History of Nizamabad District

Archaeological evidence at Pochampad (a site in Nizamabad) reveals Paleolithic tools, suggesting habitation during the Stone Age. Iron Age remains include cairn burials and megalithic structures found in parts of the district, indicating a continuity of settlement from prehistoric times into the historic period.

One of the 16 Mahajanapadas. Capital: Potana / Potali (modern Bodhan). In the 6th century BCE, a Surya Vamsha king established a kingdom and built the city Poudana, later captured by King Karna with the help of the Nagula tribe. The inhabitants of Poudana were known for their bravery.

Asmaka soon fell to the Nanda kings, but Chandragupta Maurya, with the help of Kautilya, established Mauryan control. Prakrit was the court language; Buddhism spread under Ashoka.

The Satavahanas succeeded the Mauryas in the Deccan, ruling Nizamabad and the wider region. They were followed by the Ikshvakus (c. 220–250 CE) and then the Vakatakas (c. 250–500 CE).

Key find: Early Brahmi inscriptions and coins from the Satavahana period have been found in the district, confirming their presence.

Short-lived rule, but their influence extended into the region. Their coins have been found in the Nizamabad area.

Founder: Vindhyashakti. The Vakatakas ruled parts of the Deccan, including Nizamabad. Their inscriptions are found in the region, often in Sanskrit and Maharashtri Prakrit.

They ruled after the Vakatakas, with their capital at Amrabad and other centres. Their inscriptions are found in Telugu and Sanskrit.

Pulakeshin I and his successors extended Chalukya rule over Telangana. The Vemulawada Chalukyas emerged as vassals under them.

Vassals of the Badami Chalukyas, they ruled from Bodhan as their capital. Satyasraya Ranavikrama (c. 641–660 CE) was in service of Pulakeshi II.

Bodhan became a significant political and religious centre under this dynasty.

Founder: Dantidurga. The Rashtrakutas succeeded the Badami Chalukyas. Under King Indra Vallabha Panthya Varsha Indra Som, the city of Ashmaka came to be known as Indur (Indrapuri) after him. The name remains as an endearment.

Bodhan (Podan) was an important city under the Rashtrakutas, with Jain and Hindu monuments.

Prime Minister: Somarasa (Soma Bhattaraka).

1012 CE – Ummeda, Nandipet mandal: Kalabhairavaswamy temple inscription, written in Telugu-Kannada script and Kannada, records Pallavarasa washing the feet of Somanatha Guru and donating approximately ninety acres of land. He was conferred the title “Pampa Permanadi.”

29 September 1017 CE: Chronicles the endowment of arable and irrigated land by Somarasa Ankakara to a Jain ascetic named Prasannacharya, who was well-versed in Ashtanga Yoga.

1056 CE – Bodhan: Of five inscriptions from the ruined fort-wall, one reveals Bhaudhanya-nagara was a Jaina centre. Inscriptions refer to samadhi of Jaina preceptors Subhanand, Gandavimukta-bhattaraka, and Chandraprabhacharya. A fifth inscription, dated Saka 978 (1056 CE), records renovation of Indra-Narayana Temple (built by Indira Vallabha of Rashtrakuta family), consecration of Vishnu image, erection of a Garuda-pillar, and gifts of villages, oil-mills, flower-garden, and toll income.

1041 CE – Bodhan: Inscription on pillar no-2 on the fort, dated Saka 963. States that Gandavimukta-bhattaraka, disciple of Naganandi-bhattaraka, attained samadhi at Bahudhanya-nagara.

10 February 1045 CE – Bheemgal: Records construction of a Siva temple and gift of 8 marttars of land for daily rites and nityannadana by a certain perggade, lord of mudavadi nadu.

27 February 1058 CE – Chillagiri, Banswada: Inscription on a pillar records gift of 13 marttaras of land for daily offerings and perpetual burning of the lamp to god Mulasthanadeva by Bana Soma Bhattaraka.

