The story of the Adivasi Mannerwarlu.
“Munnuru” or “Manner” is traditionally understood to mean 300 warriors, while “Var,” “Kapu,” or “Varlu” refers to brave soldiers, farmers, or warriors — together describing a community remembered as 300 Adivasi warriors.
How the name
“Mannerwarlu” came to be.
The Ramayana Legend
According to tradition, King Janaka of Mithila set a condition at Goddess Sita’s Swayamvar — that the divine bow of Lord Shiva had to be lifted. Three hundred brave soldiers from his army came forward to protect the sacred bow, becoming known as “Trishat Veeraganamu,” a name later associated with “Munnur Kapu” and “Mannerwarlu.”
Migration from Vijayanagara
Following the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, around 300 families are believed to have migrated from the southern regions toward the border areas of Telangana and Maharashtra, particularly near Nanded, Yavatmal, and Chandrapur — giving rise to the name “Munnurwarlu” or “Mannerwarlu.”
Royal Bodyguards and Warriors
Members of the community are said to have served as personal bodyguards and specially selected soldiers of kings, with 300 trusted and courageous warriors traditionally assigned to protect rulers — a role closely tied to the name Adivasi Mannerwarlu.
Life Along the Godavari
Over time, the community settled along the Godavari River and its surrounding forests, known as a warrior Adivasi community protecting its settlements and forests, with ties to rivers including the Manjara, Penganga, Indravati, Wainganga, Pranhita, and Wardha — relying on forest protection, hunting, and agriculture for its livelihood.
Recognized Today
Due to administrative and linguistic differences across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, the community appears under several names in government and social records — including Mannerwarlu, Munnerwar, Munnurwar, Munnur, and Telugu Phulmali.
Mata Pochamma.
The principal deity of the community is traditionally associated with Mahakali, a form of Adishakti, and worshipped as the Gramadevata — a protective goddess believed to guard against illness, hardship, and evil.
Warriors remembered at the heart of the community’s founding legend
Telugu, Marathi, Gondi, and Hindi — spoken across generations.
Telugu
A primary traditional language of the Adivasi Mannerwarlu community.
Marathi
Spoken traditionally, especially near the Maharashtra border regions.
Gondi
A traditional tribal language connected to the community’s forest homelands.
Hindi
Also spoken traditionally within the community.
Known by many names.
Mannerwarlu and Mannerwar are among the most common forms of the name found in government, revenue, and educational records.
Across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the community also appears as Munnerwar, Munnurwar, Munnur, Telugu Munnur, and Munnurwar Telugu.
In parts of Maharashtra, administrative records list the community as Munarwad or Munnarwad.
Some members are recorded as Telugu Phulmali, a name traditionally used for families who practiced flower and fruit cultivation in parts of Vidarbha, Khandesh, and Ahmednagar.
A history carried forward.
Remembered and shared.
Every name recorded, every tradition passed down, and every story retold keeps the history of the Adivasi Mannerwarlu community alive.