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Cheraku Chiefs

The Cheraku Chiefs were a powerful and influential feudatory dynasty in the medieval Deccan, originating from the town of Cheraku in the Eruva region. They began as subordinates to the Kandur Cholas but strategically shifted their allegiance to the rising Kakatiya dynasty, becoming one of their most crucial military and administrative pillars. Their history, spanning over two centuries (c. 1085–1323 CE), is intricately woven into the expansion and consolidation of the Kakatiya Empire. They were celebrated as "Kakatiya-Kanaka-prakara" – the golden fort‑wall of the Kakatiyas.

I. Origins and Rise (c. 1085 – 1155 CE)
The Cheraku family derived its name from the small town of Cheraku in the Eruva vishaya (region). The Goruvankapalli inscription claims they belonged to the Ikshvaku-kula (Solar dynasty). Initially subordinates (mahasamantas) to the Kandur Choda chiefs, they rose through military valour.
Kata I (Founder, c. 1085 – 1125 CE)

The Jalālapuram epigraph states that Kata I, a warrior "born of the fourth caste" (non‑kshatriya origin), killed a Choda chief named Kongonda Dhavala and obtained the region of Cheraku‑twelve from the Choda king Bhimachoda II. He thus founded the dynasty and secured their initial territory.

Sons: Keta, Sura, Bolla I.
Keta I (c. 1125 – 1155 CE)

Consolidated the family’s position. His wives included Tikkambika, Mallambika, and Kamambika.

Sons: Kata II, Mara, Erra, Erra.
Kata II (c. 1155 – 1199 CE) – The Pivot to Kakatiyas

The pivotal ruler who allied with Kakatiya Rudradeva against their former masters, the Kandur Chodas (Bhima and Udaya Choda). For this crucial military assistance, Rudradeva granted him the larger region of Cheraku‑seventy (Cheraku‑70) and established him as a loyal, hereditary maha‑samanta. He was granted lordship over five villages: Gundiyapumdi, Rapumdi, Gottipasumdala, Torruru, and Rupurala, and later the lordship of Jammuluru and the Cheraku township with 60 villages.

Sons: Kata, Mara, Bolla II.
II. The Main Line – Jammuluru & Panugallu (1199 – 1323 CE)
The principal branch, ruling from Jammuluru (Nalgonda) and later Panugallu. They served as the immediate vassals of the Kakatiya monarchs and held the highest titles.
Cheraku Immadi Bollayya Reddy (Bolla II) (1199 – 1250 CE)

The most famous Cheraku ruler. He served three Kakatiya monarchs: Rudradeva, Mahadeva, and Ganapatideva. He was a key ally of General Recharla Rudra during crises and was rewarded with the Amarabad and Velpur regions. Appointed lord of Panugallu (historic fort near Nalgonda) and Uppunututa (modern Uppununthala). A great patron, he built several temples (Koteswara, Mareswara, etc.), excavated tanks, established agraharas, and was titled Kakatiya-Kanaka-prakara ("the golden fort‑wall of the Kakatiyas").

Sons: Ganapati, Visvanatha, Keta, Immadi Vishvanatha.
Ganapathi (1250 – 1271 CE)

Son of Bolla II. 28th February 1250 CE: Yelesvaram, Devarakonda Taluk, Nalgonda District – inscription on a pillar in Golkonda Museum. Records the gift of the village Tadimada in Kamnna-300 by Vedamdeva Mamgaya and Ganapaya, the Gandha‑hasti‑Gaja‑sahinis of Mahamandalesvara Kaketisvara Ganapatideva Maharaja, for the god Elesvaradeva.

Cheraku Mallikarjuna Nayaka (c. 1271 – 1284 CE)

A prominent chiefly figure in the Kakatiya realm under Rudramadevi, active in the Nalgonda region. Known from two inscriptions documenting his family alliances and religious endowments.

Irvin Pillar Inscription (26th December 1271 CE): Located at Irvin, Kalwakurthy. Records a gift of land to God Indresvara by mahasamanta Vavilala Rudraya reddi for the merit of his sister Rudrasani, indicating a matrimonial alliance between the Cheraku and Vavilala families.

Masapet Stone Inscription (25th July 1275 CE): Found on a field stone at Masapet, Bhuvanagiri Taluk. Registers the gift of a canal to God Ramesvaradeva, lands to Gods Daseavaradeva and Malnathadeva, and lands to two Brahmins. These endowments were made by Yaddaya reddi and Rudraya—brothers of Mallikarjuna Nayaka—acting on his explicit instructions.

