Telaga

Telaga is a community found in Coastal Andhra region of India. Telaga is a subcaste of Kapu and both terms are often used synonymously. They are classified as a Forward caste. They are a land-owning agrarian community. Historically, they were a warrior caste known for their honour and bravery.

The origins of Telagas have been linked to Telugu Choda dynasties like Durjayas of Velanadu (1076–1216 CE) who ruled Coastal Andhra and later came to be called Telagas over a period of time. Telagas commonly carry the titles Naidu and Dora. Balija and Ontari communities are closely related to Telaga.

Telagas in the erstwhile districts of East and West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Visakhapatnam have called themselves Kapus for a long time, while those in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts are still known as Telagas to distinguish them from the unrelated caste of Turpu Kapus who are also present in the same districts.