Economic Conditions – Trade

• The main occupation is Agriculture.
• According to the literary works of potana and srinatha, Brahmins also did Cultivation.
• There were 3 types of land. Metta (uplands), Tari (Moist land), Horticulture land
• Main crop during Velamas was Jowar. Because there were more Metta lands during their Period.
• Rich people used to eat Rice.
• Varieties of Paddy were Shiramukhi, Kalama, Shali, Hayapa ethanga Hoyana etc.
• Another occupation was Cattle rearing.
• Every temple has an animal house known as “Kilaras”.
• Main source of income was Land tax (1/6th
• of crop produce).
• Every village had storage units known as “Rachagadelu” to store the grains which were collected as tax.

Industries:

• The important industry during Velamas was Textile industry.
• Orugallu, Rachakonda and Devarakonda are well known for textile industries.
• The names of sarees during Velamas are;
• Rama Singaram
• Vasantha Singaram
• Sri Krishna Vilasam
• Rama Vilasam
• Vasantha Vilasam
• According to the book “Simhasana Dwatrimshika”, there were Pattu Sarees during those days such as;
• Hema Pattu
• Pulli Goru Pattu
• Vela Pattu
• Vajra Pattu Udaya Pattu
• The Kalamkari industry was also famous.
• During Velama’s period the Normal iron swords were world famous.
• According to Rukhmangadha Charita there was also a trunk Industry. Trade:
• During that period, Balijas and Vaisyas did international trade.
• The main Port city was Vadapalli (on the banks of River Krishna).
• There were conflicts between Velamas and Reddy Raju for Sovereignty over the port city Vadapalli.