The Parichchedis were a medieval chiefly lineage in Coastal Andhra.
History
The Parichchedis were initially the
(vassals) of the
Chalukya dynasty.
They originated from social groups such as the
besta (fisherman) and peasant groups of the
Shudra varna.
After becoming rulers, they claimed
Kshatriya status.
They also claimed descent from Durjaya, a legendary chieftain of ancient Andhra.
These claims of
Kshatriya origin and descent from semi-mythical and mythical persons demonstrate a tendency of the medieval Brahmanical society to absorb lower caste rulers into Kshatriya fold.
They were staunch patrons of
Hindu Dharma in contrast to the
, who initially were patrons of
Jainism.
[Mediaeval Jainism: With Special Reference to the Vijayanagara Empire By Bhasker Anand Saletore ]
