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. During the rule of Chola dynasty, some of the Kaikolars who formed major portion of the Chola army migrated to Andhra region from TamilNadu. 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.