The Gadwal Samsthanam
Somandri Dynasty: The Legacy of the Raichur Doab (c. 1662 CE - 1948 CE)
The Gadwal Samsthanam was one of Hyderabad's most prestigious, oldest, largest, and wealthiest vassal states. Ruled by the Mustipalli dynasty of Pakanati Reddis following the Veera Vaishnava tradition, it occupied the fertile Raichur Doab between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers. Celebrated as "Vidwad Gadwal" (Gadwal of the Scholars), the Samsthanam was renowned for its military strength, cultural patronage, and the development of the world-famous Gadwal handloom sarees.
The origin of Gadwal State dates to c. 1290 CE, when Kakatiya king Rudra Deva granted Bukka Polavi Reddi the title of Sarnadgoud, conferring authority over six parganas: Gadwal (core), Alampur (Ayija-nāḍu frontier), Maldakal, Makthal, Kollapur (Kola / Kaulas area), and Adivirpur (surrounding villages). These territories correspond broadly to modern Jogulamba Gadwal, and Wanaparthy districts in Telangana, establishing the foundation of Gadwal as a feudal estate under Kakatiya suzerainty. Following the fall of the Kakatiya dynasty in 1323 CE, Gadwal shifted allegiance to the Bahmani Kingdom of Gulburga, and subsequently came under the Adil Shahi Kingdom of Bijapur as regional power dynamics changed.
Palegar of Alampur Sima.
During this transitional phase, the local ruler recognized in historical sources is the Mahamandalesvara Hammadi, also known as Hemadideva.
Palegar of Alampur Sima. Records show that Sri Krishnadevaraya came to Alampur after the victory at Raichur and appointed Gaura danda nayakuni Basavappayya as his representative there. On this occasion Gaura danda nayaka Narayanayya gifted away Chennunipadu village for the anga ranga bhoga of Sri Brahmesvara swami and Relampadu village for free supply of meals in the choultry.
Palegar of Alampur Sima.
This inscription registers a gift of land to Nagabattu who constructed a sluice to the Chintala cheruvu (tank) in the village of Chakadoni by Podela Indra rajayya Maharaju who was the son-in-law of mahamandalesvara Pochiraju Chennama rajayya.
After Vijayanagara's fall at Talikota in 26 January 1565 CE, Gadwal's allegiance returned to Bijapur.
Family records indicate rulers Pedda Veera Reddi, Peddanna Bhupaladu, Saroa Reddi, Veera Reddi, and Kumara Veera Reddi governed between 1553 and 1704 CE, laying foundations for the state's later prominence.
The formidable Gadwal Fort, built 1663–1713 AD
As Bijapur's power waned, Pedda Soma Bhupala asserted Gadwal's independence with encouragement from Emperor Aurangzeb. In 1687 CE, he defeated a Bijapur force sent to attack Fort Darrur, capturing their standard—a green ground studded with golden hands that remains a proud possession. Aurangzeb granted him a Sanad of Royalty in 1696 CE, formally bestowing the title of Raja. He constructed the formidable Gadwal Fort (1663–1713 AD), established Gadwal as the capital, and built several temples including the Chenkeshava Temple. He initiated the tradition of Gadwal weavers presenting 'Sesha Vastrams' to Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala.
Recognized for assisting Aurangzeb in subjugating Bijapur and Golconda, he received confirmation as Nadgoud (Chief of the Region) over six Mahals, including territories in present-day Kurnool District and Raichur. His sanad date of June 15, 1704 CE marked formal imperial recognition of Gadwal's regional authority.
Kumara Veera Reddy's widow Lingamma and son-in-law Ramanayya jointly administered the state. On November 25, 1711, Ramanayya received the Sarnadgoudagi of Adoni (Imthiaz Gadh). By August 26, 1715, under Emperor Farrukh Siyar, Gadwal's authority extended to 15 Mahals, including Adoni, Kurnool, and Nandyal territories.
Son of Ramanayya, described as a great warrior in Mughal correspondence. Emperor Mohamed Shah's letters (1719 CE) courted his alliance with promises including "the whole of the Carnatic." He maintained the Sarnadgoudagi of Nandyal and Kurnool as Mughal power waned and Asaf Jahi independence emerged in 1724 CE.
These formidable queens initially ignored Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah I's "urgent requisition" for military support in 1727 CE but acquiesced by 1729 CE. They administered Gadwal as Nizam vassals, paying peshkush from 1733 CE onward, thus transferring Gadwal's allegiance from Mughals to Asaf Jahis.
Received sanad of recognition in June 1740 CE. His brief two-year rule saw continued military cooperation with Nizam-ul-Mulk during the formative Asaf Jahi consolidation period.
Thirumal Rao's widows jointly administered the state during this transitional period, maintaining stability amidst regional power realignments.
Thirumal Rao's brother who ruled for fourteen years. In 1753 CE, during Nizam Salabat Jah's reign, he was invested with the title of Raja, becoming known as Raja Ramrao. He received ₹2,000 from the Nizam in 1747 CE for military assistance, deducted from peshkush.
A poet of repute who greatly encouraged literary activities—Kuchimanchi Jaggakavi composed his masterpiece "Kavijanasraya" under his patronage. In 1761 CE, Nawab Salabat Jah conferred upon him Nadgoudagi, Sarnadgoudagi and Sirsarnadgoudagi over 17 Mahals. He skillfully played Nizam and Maratha powers against each other during the Do-Amili (dual government) period, annexing Rajoli pargana around 1765 CE and obtaining villages in Amarchinta on military tenure.
