The Reddis belong to a Telugu speaking community that is split into numerous subsections. Their traditional occupation is agriculture. Though they are to be found in Tamil Nadu (where they are known as Reddiars) and Karnataka, they belong to Andhra Pradesh and constitute nearly one-fourth of the total population. Telangana, Rayalaseema and the districts of Nellore and Guntur are their chief places of residence.

The Reddis originally belong to the 4th and last caste - the Sudra. They have, through the ages, assumed the role of Kshatriyas. They represent the genus of the kapus, the Telugu word-suggesting protectors. The term Reddi was a title denoting temporal authority. The Kakatiyas had 72 Nayakas under them among whom were the Reddis and the Velamas, two sections antagonistic to each other. They were classified into three groups according to the regions where they flourished, the Kondaveeti Reddis, the Oruganti Reddis and the Painati Reddis.

History of Reddi Community: With the submergence of the Kshatriya rulers under the onslaught of the Muslim invaders, on whom they inflicted crushing defeats, the Reddis emerged as a power in the Deccan. The confrontation between Warangal, the Kakatiya capital and Delhi led the resourceful Reddis to make a drive in 1329 for the liberation of the Deccan from the Muslims.

Society of Reddi Community: Reddis are largely settled in Andhra Pradesh. Here they are primarily farmers. One of the main features of the society is that they respect women. In fact women have been allotted an important position in the society. They are brought up with proper education and given opportunities to choose their own career.