It is the largest caste in Telangana & Andhra Pradesh states, nearly 17% of the population is covered by this caste. According to puranas the origin of this Goud caste have come from Banaras and other parts of northern India. Originally they are engaged in manufacturing and sales of spirituous liquor called ‘Surapana’. This caste is originated from the Koundinya Rishi who was created by Mata Parva
thi for the purpose of extracting and fermenting the sap of the wild date palm and thus supplying the wants of Gods and men in the matter of intoxicating drinks. That way these people are conferred upon the title of ‘Goud’ which means the head of the mankind. The original Goud or Ediga are direved from the Telugu world ‘Idicha’ means draw or fight. Some historians also say that the both words ‘Goud’ or ‘Idiga’ derived from old Dravidian word ‘Idia’ or ‘Ila’ means iland. There is another meaning also which says a Shendi Tree(Toddy Tree) and who make incisions on the tree for its sap are called Eeta Goundlu. Humans alover the world consume alcohol beverages as a stable food since 2000 BC. In India also ‘Sura’ the drink and some are prepared from the cultivated products like rice, brawn, sugar cane, grapes, flowers and other fruits. Storage of this beverage is very easy as compared to the storage of food grains. These brevarages are considered as the God given gift due to their energy content and medical benefits. According to Goud legend they originated from great sage Koundinya who lived in Kurnool, believed that originally invented toddy tapping. The belief is that the Chalukya and Satavahana dynasy kings also belong to this community.