Immadi Ganapati (1284 – 1289 CE)

5th November 1284 CE: Stone slab at the entrance of the Siva temple. Records the grant of the village Rudravaram by Immadi Ganapati, Nalireddy of Vavilala, in the name of Kakatiya Rudra.

27th November 1289 CE: Chandupatla inscription (Nakrekal Mandal) – Ambadeva declared independence from Kakatiyas; Rudrama Devi died in the attempt to crush the rebellion.
Cheraku Immadi Mallikarjuna Nayaka (1289 – 1323 CE)

Son of Mallikarjuna Nayaka. 16th May 1290 CE: Panugallu – pillar inscription in Chhaya‑Somesvara temple. While Kakatiya Kumara Rudradeva ruled, his subordinate Immadi Mallikarjuna Nayaka (bearing titles nissanka‑Vira and Rayasthapanacharya, grandson of Bollasenapati) made a gift of vrittis behind Udayaditya‑samudra for Chhaya‑Somanatha of Panugallu. The inscription gives the genealogy of the Kakatiyas from Ganapati to Rudradeva.

III. The Amrabad Branch (Nagarkurnoo)
Founded by Immadi Visvanatha, son of Bolla II, this branch ruled from Amarabad and focused on the western parts of Cheraku‑70, with strong connections to the Srisailam temple.
Immadi Visvanatha (1253 – 1264 CE)

Son of Bolla II; founded the Amarabad branch. A faithful Dandanayaka (general) of Kakatiya Ganapatideva. He consecrated three Shiva Lingas – Bollesvara, Mallesvara and Ganapesvara – built temples and endowed them with gifts. He constructed tanks, wells, water shelters, and made extensive grants to the Srisaila (Srisailam) temple, specifically to Srigiri Mallikarjuna and Bramesvara of the Paschima Dvara. 1153 CE (Indreshan) and 1264 CE (Amrabad inscription, Saka 1186) record his endowments.

Immadi Deva (Immadi Devaya) (1264 -1269 CE)

Son of Immadi Visvanatha. He appears in inscriptions of his two sons from the Kalvakolanu region, a part of Kandurunadu. A primary record of his reign is found at Amarabad (Nagarkurnool Taluk) in the Mahabubnagar district.

Key Inscription (A.D. 1264, 2 May): On a stone slab before the Śiva temple at Amarabad, Cheraku Immadi Deva records a land grant of 1 ma behind the Kothkunta canal. He installed Sri Siddha Mahalakshmi Devi and made the donation for the health, longevity, and prosperity of his father, Cheraku Immadi Visvanadhadeva. The grant (with a long list of land gifts) was entrusted to Annajiyya (son of Narajiyya) for daily rituals such as naivedya.

Separately, a gift of wet land in Burugupalli Gundala Kalva, 5 edumu in Tigalappalli, 10 pandumu in Chikurenu Balla, and 5 endumu outside was made to Lakshmi Devi by Dandemaraju Peddi Bollya Reddi, to be shared at 2/3 to Annajiyya and 1/3 to Sikale.

Cheraku Jagaddalu Maraya Ganapaya Reddi (1269 – 1300 CE)

Son of Immadi Devaya. First documented in the 1269 CE Palakavidu inscription (under Kakatiya Rudramadevi): as Cheraku Ganapaddeva, he donated one maruturu of land, gardens near Ponumgata, and the Nallagumta tank for the merit of Marayareddi; his relative Cheraku Veluri Bollaya raddi also gave lands at Amaravuramu and Ganapavuramu on the same occasion. Later, in the 1300 CE Taduvayi inscription (under Kakatiya Prataparudra): a stone pillar lying in the fort records that his officer Ketu lemka made a gift of 2 visas per mada out of government dues, alongside a gift of a Palmyra grove by Agasala Devozu.

Cheraku Prolaya Reddi (1300 – 1323 CE)

Son of Jagaddala Immadi Devaya. 3rd September 1321 CE: Kalvakolanu, Kollapur Taluk – slab in front of Chennakeshwara temple. Records a gift of money collected at a visamu (sixteenth for every mada) on articles sold and salaries at Kalavakolanu for worship of god Prasanna‑Vallabhadeva by Prolaya‑Reddi, for his own merit.

