Uppara | |
---|---|
Classification | Backward Caste |
Religions | Hinduism |
Country | India |
Populated states | Andhra Pradesh Tamil Nadu Telangana Karnataka |
Uppara is a Hindu caste and is classified as Backward Class or OBC, predominately found in the states of Andhra Pradesh,[1] Karnataka,[2] Telangana,[3] Tamil Nadu[4] and Kerala.[5] [6]
During the rule of King Maharayar of Vijayanagara Empire, Sagaras ruled 24 nadus (areas) and acquired the title Naicker.[7] The caste is known by the alternate name Uppara Naicker in some areas.[8]
The primary activity of Sagaras in 19th century was preparation of salt (uppu in Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil) so they are called Upparas by profession.
According to Buchanan, the most important occupation of the Telugu Upparas at the beginning of the nineteenth century was the manufacture of salt..
Some members of the caste are Vaishnavites and others Saivites. They also worship various village deities, which vary according to the place of residence.
The one man commission constituted by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, chaired by Sri Anantha Raman[who?] in its report in 1968 made certain observations and recommendations regarding the Uppara community. Some of the points mentioned in the report are as follows:
The "Chinnappa Reddy Report (1990)" indicates that the Uppara make up about 1.18 percent of the population of Karnataka.