Atmakur Amarchinta Samsthan

The Mukkaravaru Legacy

The Atmakur–Amarchinta Samasthanam (c. 1268 – 1948 CE)

190 Square Miles | Population: ~47,000 (1931) | Revenue: ₹2,50,000 | Tribute: ₹70,000 | Nerivilla Gotram

The Atmakur–Amarchinta Samasthanam, also known as the Amarchinta Estate, was one of the most enduring tributary states in the Deccan, maintaining its distinct identity through seven centuries of shifting empires. Nestled along the left bank of the Krishna River, bordered by Wanaparthy, Makthal, Koilkonda, and Gadwal, this samasthanam was renowned not for grand conquests, but for its mastery of agrarian prosperity. Its legacy is built upon sophisticated irrigation works that tamed the landscape and the production of exquisite fine muslin that clothed its people and defined its commerce, exemplifying the cultural and economic vitality of Telangana's smaller principalities.

The first capital was Thippadam Valley. Later the capital was shifted to Atmakur on the left bank of Krishna River.

I. Kakatiya: The Nadagoud (c. 1268 – 1323 CE)

The dynasty's origin story is one of expertise rewarded. From a humble appointment as a revenue and irrigation officer under Kakatiya feudatories, the family laid the hydraulic foundations for centuries of agrarian wealth and political stability.

Sri Gopal Reddy (c. 1268 – 1278 CE)

The progenitor of the Mukkaravaru family and founder of the samasthanam's fortunes. A native of Chandragiri, he was invited to Vardhamanpura (Waddeman) by the Kakatiya feudatory Gona Ganna Reddy (1262-1296 CE). In A.D. 1292, he was appointed as Nadagoud over 30-40 villages in the Makthal pargana, his primary charge was to extend irrigation facilities and oversee revenue collection. This technical-administrative role positioned the family as essential managers of the land's most vital resource: water.

Chinna Gopi Reddy I (c. 1278 – 1350 CE)

Son of Gopal Reddy, he oversaw the family's crucial transition. He strengthened regional control and was granted villages in Amarchinta, Waddeman, Utkoor, and Kodechur by Gona Kata Reddy, rising from Nadagoud to Sarnadagoud.

II. Tuglaq (1323 - 1325 CE) and Musunuri Nayaks (1325 – 1368 CE)

Following the fall of the Kakatiyas in 1323 CE, Chinna Gopi Reddy I adeptly navigated the new political reality, presenting nazarana to Sultan Muhammad Tughlaq and securing a firman confirming his rights.

III. Bahmani Sultanate (1368 – 1464 CE)

Chinna Gopi Reddy I greatest service came under the Bahmani Sultanate, where he captured the rebellious zamindar Raja Ram of Raichur. In reward, Sultan Hasan Gangu granted him full revenue and military authority as Deshmukh and Deshpandya over five core mahals (Makthal, Utkoor, Amarchinta, Waddeman, Kadechur). He also constructed strategic anicuts at Ookacheti and Manna Vayas, cementing the samasthanam's hydraulic infrastructure.

Successors like Chandra Reddy and Ramakrishna Reddy, Tirumal Reddy, Tirumal Rao maintained the family's position through the late Bahmani period. After the Battle of Talikota (1565 CE), the region came under Qutb Shahi Golconda. The family continued as valuable local agents, their loyalty and military utility ensuring their survival and growth.

IV. Vijayanagara Empire (1464 – 1565 CE)

A continuous series of inscriptions from 1464 CE to 1563 CE reveals sustained Vijayanagara administration, temple patronage, and land grants, indicating a deeper and more stable integration into the empire compared to the purely military zones around the forts.

Successors like Chandra Reddy and Ramakrishna Reddy, Tirumal Reddy, Tirumal Rao maintained the family's position through the late Bahmani period. After the Battle of Talikota (1565 CE), the region came under Qutb Shahi Golconda. The family continued as valuable local agents, their loyalty and military utility ensuring their survival and growth.

V. Qutb Shahi Sultanate (1565 – 1687 CE)

A long period of service and consolidation under the Bahmani and Qutb Shahi Sultanates. The family solidified its local power base, transitioning from imperial mansabdars to builders of a fortified, independent capital.

Successors like Chandra Reddy and Ramakrishna Reddy, Tirumal Reddy, Tirumal Rao maintained the family's position through the late Bahmani period. After the Battle of Talikota (1565 CE), the region came under Qutb Shahi Golconda. The family continued as valuable local agents, their loyalty and military utility ensuring their survival and growth.

Emmedi Gopi Reddy II (c. 1653 – 1675 CE)

In A.D. 1653, he assisted Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah in suppressing rebels, for which he was rewarded with the jagirs of Allipuram and Muchintala and appointed a Mansabdar of 500 foot and 200 horse. He invested in the land, building tankbunds at Muchintala and Pillalamarri and digging a tank at Fareedpur. During the time of Thirmal Rao, the family estates were divided. Gopi Reddy II's brother-in-law, Saheb Reddy, took Kodechur, Makthal, and Utkoor, while Gopi Reddy II retained Vardhamanapuram and Amarchinta, formally creating the core Amarchinta Samasthanam. Saheb Reddy's line soon lost their territories, leaving Gopi Reddy II as the preeminent local power.

