This is a central branch from which many other sub-castes evolved. Originally, this caste belonged to the Telugu traders of Andhra Pradesh. Over time, due to trade, they spread across South India. In Tamil, the Balija are referred to as Vadugan or Kaivarai. The Balijas consider themselves to be Kshatriyas. However, others view the Balijas as a branch of the Kamma or Kapu caste. Sub-castes within the Balijas include Desa or Kota, Peta, Perike, Ghazulu, Nayak, Gandavalu, Kavarai, Ling, Panchama, Musukamma, Pusa, Pusaraju, Jakula, Adapapa, and others. Their main occupations were trade and agriculture, showing complete similarity with the Perkis. In fact, the Perki are considered to be one of the branches of the Balija community, and later came to be specifically known as Perika Balija.
Desa or Kota, Peta, Perike, Ghazulu, Nayak, Gandavalu, Kavarai, Ling, Panchama, Musukamma, Pusa, Pusaraju, Jakula, Adapapa, and many others—these are the sub-castes. Their primary occupations were trade and agriculture, which show complete similarity with the Perki community. In fact, the Perki are essentially one of the branches of the Balija caste, and later came to be specifically known as Perika Balija.