30 May 1056 CE – Bodhan: Incomplete inscription mentions renovation of Vishnudeva temple, erection of Garuda pillar, and building of Narayanadeva temple in Podan (Bodhan) by a certain Indravallabha of Rashtrakuta lineage. Also mentions Perggade Jogapayya.

1059 CE – Kunepalle, Renjal: Records gift of agricultural land to god Nakaresvara deva for daily rites on occasion of Solar eclipse. Also mentions construction of a well.

Bodhan: Epitaph set up on the occasion of the death of a Jaina ascetic named Chandra Prabhadeva. He possessed qualities like ksama, satya, niyama, and was proficient in all branches of knowledge. He attained samadhi and abode of Indra.

1098 CE – Gundenamali, Bichkunda (Kamareddy): While king Tribhuvanamalladeva ruled, feudatory Caundarasaru made a gift of agricultural land and flower garden for Lord Samgamesvara.

6 December 1098 CE – Vijadnagar, Banswada: Gift of land for maintenance of Sayirabada temple, placed in custody of Rudrasakti, priest of Nakhareswara temple of Podana.

20 December 1098 CE – Wajidnagar, Bichkunda: Gift of 10 marttars of land for worship and repairs of Somanatha temple by mahamandalesvara Kalicorarasar, lord of Amaravati Pura.

19 September 1099 CE – Gundenambe, Madnur/Zookal: Records gift of land by Gavundas (Kesa Gavunda, Macha Govunda) for daily offerings of Sangameswaradeva. Gift made by mahamandaleshwar Chandarasa at the time of consecration of the God.

Chief: perggada Nagavarma.

30 March 1105 CE – Bheemgal: Begins with Western Chalukya prasasti. Mentions Mahamandalesvara Mallarasa, whose subordinate perggada Nagavarma, at the time of consecrating Gods Rudresvara and Kesava, endowed 2 mas of land towards naivedya and garden land for daily puja, dance, music, and other services.

24 October 1120 CE – Sangam, Bodhan: Inscription gives prasasti on Mallikarjunadeva, subordinate of Tribhuvanamalladeva, and mentions minister Brahma Sarman and his brother Devana making gifts to God Samgamesvara.

1120 CE – Sangam: Fragmentary inscription mentioning donations to priest of matha by a Sresti named Mallideva.

10 March 1134 CE – Bheemgal: Gift of 8 marttars of black soil and garden land towards daily rites of god Kesavadeva by Preggade Nagavarma, in service of mahamandalesvara Mallarasar.

Lord of Banavasavadi-70 (Banswada).

Desaipet, Banswada: Records grant of land by Soma Permanadi, bearing titles Savalakkamalla, Sanivara Siddhi, Pampana Gandha Varana. First mention of Bansavada (modern Banswada).

15 November 1137 CE – Someswaram, Banswada: Records gift of land in Banswada-26 for anga, ranga bhogas and Tribhogabhya siddhi. The village Somesvaram likely named after donor or his master Somesvara III.

Varni, Nizamabad: Registers gift of 9 marttars of land to God Talaketa deva and 12 marttars to God Nilakamtha deva by Heggade Malliyana while Gandaya administered the area.

1140 CE – Bodhan: Inscription on a slab near water tank mentions Aliya Mallarasaru, son-in-law of Eravarasa, making a gift to god Siddhesvara of Dhronapalli.

4 June 1152 CE – Jukkal (Kamareddy): Inscription registers gift of 20 and 12 marttars of land for daily offerings and perpetual burning of lamp to gods Bijjesvaradeva and Nandi Betesvaradeva by mahamandalesvara Pereya Mallarasaru, during the reign of Trailokyamalladeva (Tailapa III).

Rulers: Rudradeva (1158–1195), Mahadeva (1195–1199), Ganapatideva (1199–1261), Rudramadevi (1261–1289), Prataparudra (1289–1323). The region was part of the Kakatiya kingdom.

