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Doddi Komarayya (Komaraiah) – Biography

First martyr of the armed phase of the Telangana Peasant Movement Full Name: Doddi Komarayya (also spelled Komaraiah / Komraiah) Birth: Early 1920s (exact date unknown) Death: 4 July 1946 Place of Birth: Kadavendi (Kadivendi) village, Nalgonda district (now part of Warangal district), Telangana Occupation: Peasant, grassroots activist, local leader of Andhra Mahasabha (AMS) and Communist Party of India (CPI)  Early Life and Political Awakening Doddi Komarayya was born into a poor peasant family belonging to the Kuruma/Golla (shepherd) community in Kadavendi village. The region was under feudal control of the Nizam of Hyderabad, and peasants faced severe exploitation, including forced labor and high rents. Growing up amidst these conditions, Komarayya became politically aware and joined the Andhra Mahasabha (AMS), advocating for peasant rights and social justice. He later aligned with the Communist Party of India (CPI), which emphasized land reforms and anti-feudal ideologies. Ro...
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Jagirdari System in Telangana

A jagir was a feudal land grant assigned by a ruler to a noble, official, or soldier (a jagirdar) in return for administrative or military service. The jagirdar had the right to collect land revenue from the assigned area, which was his income, but he did not own the land itself.  T his system was inherited from Mughal times by the first Nizam and continued until it was abolished by the Hyderabad Jagirdar Abolition and Regulation Act of 1949 after the state's merger with the Indian Union. Sarfa Khas Jagirs (Crown Lands) Purpose : Lands directly managed by the Nizam's own revenue department. The entire income from these lands went to the Nizam's personal treasury (Sarfa Khas), used for the royal household, court expenses, and the sovereign's personal troops. Management : Had its own separate administration, often considered the most efficiently managed part of the state. Assigned Land 1. Service Jagir (Mukhasa) Paigah (Elite Service) Paigah Jagirs are a supreme subtype o...

Devarakonda Samsthanam

Devarakonda Samsthanam (c.1551 CE -  1948 CE) was a prominent feudal principality in the Deccan region, now part of Telangana, during the medieval and early modern periods. It was a vassal state under larger powers such as the Qutb Shahi dynasty and later the Nizam of Hyderabad. Known for its strategic location and fortified settlements, Devarakonda played a significant role in regional politics, culture, and trade. 1. Origins and Rise Founding:  Established in the late 15th century, emerging from the fragmented regional powers following the decline of the independent rule of the Recherla Nayaks (1360–1475 CE). Strategic Importance: Situated near the Krishna River basin and key trade routes, it served both defensive and commercial purposes. Rise: Grew in prominence through military prowess, strategic alliances, and loyalty to larger kingdoms like Golconda and later under Nizam rule. 2. Rulers – Titles and Achievements Rulers before the Qutb Shahi period were from th...

Narayanapuram Samsthanam

The Narayanpuram or Narayanpur Samasthan was a small princely estate located in present-day Yadadri–Bhongir district of Telangana. The ruling family rose to prominence under the Asaf Jahi Nizams of Hyderabad for their loyalty, administration, and military service. The Rajapeta fort (1775) and Masjid-e-Mahboobia stand as major monuments of this estate. Key Historical Significance and Chronology 18th Century: Emergence under Asaf Jahi rule as loyal jagirdars. 1775: Construction of Rajapeta Fort by Ramana Reddy. 19th Century: Family gains prominence and marriage ties with Nizam’s household. 1906: Construction of Masjid-e-Mahboobia with Nizam’s permission (inscription present). 1949: Jagir abolition ends administrative control of the samasthan. 1. Origins and Rise The Narayanpuram rulers descended from Manchal Reddy, who received the land as a reward for capturing a notorious thief. His successors expanded the estate and established strongholds like Rajapeta fort...

Medak or Papannapet Samsthanam

Papannapet Samsthanam was a feudal vassal under the Nizam of Hyderabad, historically part of undivided Medak district in present-day Telangana. The Samsthanam at its height covered large portions of the undivided Medak district and is often mentioned in local histories under names such as Andhol Rajula Charitra , Medak Rajula Charitra , and Rangampeta Charitra . It had marital ties with the well-known Gadwal Samsthanam. Prominent rulers include Rai Bagan Maharani Shankaramma and Raja Sadashiva Reddy. Key historical significance (summary) Large territorial influence in undivided Medak — historically associated with the Andhol kingdom and described as having 24 paraganas. Produced influential rulers who were noted for administrative reforms, military actions, and social measures (for example, Rai Bagan Maharani Shankaramma’s reforms and public works). Strong cultural and trade connections — local crafts (brass & silver ware, wooden furniture and carving) flourished in tow...

Sirnapalli Samsthanam

Sirnapalli Samsthanam or Sirnapally Samsthanam is a historic landed estate centered at Sirnapally village, Indalwai Mandal, in present-day Nizamabad district of Telangana. The locality is known for the Janaki Bai (Telangana Niagara) Waterfalls, located about 20 km from Nizamabad city. The Seelam (Sheelam) family — including Raja Ramalinga Reddy, his wife Seelam Janaki Bai, and notable descendants such as Raja Narsa Goud (1866–1948) — were prominent local patrons of water infrastructure and philanthropy. Key historical significance Public works & water management: construction of ponds and tanks (e.g., Manchippa Cheruvu) that supported irrigation and drinking-water supply. Philanthropy: charitable initiatives (notably by Raja Narsa Goud) including support for leprosy care and municipal water infrastructure in Nizamabad. Cultural legacy: place-names (Janaki Bai Waterfalls) and local memory that preserve the samsthanam’s identity. Cross-community ties: d...

Kerameri Ghats

🗻 Kerameri Ghats Travel Guide The Utnoor-Asifabad route, 6 km long Kerameri ghat road near Kerameri mandal, of which the Kerameri ghats are a part, is one of the oldest in the district passing through its tribal heartland. The Kerameri hills, as seen from the popular Kerameri ghat road, offer a breathtaking view as the landscape changes colours layer by layer. The view starts with the dark green of the agriculture fields and turns into bright yellow of the drying leaves as the vision progresses upwards. The mountain range with a dominant blue at the top completes the picture casting a spell on the beholder. Descending the ghat road brings one closer to the clusters of trees which are changing colours. Same is the case with the thick Sarkepalli forest in Wankidi mandal and the Malini forest in Sirpur (T) mandal where the jungles beckon with differently vibrant colours. A drive to Malini from Sirpur (T) mandal headquarter village will be an experience in itself in November. ...