Yadavs are broadly a peasant-pastoral caste group across India who, since the 19th century, have claimed descent from the legendary king Yadu (and by extension Lord Krishna). (Wikipedia)
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the principal regional form of this group is traditionally known as the Golla caste β Telugu-speaking pastoralists historically involved in cattle herding and related occupations. (Wikipedia)
Over time, especially from the early 20th century, castes like Golla, Gopa, and related pastoral groups increasingly adopted the wider Yadav/Yadava identity through a process of Sanskritisation encouraged by movements like the All India Yadav Mahasabha. (aiymtelangana.com)
In Andhra Pradesh, Yadavs (including Gollas) are typically classified under Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government records, which makes them eligible for certain reservation benefits. (Wikipedia)
Golla Community:
The Telugu-speaking Gollas β part of the broader Yadav umbrella β have a long presence across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring regions. (Wikipedia)
Caste Movement:
Early caste associations in the 20th century encouraged cattle-herding groups like Gollas to adopt the Yadav name to unify different regional sub-groups and claim a more prestigious lineage. (aiymtelangana.com)
Temple Traditions:
In June 2020, the Andhra Pradesh government restored Golla Mirasi (heritage rights) to the Golla community at the Tirumala temple, acknowledging their traditional role in worship rituals. (Wikipedia)
In Andhra and Telangana, Yadav/Golla communities may be associated with various sub-groups or surnames. Some locally noted forms (though not exhaustive or official) include:
Golla / Gollavaru (primary pastoral community) (Wikipedia)
Yerra Golla, Mushti, Masaram, Karine, Kuruma, Sidda, etc. (sub-group names within the Golla community) (Wikipedia)
Regional surnames associated with Yadav families include Kakarla, Gogula, Gangula, Pamidi, Borra, Badugula, Paneti, Pasam and more β notably from Guntur, Prakasam, Chittoor districts and beyond. (Yadav Saab)
Note: Surnames vary widely by district and family lineage, and not all are exclusive to Yadavs.
Here are some prominent individuals from the Yadav community in Andhra Pradesh:
Madduluri Malakondaiah Yadav β MLA from Chirala (Telugu Desam Party). (Wikipedia)
Burra Madhusudan Yadav β Former MLA, Kanigiri (YSR Congress Party). (Wikipedia)
R. Ramesh Yadav β Nominated member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council from the Yadav community (Kadapa). (The New Indian Express)
(Often discussed, though outside strict AP boundaries) Former MP M. Anjan Kumar Yadav has been mentioned by community histories. (yadavhistory.com)
Various leaders advocate for recognition of βYadavβ in caste censuses in Telangana/AP to clarify social statistics and strengthen political voice. (The Hans India)
Yadav/Golla communities form a significant part of Andhraβs Backward Classes, influencing politics and reservation debates. (The Times of India)
Like many castes in Andhra, members sometimes participate in broader social movements related to caste identity, political representation, and local governance.
The Yadav identity in Andhra Pradesh is mainly associated with the Golla caste β Telugu pastoralists integrated into the broader Yadav community via social reform movements. (Wikipedia)
They are primarily classified as OBCs and actively involved in politics, agriculture, business, and public life. (Wikipedia)
Local surnames and sub-groups are numerous and often region-specific. (Yadav Saab)