1310 CE: Malik Kafur defeated Prataparudra, forcing tribute.

1323 CE: Ulugh Khan captured Warangal. Indur faced its first Muslim onslaught; Bodhan Fort and Kotagiri were captured. In 1324, Indur formally came under the Delhi Sultanate.

Ulugh Khan (Muhammad bin Tughluq) captured Warangal and took over the Governorship of Teling. Gannaya (Gona Gannaya III) was captured and converted to Islam, named Malik Maqbul. Bodhan's Deval Masjid was originally a Hindu temple converted to a mosque by Muhammad Tughlaq.

Led a revolt and captured Warangal in 1336 CE. In 1350 CE, Bahman Shah forced him to cede Kaulas Fort in Kamareddy.

In 1350, Bahman Shah established hold over Indur. The region saw alternating rule between Bahmanis and Vijayanagara kings. Bahman Shah divided his kingdom into 4 provinces; Bidar province included Kandhar, Indur, and Kaulas.

Krishna Deva Raya of the Tuluva dynasty extended influence over parts of Telangana, including Indur, during his rule.

They adorned Indur with Qutb Shahi architecture, building forts at Bodhan, Kotagiri, Kowlas Nala, etc.

Aurangzeb conquered Golconda in 1687, bringing Indur under Mughal control.

The Asaf Jahi dynasty was founded by Asaf Jah I (Qamar-ud-din Khan) in 1724 after he was appointed as the Viceroy of the Deccan by the Mughal Emperor. He declared independence from the Mughal Empire, establishing the Hyderabad State.

Key Events During Nizam Rule:

1724–1748 – Asaf Jah I: Consolidated Hyderabad State. Nizamabad was part of the Nizam's dominions as a sub-district under the Indur (Nizamabad) region.

1748–1762 – Asaf Jah II (Salabat Jung): Faced conflicts with the Marathas and the British. Nizamabad region saw military movements as the Nizams attempted to secure their northern frontier.

1762–1803 – Asaf Jah III (Nizam Ali Khan): Signed treaties with the British East India Company, reducing Nizam's autonomy. Nizamabad became part of the subsidiary alliance system in 1798.

1803–1829 – Asaf Jah IV (Mir Akbar Ali Khan Sikandar Jah): The Nizam's territories stabilized. Nizamabad region was governed under the administrative framework established by the Nizams.

1829–1857 – Asaf Jah V (Mir Tahniyath Ali Khan): Nizamabad region remained peaceful. Educational and administrative reforms were initiated.

1857 – Mutiny Involvement: Nizamabad played a role in the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny. The region saw unrest, with local elements supporting the rebellion. The Nizam remained loyal to the British, suppressing the rebellion in his territories.

1869–1911 – Asaf Jah VI (Mir Mahboob Ali Khan): A period of modernization. Railway lines were planned and roads improved. The Secunderabad–Manmad railway line was sanctioned, connecting Nizamabad to major cities. The Nizam's reign saw establishment of schools, hospitals, and a modern administration. Nizamabad began to emerge as a commercial center.

1905 – Railway Line Completed: The railway line between Secunderabad and Manmad was completed. The railway station was named Nizamabad after the Nizam, officially marking the transition from Indur to Nizamabad. This transformed Nizamabad into a major transportation hub and boosted agricultural trade.

1911–1948 – Asaf Jah VII (Mir Osman Ali Khan): The last Nizam. Under his rule, significant developments took place:

1923 – Nizam Sagar Dam: The Nizam Sagar Dam was built across the Manjira River, irrigating approximately 250,000 acres and supplying water to Hyderabad. It remains one of the largest irrigation projects in the region.

1930s–1940s – Administrative Reforms: Nizamabad was reorganized as a district under the Nizam's administration. Revenue divisions were established. The Nizam's government implemented land reforms and improved agricultural infrastructure.