Succeeded with concurrence of both Nizam and Maratha governments. A Sanskrit scholar who maintained Gadwal's reputation as "Vidwad Gadwal," convening scholars from Varanasi, Mysore, and Andhra. His reign was dominated by the violent "Gadwal War" (1804 CE) over the Amarchinta Jagir, leading to his death while escaping besieged Gadwal Fort. The conflict began Gadwal's financial decline and led to British inclusion in the 1800 Treaty's Article 17 regarding subduing refractory zamindars.
Considered one of Gadwal's best rulers. Following Maratha power's destruction, the Nizam consolidated tribute to ₹1,15,000 annually by 1826 CE. His bitter conflict with Diwan Raja Chandu Lal (1812–1815 CE) further drained state finances. Most significantly, he established the Gadwal handloom industry, sending weavers to Benaras to learn pallu weaving techniques, creating the world-renowned Gadwal sarees with their distinctive Kuttu technique.
Addicted to drink and debauchery, he neglected governance, fell into arrears with troops, and alienated his people by employing Beydars from Shorapur. He was shot in open Durbar on September 26, 1844, as recorded in Colonel Meadows Taylor's "Story of My Life."
Assumed reins after Soma Bhupala II's assassination, providing brief stability before adopting her brother's son as heir.
His 56-year reign saw the Raichur Doab temporarily assigned to Britain (1853), restored to the Nizam (1860), and Gadwal's notable non-participation in the 1857 Mutiny. He maintained complete civil and judicial powers until later curtailments. The state prospered under his rule, though ancient privileges were gradually reduced. He adopted Venkatrama Reddy in 1896, with Nizam Mahbub Ali Khan's sanction.
Ruled initially under Court of Wards supervision with Rani Lakshmi Devamma as guardian (1901–1913). Married Adilakshmi Devamma in 1913 and received the title "Maharaja" from Nizam Osman Ali Khan. Died leaving two daughters but no male heir.
The last de facto ruling authority, she steered Gadwal through succession crisis and political transition. Adopted Sitaram Bhupal Bahadur III in 1922, ruled as regent until 1929, and maintained stability until 1948. Successfully navigated dual suzerainty under Nizam and British supervision, earning full administrative powers by March 1934.
The final ruling monarch who witnessed Gadwal's integration into India. Managed internal affairs under Nizam suzerainty and British paramountcy until independence. Following Operation Polo (September 1948), he acceded to the Indian Union. The Gadwal Samsthanam was abolished and merged into Hyderabad State, ending over 250 years of semi-autonomous rule.
Administrative, Economic & Cultural Legacy
Foreign Relations & Strategic Positioning
Chronology & Key Dates
- 1290 CE: Kakatiya King Rudra Deva confers Sarnadgoud status on Bukka Polavi Reddi over six parganas.
- 1663–1713 CE: Construction of formidable Gadwal Fort by Raja Somanadri.
- 1687 CE: Pedda Soma Bhupala defeats Bijapur force, captures green-and-gold standard.
- 1696 CE: Aurangzeb awards Raja title to Somanna (Pedda Soma Bhupala).
- 1704 CE: Kumara Veera Reddy granted sanad for six mahals in Kurnool area.
- 1727–1729 CE: Ranis Ammakka and Lingamma communicate with First Nizam, initially resisting then acquiescing.
- 1761 CE: Chinna Soma Bhupala receives Nadgoudagi over 17 Mahals from Nizam Salabat Jah.
- 1804 CE: "Gadwal War" over Amarchinta Jagir; Raja Rama Rayalu dies escaping siege.
- 1807–1840 CE: Raja Sitaram Bhupala I establishes Gadwal saree industry, sending weavers to Benaras.
- 1853 CE: Raichur Doab temporarily assigned to British Government.
- 1857 CE: Gadwal notably does not participate in Indian Mutiny.
- 1860 CE: Raichur Doab restored to Nizam's dominion.
- 1901 CE: Raja Sitaram Bhupal Bahadur II receives "Maharaja" title from Nizam Osman Ali Khan.
- 1922 CE: Maharani Adi Lakshmi Devamma adopts Sitaram Bhupal Bahadur III.
- 1948 CE: Following Operation Polo, Gadwal accedes to Indian Union; Samsthanam abolished.
Enduring Legacy
The Gadwal Samsthanam's legacy endures through its architectural marvels like the Gadwal Fort, its cultural contribution as "Vidwad Gadwal," and its textile innovation in the globally recognized Gadwal sarees. The state demonstrated remarkable longevity—surviving Kakatiya, Bahmini, Vijayanagara, Mughal, Asaf Jahi, and British eras through strategic diplomacy and military prowess. Notably, its female rulers played crucial roles in securing and administering the state, from Ranis Ammakka and Lingamma's early resistance to Maharani Adi Lakshmi Devamma's steady regency during transition to modern India.
- Imperial Gazetteer of India, Provincial Series: Hyderabad State (1909)
- Syed Hussain Bilgrami and Wilmott, "Historical and Descriptive Sketch of H.H. the Nizam's Dominions"
- Gribble's History of the Deccan, Volumes I & II
- Kurnool District Manual
- Brigg's Nizam, Volume II
- Aitchison's Treaties, Agreements and Sanads, Volume 9
- Colonel Meadows Taylor, "Story of My Life" (1882 Edition)
- Family Archives and Historical Records of Gadwal Samsthanam
- Contemporary newspaper accounts and scholarly articles on Gadwal history
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