Other Spellings : Reddi
Religion : Hindu
Varna : Reddys are said to have acquired Kshatriya status.
Sub-castes : Some well-known sub-castes amongst Reddys include Ayodhi Reddys (in Tamil Nadu), Motati Reddys, Neravati Reddy, Pedakanti Reddy, Chowdary Reddy (Saudary Reddy), Gudati Reddy, Reddy Gandla, Pakanati Reddys, Velanati Reddys, Palnati Reddys, Namadarlu, Vadde Reddys, Panta Reddys, Gandla Reddy, Ganjam Reddy (in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Orissa), Pokanati Reddys, Pokanati Reddys, Nanugonda Reddys, Gone Kapu and Palle Reddy.
But today, sub castes in Reddy community is being erased slowly and many people in Reddy community are not even aware of their sub-castes.
Language : Telegu
Regional Spread : Andhra Pradesh in southern India, besides Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
Traditional Occupation : Farming
Place of Origin : Andhra Pradesh
Food Habits : Most are non-vegetarian
Marriage Preference : Reddy's prefer marriages within their caste and sub castes.
About Reddys : Reddys are said to be the single largest community in Andhra Pradesh. Reddys are said to be healthy, strong, cheerful, generally smiling, broadminded, and generous people. Some people say Reddys are somewhat conservative but they are not really clannish.
History and Origin : There are many theories regarding the origin of Reddys. Some believe the word 'Reddy' in particular refers to the Reddy dynasty that ruled in the region around present day Vijayawada, Guntur, Kurnool and Rajahmundry towns for nearly a hundred years (1328-1428). Others believe the name 'Reddy' originated as the head of a village appointed by the King as a rashta kuta (Police) to supervise the law and order of the village.
Some scholars opine that Reddys are an offshoot of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. After the decline of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, the ruling clan broke off and settled in North and South India. Rashtrakutas were a Rajput clan. The settlers in the north are called Rathods or Rathores, and ruled Marwar in western Rajasthan, while the southern settlers were called Reddys.