Telugu or Telaga. A synonym for Balija in the Northern Circars.
Rajamahendram or Musu Kamma. The former denotes the town of Rajahmundry, and the latter a special ear-ornament worn by women.
Vyasa. A sage (rishi) or hunter, whom the hunting classes claim as their ancestor.
Other sub-divisions, classified as Balijas at the census, 1901, were:--
Jakkulas, among whom it was, at Tenali in the Kistna district, formerly customary for each family to give up one girl for prostitution. Under the influence of social reform, a written agreement was a few years ago entered into to give up the practice.
Adapapa. Female attendants on the ladies of the families of Zamindars, who, as they are not allowed to marry, lead a life of prostitution. Their sons call themselves Balijas. In some places, e.g., the Kistna and Godavari districts, this class is known as Khasa or Khasavandlu.
Santa Kavarai. Returned as Balijas in the Chingleput district.
Ravut. Returned in the Salem district. Said to have been formerly soldiers under the Poligars.
Like other Telugu castes, the Balijas have exogamous septs (intiperu) and gotras. Of the former, the following are examples:--
Tupakala, musket. Samudram, ocean. Pappu, split pulse. Gantla, bell. Puli, tiger. Balli, lizard. Avula, cow. Gandham, sandal paste or powder. Jilakara, cummin seeds. Miriyala, pepper. Mutyala, pearls. Narikella, cocoanut. Nemili, peacock. Pagadala, coral. Pattindla, silk house. Ratnala, precious stones. Ungarala, rings. Yenumala, buffalo.
There is a saying that a Balija who has no gotra must take the name of the Pasuleti, or Pasupuleti gotra. In like manner, a Brahman orphan, whose gotra cannot be traced, is made to adopt the Vathsa gotra.