Introduction (Parichchedi Dynasty)

The Parichchedis were a collateral branch of the Kondapadumatis and exercised sway over the Sahatsahasra and the Kollipaka 7000 for over two and a half centuries from the middle of the 11th to the close of the 13th Century A D. Their capitals were Kollipaka, Virarayapuri and Vijayavada. The Parichchedis owed allegiance to the Chalukya cholas and their representatives, the Velanandu chodas in Vengi, generally, except when they were forced to submit to the chalukyas of Kalyani. The Parichchedi prasasti is imperialistic like that of the Kondapadumatis and the Kotas. The term Parichchedi prefixed to the names of the rulers of the dynasty indicates perhaps their separation from the main branch of the Kondapadumatis. The country over which they ruled included also the Omgerumarga tract.

Sources, Origin and Rise of the dynasty

A few inscription-all stone records-form the material for the history of the Parichchedis. Short references in the records of contemporary dynasties are useful as corroboratory evidence. With the few sources available no continuity in the genealogy and chronology of the Parichchedis is possible, Consequently many a gap is found in Parichchedi history.

The Parichchedis, like the Kondapadum atis. belonged to the fourth caste and were of Durjaya descent. The earliest known historical member of the dynasty was Bhimaraja, Pandya is mentioned immediately after Bhima and the relationship between the two is not known. The epigraphist says “if it is presumed that those were son and father, the antiquity of the family and its lordship over Otngeru marga (district) would date at least from 900s.” So perhaps from about A.D. 978, the Parichchedis were a ruling power and must have owed allegiance to the Chalukyas of Vengi.