IV. The Veluru (Kurnool) Branch
A powerful western branch that at times defied Kakatiya authority and allied with the rebel Ambadeva. Their seat was Veluru (modern Kurnool district).
Cheraku Immadi Jetti Bollaya Reddi (Bolla III) (1269 – 1291 CE)

Son of Immadi Devaya II. 26th December 1271 CE: Irvin, Kalwakurthy – gift of land to God Indresvara by Vavilala Rudraya reddi, mentioning matrimonial alliances. 1286 CE (Amrabad): grant of land by Immadi Bollayya‑reddi, alias Jetti Bollayya (Saka 1208). 1290 CE: Ambadeva gives his daughter in marriage to Racharudra, son of Immadi Jetti Bollaye reddi. This branch defied Kakatiya authority, possibly allying with Ambadeva.

Cheraku Racharudra (1291 – 1295 CE)

Son of Bolla III. 1291 CE (Lingala, Saka 1213): Racharudradeva mentioned as a vassal of Kakatiya Prataparudra. Nandi‑pillar inscription registers a grant of land at Nandikotkuru made by Rudradeva (Racharudra) to Sarvesvarayyamgaru for the merit of his parents, who then gave it to the temples at Malyala.

Cheraku Immadi Bolla (Bolla IV) (1295 – 1307 CE)

Son of Rudradeva. 1295 CE: pillar in Somesvara temple – grant of village Prolayapuri in Komduru‑desa by Bolla (described as Kaketasenadhinatha) to deity Somanatha of Somasila. Also 1295 CE (other side of slab): grant of Pogasiri vangu canal as vritti by Aveta Nayudu and Boppari for merit of Bollaye reddi. 2nd October 1307 CE (Udimilla, Achempet Taluk): gift of land to God Udimesvara while mahasamanta Immadi Bollayya was ruling.

Cheraku Rudraya Reddi (1307 – 1323 CE)

Son of Veluru Bolla IV. 15th May 1320 CE (S. 1242, Rudri): damaged inscription, seems to register a grant by Cheraku Rudraya Reddi.

V. The Nadigudem‑Taduvayi Branch (Eastern Frontier)
This branch controlled the eastern parts of Cheraku‑70, around modern Suryapet and Nalgonda border, with their seat at Taduvayi.
Jagaddala Immadi Devaraya (1271 – 1305 CE)

Shared ancestor with the Veluru/Amrabad lines (son of Immadi Devaya II). Title: Mahasamanta Cheraku Jagaddala. Primary seat: Taduvayi. His era marks the consolidation of Cheraku power in the eastern Cheraku‑70 division. His officer, Ketu Lemka, managed local grants, showing a structured sub‑administration.

Jagadalu Anama Reddi (c. 1305 – 1323 CE)

Son/Successor of Jagaddala Immadi Devaraya. 13th July 1307 CE (Nadigudem): listed as Jagadalu Annayaraddi governing while merchant Allu Suri Setti purchased and gifted land to God Chenna Mallikarjunadeva. 1314 CE (Nadigudem/Nandigama): as Jagadalu Annama‑Reddi, made a significant land grant to God Mailaradeva of Tadivaya (Taduvayi). He acted as a frontier lord (Mahasamanta) under Prataparudra, collaborating with merchant guilds and the "people of Taduvayi."

Administration, Economy & Society

Administrative Structure: Semi‑autonomous feudatories under Kakatiyas. Multiple capitals: Jammuluru (primary), Amarabad, Veluru, and Taduvayi. They ruled over Cheraku‑70 (part of Irrama‑300, Kanduru‑1100 bada), and also controlled parts of Eruva‑mandala and Kamna‑du. Their own officers (e.g., Ketu lemka) managed local grants.
Economy & Trade: Agrarian base with extensive tanks, wells, and canals (kalva). Monetized taxes: visamu (1/16 per mada), market fees (mada). Merchant communities (Komati Shettys) active. Grants of wet and dry land (maruturu, vritti) common.
Society & Lineage: Claimed Ikshvaku solar lineage. Social mobility evident: from "fourth caste" to ruling chiefs. Strategic matrimonial alliances with Vavilala and other families. Patronage of Brahmins (agrahara villages) and temple functionaries.

