people left. :( :( :(   I have highlighted a few names that may become interesting to us as we go forward in learning our history.

I always become very sad when I think any jathi is dwindling, we are losing them, and with them all their history, stories, customs, music, dresses and accumulated culture and knowledge of the millenia.

Authorship and Copyright Notice : All Rights Reserved : Satya Sarada Kandula

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