1947 – Indian Independence: The Nizam chose to remain independent, refusing to accede to India or Pakistan. Nizamabad remained part of Hyderabad State under Nizam's rule.

September 1948 – Operation Polo: The Indian Army's Operation Polo ended the Nizam's rule. Nizamabad was integrated into the Indian Union. This marked the end of Asaf Jahi rule and the beginning of a new administrative era for the district.

Legacy: The Nizams left a lasting impact on Nizamabad. The city's name, its railway station, and major infrastructure projects like the Nizam Sagar Dam stand as enduring symbols of their rule. The region's administrative framework, irrigation systems, and railway network laid the foundation for its development as a major agricultural and commercial center in Telangana.

September 1948: The Indian Army's Operation Polo ended the Nizam's rule. Nizamabad, then known as Indur, was integrated into the Indian Union. Razakars were disarmed, and civilian administration was established. This marked the end of feudal rule and the beginning of a new administrative era for the district.

1 November 1956: As per the States Reorganisation Act, Nizamabad district was transferred from Hyderabad State to the newly formed State of Andhra Pradesh. This merger integrated Telangana with Andhra, forming a unified Telugu‑speaking state.

January 1969: An event on 9 January 1969 triggered a massive student uprising in the region. Nizamabad town witnessed large‑scale rioting, with shops and oil mills owned by Andhra merchants being targeted. July 1969: Nizamabad MP Narayana Reddy introduced a private member bill in Parliament, proposing a referendum to know the Telangana people's opinion on a separate state.

Nizamabad witnessed major rallies and strong participation during the 2009–2014 Separate Telangana Movement. The district contributed significantly to the movement's success, with large public meetings and protests held across the district.

2 June 2014: Nizamabad became part of the newly formed State of Telangana under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. This was a significant political and administrative milestone, marking the creation of a separate state for the Telangana region.

11 October 2016: Telangana reorganized districts. Kamareddy district was carved out of Nizamabad district, reducing the size of Nizamabad and creating a new administrative unit.

1905: The Secunderabad–Manmad railway line was completed, connecting Nizamabad to Mumbai and Hyderabad, boosting the local economy. 1980s: Nizamabad emerged as a major agricultural market for turmeric, sugarcane, and cotton, with the establishment of the Nizamabad Agricultural Market Yard.

2023: In the Nizamabad (Urban) constituency, Dhanpal Suryanarayana of BJP defeated Mohammed Ali Shabbir of Congress. In the Nizamabad (Rural) constituency, Bhoopathi Reddy Rekulapally of INC won, marking a significant political shift in the district.

11 February 2026: The Nizamabad Municipal Corporation election was held. Results: The BJP emerged as the single largest party, winning 28 of 60 wards, but fell short of a majority. The BRS was reduced to just 1 seat. The Congress and AIMIM formed a post‑poll alliance to secure the Mayor's post.

Heavy rains caused widespread damage across the district. Over 12,000 acres of agricultural land was damaged due to sand deposits. The Godavari River inundated several villages, destroying over 5,000 acres of crops, mainly cotton and soya. Over 50,000 acres of crops were damaged. Dozens of villages were submerged. Sirikonda, Dharpally, Bheemgal, and Indalwai mandals were the worst affected.

A vehicle‑theft suspect, Shaik Riyaz, was killed in a police encounter at the Nizamabad Government Hospital. He had been arrested for the murder of a police constable and was killed while trying to escape custody.

Communal clashes were reported in Rudrur and other areas, leading to tension and a subsequent bandh in some localities. A constable was injured by a mob in Bodhan while trying to maintain law and order.

A family died of electrocution near Pegadapally village, highlighting safety concerns and drawing attention to electrical infrastructure issues in rural areas.

A rowdy sheeter was stabbed to death in Nizamabad city, leading to a police investigation and raising concerns about law and order in the city.