Surabi Dynasty (c. 1527 CE – 1948 CE)
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, who is traditionally considered the founder of the dynasty. The ruling family bore the surname Surabi and belonged to the Recherla Gothram.
The name “Jatprole” itself has a sacred and legendary origin. According to tradition, when Sita was abducted by Ravana, the vulture king Jatayu fought valiantly to rescue her but was mortally wounded. He fell at this very spot, where Sri Rama later found him, performed his funeral rites, and built a temple in his honor. The area thus came to be known as “Jatayu’s realm” (Jatprole)—a sacred and historical site that became the heart of the Samasthan.
2. Military Guardianship and Fortifications
The Surabhi dynasty served as critical military guardians for the empires they served, maintaining strategic strongholds along the river borders.
This 600-year-old stone fortress on the banks of the Krishna River was the original seat of power. The rulers guarded this fort to control trade routes and river crossings. Due to the Srisailam Dam construction, the ruins of this fort are now submerged and only reappear during the summer months.
In later years, the focus shifted to the Latchmanasagar Fort. It was renovated and guarded as a centralized administrative and military hub, housing the Samsthanam's treasury, courts, and armory. It protected the region's significant wealth, including the famous diamond mines.
3. Rulers & Chronology of Overlordship
Malla Naidu is regarded as the first ruler of Jatprole. He received the region as a remuneration from the Vijayanagara King Anegondi Ramarayalu in 1527 CE and established Jatprole as the capital of the Paragana.
He is credited with building the Madana Gopala Swamy Temple at Jatprole, marking the beginning of the dynasty’s tradition of temple-building and patronage of art.
A noted scholar and ruler, he was the author of “Chandrika Parinayam,” a significant literary contribution, showing the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of the Samsthan.
Succeeded Madhava Raya, maintaining stability in the estate and continuing the family’s traditions during the shift to Mughal administrative control.
In 1771 CE, Bari Gadupala Rao obtained a sanad (royal grant) for Jatprole from His Highness Nawab Nizam Ali Khan Bahadur, the Second Asaf Jah.
He was granted a mansab of Rs. 6,000, 2,000 cavalry, flag and nakkara (royal drum), killat (robe of honor), and the title of Raja Bahadur, marking Jatprole’s formal recognition as a princely estate. He was responsible for protecting the southern borders of the Hyderabad State.
Continued to strengthen the administration and internal organization of the Samsthan.
One of the prominent 19th-century rulers, he contributed to the consolidation and development of the estate.
Succeeded Raja Venkat Jaganath Rao Bahadur as his adopted son (originally named Navinatha Krishna Yachendra, younger brother of the Raja of Venkatagiri). He was famously known as "Hira Raja" (Diamond King) because of the diamonds found in mines within his territory.
His reign marked an era of progressive reforms and modernization:
- Cleared a debt of two lakhs that burdened the estate.
- Repaired the old fort of Latchmanasagar and converted it into an administrative complex housing the Magistrate’s Court, Civil Court, Subedar’s office, Forest, Jail, and Abkari departments.
- Demolished old residential structures inside the fort after compensating owners and built a new palace surrounded by gardens and orchards.
- Undertook urban planning at Jatprole, encouraging citizens to build modern houses by providing free timber and loans, transforming the town into a well-planned settlement.
- Established an Anglo-Vernacular School offering English, Urdu, Telugu, Persian, and Sanskrit education with free books and meals for poor students.
- Founded a State Dispensary at Kollapur, entirely funded by the Samsthan.
- Constructed a mosque for Muslim subjects and ensured religious harmony.
- Built sports facilities such as a race course, tennis, and badminton courts, and a visitors’ bungalow.
For his enlightened administration, Nizam Mir Mahbub Ali Khan Bahadur conferred upon him the prestigious title “Nazim Nawazwant Bahadur” on 28th December 1905. He hunted 139 tigers in his lifetime and was deeply religious, visiting holy sites like Kashi, Rameshwaram, and Tirupati.
After the Raja’s death, Rani Saheba Venkata Rathnamma assumed administration. She was an enlightened and progressive ruler who initiated a water supply scheme for the capital, built a Poor House costing Rs. 25,000, and a Middle School at Kollapur.
The last ruler of the Jatprole (Kollapur) Samsthan before the integration of Hyderabad State into the Indian Union in 1948 CE, marking the end of the Samsthan’s autonomy.
4. Administration
The Samasthan had an organized framework with a strong revenue system. The total revenue was approximately Rs. 4,50,000, of which Rs. 70,000 was paid annually as tribute (peshkash) to the Nizam. The chief source of income was the Palmyra tree, which exceeded even the agricultural revenues.
5. Economy and Trade
The Samasthan was rich in minerals but largely underdeveloped. Iron ores (haematite) were scattered abundantly near Kollapur and along the Krishna river. The region contained quarries of high-quality grey and black limestone capable of polishing nearly like marble, and blue, red, and white slate limestone highly suitable for construction.
6. Society, Art and Culture
Kollapur is celebrated for ancient temples including the Someshwara, Malleshwara, and Sangameshwara Temples. The Madhava Swamy Temple, originally built in the 16th century at Manchalakatta, is a prime example of architectural grandeur. Its walls depict the 24 aspects of Vishnu and the Dasavatara. When the site was threatened by the Srisailam Project Reservoir, the temple was dismantled and relocated to Kollapur, preserving its heritage.
7. Achievements and Legacy
The Jatprole Samsthan left a legacy of good governance and religious harmony. Kollapur’s planned layout and green avenues earned it the nickname “Telangana Mysore.” Today, Somasila Temple remains a major destination, and modern lift irrigation projects worth Rs. 1500 crores are reviving the ancient prosperity of the region.