Kaikalas
Kaikalas are a Telugu speaking weaving caste. Kaikalas live in the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions of the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. They are also known as Karikala Bhaktulu, Kaikala, Kaikkolar, Sengundar. In Tamilnadu, they are known as Senguntha Kaikola Mudaliar, one of the dominant communities during the rule of Imperial Cholas. During the rule of  Chola dynasty, they formed major  portion of the Chola army and served as soldiers, commanders, chieftains and ministers to Chola emperors. They consider the Chola emperor Karikala Choludu as their hero who is said to have conquered Andhra region around 3rd century CE.

The community is divided into sects based on Sampradaya as Shaivas and Vaishnavas. While the Shaivas give preference to worshipping Shiva, the Vaishnavas give preference to worshipping Thirumal.

The Kaikalas form a very important part of the Thathayagunta Gangamma Jatara, the annual folk festival held at Tirupati.

See also
Sengunthar
Devanga
Padmasali

References

Indian castes
Social groups of Andhra Pradesh
Telugu society
Weaving communities of South Asia