Castes and Tribes of Southern India/Ōjali

by Edgar Thurston

Ōjali.—The Ōjali, Vōjali, or Ōzolu are summed up, in the Madras Census Report, 1901, as being "Telugu blacksmiths in the Vizagapatam Agency. They eat beef, but are somewhat superior to the Paidis and Mālas in social position. They are also called Mettu Kamsali." It is stated in the Vizagapatam Manual that, during the reign of Chōla Chakravati, the Kamsalas (artisans) claimed to be equal to Brāhmans. This offended the sovereign, and he ordered their destruction. Some only escaped death by taking shelter with people of the 'Ōzu' caste. As an acknowledgment of their gratitude many of the Kamsalas have ōzu affixed to their house-name, e.g.,Kattōzu, Lakkōzu.