Art, Culture & Foreign Relations

Religious Patronage: Predominantly Shaivites, with devotion to Mallikarjuna of Srisailam. Built numerous Shiva temples (Keteswara, Bollesvara, Mallesvara, Ganapesvara, Chhaya‑Somanatha). Also patronized Vaishnava and village deities.
Public Works & Language: Excavated tanks, built water shelters (dana‑ghatams). Over 22 extant Telugu inscriptions provide invaluable linguistic and historical data. Prolific temple builders.
Foreign Relations: Initially subordinate to Kandur Chodas. Shifted allegiance to Kakatiyas under Kata II. Served Kakatiya Rudradeva, Mahadeva, Ganapatideva, Rudrama, and Prataparudra. The Veluru branch briefly allied with the rebel Ambadeva (c. 1290) but later returned to Kakatiya fold.
VI. Achievements and Enduring Legacy
The Cheraku Chiefs were kingmakers, pillars of the Kakatiya Empire, and great cultural patrons. Their legacy lives on through inscriptions, temples, and irrigation works across Telangana and Rayalaseema.
  • Kingmakers: Helped Kakatiya Rudradeva subdue the Kandur Chodas, enabling early Kakatiya expansion.
  • "Golden Fort‑wall of the Kakatiyas": For over 150 years, they defended and administered the southwestern parts of the empire.
  • Cultural Contributors: Built enduring temples (e.g., at Jalalpur, Amarabad, Kalvakolanu, Panugallu), excavated tanks, and supported Telugu language records.
  • Historical Records: Their 22+ inscriptions are primary sources for reconstructing medieval Deccan political and social history.

Chronology & Key Inscriptions

  • c. 1085 CE: Kata I obtains Cheraku‑12 from Kandur Choda king Bhimachoda II.
  • c. 1155 CE: Kata II allies with Kakatiya Rudradeva, defeats Kandur Chodas, receives Cheraku‑70.
  • 1199–1250 CE: Bolla II (Immadi Bollayya Reddy) serves three Kakatiya kings; receives Panugallu and Amarabad.
  • 1235 CE: Bolla II renews grant in Devarakonda, asserting authority over former Choda territory.
  • 1250 CE: Ganapathi inscription at Yelesvaram (Golkonda Museum).
  • 1253–1265 CE: Immadi Visvanatha establishes Amarabad branch, makes grants to Srisailam.
  • 1271 CE: Mallikarjuna Nayaka inscription at Irvin (matrimonial alliance with Vavilala).
  • 1284 CE: Immadi Ganapati grant at Rudravaram.
  • 1289 CE: Chandupatla inscription – death of Rudrama Devi in Ambadeva rebellion.
  • 1290 CE: Ambadeva marries his daughter to Racharudra (son of Veluru Bolla III).
  • 1290 CE: Immadi Mallikarjuna Nayaka inscription at Panugallu (Chhaya‑Somanatha temple).
  • 1295 CE: Veluru Bolla IV grants village Prolayapuri to Somanatha temple.
  • 1300 CE: Jagaddala Immadi Devaraya inscription from Taduvayi fort.
  • 1307 CE: Jagadalu Anama Reddi active in Nadigudem.
  • 1321 CE: Prolaya Reddi grant at Kalvakolanu.
  • 1323 CE: Fall of Kakatiya Empire; Cheraku chiefs fade from prominence.

Successor States & Later History

After the fall of the Kakatiya Empire to the Delhi Sultanate in 1323 CE, the Cheraku territories likely fragmented. Some areas came under the Musunuri Nayaks (who led a short‑lived rebellion), then the Vijayanagara Empire and its chieftains, and eventually local polygars controlling forts like Devarakonda. The Cheraku lineage, however, left an indelible mark on the region's feudal and cultural memory.

Genealogy of Cheraku Chiefs

Genealogical chart of the Cheraku Chiefs (after inscriptional evidence)

References & Epigraphic Sources
  • Jalālapuram, Kalvakolanu, Amarabad, Panugallu, Goruvankapalli, Irvin, Taduvayi and Nadigudem inscriptions (various SII and ARIE volumes).
  • Epigraphia Andhrica, Vol. IV (including Vollala inscription of Mallikarjuna Choda).
  • N. Venkataramanayya, The Kakatiyas of Warangal.
  • P.V. Parabrahma Sastry, The Kakatiyas.
  • M. Rama Rao, “Kanduru Chodas and Cheraku Chiefs” (Journal of Andhra Historical Research).
  • Gazetteers of Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, and Kurnool districts (Hyderabad State).
  • Annual Reports on Indian Epigraphy (ARIE) for the years 1950–1970.