Sarva Reddy (c. 1675 – 1680 CE) & Chinna Reddy Desai (c. 1680 – 1687 CE)

Sarva Reddy, son of Emmedi Gopi Reddy II, came to power around A.D. 1675. He greatly expanded irrigation by digging a channel from the Bandravalli stream and building a large dam (ayacut) at Pusalpad village to increase water resources. He aided the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's army and, as a reward, received royal emblems: a flag, a ceremonial drum (naqqara), the right to 500 mounted retainers, and a parasol (Sun). These symbols signified his elevated status as a semi-independent ruler. His son, Chinna (Chenna) Reddy, executed the most definitive political act of this era: he built the fort at Amarchinta in A.D. 1680, making it the samasthanam's capital. This move completed the family's transformation from imperial officers to politically strong, nearly independent local rulers with a secure seat of power.

VI. The Asaf Jahi Vassalage (1687 – 1948 CE)

The final chapter under the Nizams of Hyderabad. The samasthanam settled into its role as a loyal tributary, its administration modernizing while its economy remained rooted in muslin and agriculture, until its peaceful merger with the Indian Union.

Sawai Thimma Reddy I (c. 1709 CE) & Emmadi Saheb Reddy I

Marking the transition to Maratha and later Asaf Jahi influence, Sawai Thimma Reddy I obtained a lease (sarbasta) of Amarchinta and Vardhaman from a Peshwa-appointed Killadar. Emmadi Saheb Reddy I later assisted the Asaf Jahi Nizams in Karnataka campaigns, for which he was conferred the prestigious title "Savai Raja." This formalized the samasthanam's subordinate but privileged position within the Hyderabad State.

The 19th Century Lineage & Raja Sri Rama Bhupala (d. 1930 CE)

The article notes that six other kings ruled after Sarva Reddy before the modern period. The 19th century saw a succession of rulers—Bukka Reddy, Soma Bhupala, Sitaram Bhupala, Srimanth Savai Raja—administering the estate. Raja Sri Rama Bhupala was the last male ruler of the direct line. Upon his death in 1930, he was succeeded by his widow.

Savai Rani Bhagya Laxmamma (1930 – 1948 CE)

The final ruler of Amarchinta. As noted in the article, Raja Sriram Bhupal's widow "legally inherited the Kingdom." Her succession was formally recognized by a Firman from the Nizam in October 1932. Remembered as an educated and benevolent administrator, she ruled during the samasthanam's final years under the supervision of the Nizam's Court of Wards. Her reign peacefully concluded with the samasthanam's integration into the Indian Union in 1948, ending nearly 700 years of continuous family rule.

The Pillars of Prosperity: Administration & Economy

Hydraulic Statecraft: The samasthanam's foundational and enduring achievement was water management. From Gopal Reddy's first anicuts to Sarva Reddy's large dam and canal extensions, successive rulers invested in irrigation, which directly enabled agricultural surplus and sustained revenue.

Textile Fame & Revenue: Atmakur and Amarchinta were celebrated centers for fine muslin production, a valuable cottage industry that complemented agrarian wealth. In its late period, the total revenue was approximately ₹2,50,000, from which a fixed tribute of ₹70,000 was paid annually to the Nizam.

A "Little Kingdom": As the academic article discusses, samasthanams like Amarchinta functioned as "states within a state" or "little kings" in the pre-colonial period. They collected tax and tribute, commanded armies, and enjoyed royal titles, operating with significant autonomy under the ritual sovereignty of successive empires.

Chronology of the Amarchinta Samasthanam

• c. 1268–1278 CE: Sri Gopal Reddy, founder, appointed Nadagoud by Kakatiya feudatory Gona Ganna Reddy at Vardhamanpura.
• A.D. 1292: Formal grant of the Makthal pargana to Gopal Reddy as Nadagoud.
• c. 1278–1350 CE: Chinna Gopi Reddy I elevates family to Deshmukh under the Bahmani Sultans after capturing rebel Raja Ram of Raichur.
• 1565 CE: After Talikota, region comes under Qutb Shahi Golconda.
• A.D. 1653: Emmedi Gopi Reddy II aids Golconda Sultan; made Mansabdar and granted jagirs.
• c. 1664 CE: Division of family estates; Gopi Reddy II retains Vardhamanapuram and Amarchinta, forming the core samasthanam.
• c. 1676 CE: Sarva Reddy begins rule; builds major irrigation works; aids Aurangzeb and receives royal insignia (flag, naqqara, etc.).
• A.D. 1680: Chinna Reddy Desai constructs the fort at Amarchinta, establishing a definitive capital.
• 1709 CE: Sawai Thimma Reddy I obtains a lease from a Maratha Killadar.
• 18th–19th Century: Rulers serve as loyal tributaries under the Asaf Jahi Nizams; title of "Savai Raja" conferred.
• 1930 CE: Death of Raja Sri Rama Bhupala; succeeded by his widow, Rani Bhagya Laxmamma.
• 1932 CE (Oct): Nizam's Firman officially recognizes Rani Bhagya Laxmamma's succession.
• 1948 CE: Samasthanam merges into the Indian Union, ending its political existence.

Sources & Notes

• Primary Archival Material: Court of Wards records, Nizami firmans, Sanads (grants) from Kakatiya, Bahmani, and Qutb Shahi periods.
• Academic Source: Barigala, Narasaiah and Bantu, Nagalakshmi. "History of the (Atmakur) Amarchinta – A Study." International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Topics, vol. 4, no. 6, June 2023.
• Published Reference: Pictorial Hyderabad (Vol. II).
• Demographic Data: 1931 Census of India, Hyderabad State.
• Note on Chronology: Early dates (pre-1600) are based on family traditions and later samasthan lists; post-1650 chronology is supported by more consistent documentary and academic evidence.