Telangana360

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...

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 (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...

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...

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 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...

Shitab Khan (c.1480 CE - 1517 CE) also spelled Chitapu Khan or Chittapa Khana stands as one of the most resilient and complex figures in the history of early 16th-century Telangana. Ruled independently from 1503 CE -1512 CE. His career, spanning nearly four decades, unfolded during a period of imperial collapse and realignment. He successfully navigated the treacherous politics between the declining Bahmani Sultanate, the rising Qutb Shahis of Golconda, the powerful Gajapati Kingdom of Orissa, and the imperialist Vijayanagara Empire. 1. Origins and Rise: From Soldier to Governor Birth and Identity: Shitab Khan was born as Sitapathi Raju into a Hindu family of the Boya community, traditionally associated with cow-herding and warrior hood. The later assumption that he was Muslim, based solely on his title, is incorrect. Military Career: He began his career as a foot soldier in the army of the Bahmani Sultan Humayun Shah. His merit and prowess led to a rapid rise, earning him a senior ...

Sirpur Tandur, also known as Sarbar or Sirbar and formerly Suryapuram, is a town and mandal in the Komaram Bheem district of Telangana. It was once a prominent ancient center of power and culture, successively ruled by Hindu, Buddhist, Gond, and Maratha rulers before being integrated into the Nizam’s dominion and finally into independent India. Sirpur Fort is built by King Bhim Ballal Singh, Sirpur Fort was the original capital stronghold of the Gond dynasty before the capital shifted to Ballarsha and then Chanda. The fort, located on the right bank of the Wardha River, served as a strategic defense center and royal seat for eight generations. It symbolized the transition of tribal authority into organized monarchical power in Central India. 1 Early History – Bhadravati and the Buddhist Era In very early days, a great Hindu city known as Bhadravati, dedicated to Bhadra (a name of Shiva), flourished here. It served as the capital of the Vakataka kings. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang (A...

The Pakanati Samsthanam (1636 CE - 1948 CE), initially known as Bikkavolu Samsthan and later Domakonda Smasthanam, was a princely state situated in the Nizamabad region (now Kamareddy district) of Telangana. It was ruled by the Kamineni dynasty of the Pakanati Reddis, who were close relatives of the Gadwal and Atmakur rulers. The Samsthan was a significant administrative and cultural center under the ultimate authority of the Qutb Shahis and later the Asif Jahis (Nizams). The focal point of the Samsthanam is the Domakonda Fort, which received the UNESCO Asia – Pacific Award of Merit for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2022. Founder : Raja Kama Reddy or Kamineni Chaudary in 1636 AD Capitals : Bikkavolu, Kamareddypeta, Domakonda Dynasty : Pakanati Reddis. Family Relation: Close relatives of Gadwal and Atmakur rulers. Gotra : Rachulla was their Gotra. Presiding Deity : Bikkavolu Siddarameshwar a . Ruled from Domakonda 1786 CE - 1948 CE 1. Origins and Rise The history of the fort preda...

Palvancha Samsthanam (1324 CE - 1948 CE), also known as Palwancha or Paloncha, is located in present-day Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana, India. During the Nizam’s reign, it was part of Warangal district. Covering an area of roughly 800 square miles, Palvancha neighbored the Gadwal Samsthan and included the Hasanabad-Sankaragiri zamindari, which comprised the present-day Bhadrachalam and Rekapalle estates. The capitals of the Samsthan were Polancha, Bhadrachalam, and Ashwaraopet, all ruled by descendants of Annappa (or Appanna) Aswarao, the founder. The town of Palvancha was situated in a rich, luxuriant valley about four miles wide, surrounded by lofty mountain ranges. The mountain passes were the only access routes, making the region naturally strong but isolated. 1. Origins and Rise The Palvancha Samsthan was established by Annappa Aswarao (also called Anapa Aswa Rao) in 1324 A.D., who received Bhadrachalam as a free jagir from the Emperor of Delhi. He was required to maint...

The Gurgunta Samasthanam was an influential Nayaka principality that existed from 1620 CE until 1948 CE, centered in Gurgunta (modern Karnataka). It was distinguished as one of the three primary Peshkash Guzar (tribute-paying) Samasthans under the Nizam of Hyderabad, along with Gadwal and Anagondi, giving it significant autonomy. The Samasthanam was strategically vital as its territory straddled the Krishna River. Its lands included key areas in modern Telangana, specifically the Maktal (Makthal) and Kodangal regions in the present-day Narayanpet district. 1. Origins and Rise Origin (Founder) Jadi Linga Naik Desai. Foundation Year 1620 A.D. (1035 H.). Overlord Mohammed Adil Shahi, Sultan of Bijapur. Rise to Power Jadi Linga Naik rendered good service to the Sultan, gained several victories, and was rewarded with the jagir (land grant). Capital & Naming The estate was named after its capital town, Gurgunta (modern Karnataka), the seat of the ruler and the main fort. 2. Rulers The Sa...

The Jatprole (Kollapur) Samasthanam The Samasthan of Jatprole, also known as Jataprolu or Kollapur Samasthanam (c.1527 CE - 1948 CE), was one of the most ancient and historic estates in the erstwhile Hyderabad State. Located in the present-day Nagarkurnool district of Telangana, the Samasthan covered several square miles and was among the most prominent feudal estates under the Nizams. Its capital was Kollapur town, which grew into a flourishing administrative and cultural center. Kollapur lies amidst the scenic Nallamala forest on the banks of the River Krishna and has long been famous for its mango orchards, broad roads, and lush green plantations. The region was so beautifully planned that people affectionately called it the “Telangana Mysore.” As early as 1900 A.D., Kollapur had an aerodrome and helipad, reflecting its early modernization under enlightened rulers. 1. Origins and Rise The Samasthan traces its origins to Pillalamarri Bethala Reddy, belonging to the Recherla Nayaks, w...