The Jatprole (Kollapur) Samasthanam
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. Rulers
Malla Naidu (also known as Kumara Madanaidu) – 1527 CE
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.
Surabhi Madhava Raya – c. 1650 CE
A noted scholar and ruler, he was the author of “Chandrika Parinayam,” a significant literary contribution, showing the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of the Samasthan.Narasinga Rao – c. 1694 CE
Succeeded Madhava Raya, maintaining stability in the estate and continuing the family’s traditions.Bari Gadupala Rao – c. 1771 CE
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 under the Nizam’s dominions.
Surabhi Lakshama Rao – c. 1850 CE
Continued to strengthen the administration and internal organization of the Samasthan.Raja Venkat Jaganath Rao Bahadur (1850 – 1884 CE)
One of the prominent 19th-century rulers, he contributed to the consolidation and development of the estate.Raja Venkata Lakshama Rao Bahadur (1884 – 1929 CE)
Succeeded Raja Venkat Jaganath Rao Bahadur as his adopted son (originally named Navinatha Krishna Yachendra, younger brother of the Raja of Venkatagiri).He assumed power after attaining maturity and took the name Raja Venkata Lakshama Rao Bahadur.
Hira Raja (Diamond King): He was known as "Hira Raja" 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, each in separate English-style buildings.
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 housing 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, supplies, and meals for poor students.
Founded a State Dispensary at Kollapur, entirely funded by the Samasthan.
Invested heavily in roads, choultries, tanks, and wells for irrigation and public benefit.
Constructed a mosque for Muslim subjects and ensured religious harmony.
Built sports and recreation 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, during the Silver Jubilee of the Nizam’s rule.
Raja Venkata Lakshama Rao was known for his magnificent physique, sporting spirit, and remarkable marksmanship, having hunted 139 tigers in his lifetime. He was deeply religious, visiting holy sites like Kashi, Rameshwaram, and Tirupati, and was widely respected for his simple, charitable, and devout nature.
He passed away in 1929 CE, leaving behind two daughters and his widow, Rani Venkata Rathnamma.
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, each in separate English-style buildings.
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 housing 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, supplies, and meals for poor students.
Founded a State Dispensary at Kollapur, entirely funded by the Samasthan.
Invested heavily in roads, choultries, tanks, and wells for irrigation and public benefit.
Constructed a mosque for Muslim subjects and ensured religious harmony.
Built sports and recreation 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, during the Silver Jubilee of the Nizam’s rule.
Raja Venkata Lakshama Rao was known for his magnificent physique, sporting spirit, and remarkable marksmanship, having hunted 139 tigers in his lifetime. He was deeply religious, visiting holy sites like Kashi, Rameshwaram, and Tirupati, and was widely respected for his simple, charitable, and devout nature.
He passed away in 1929 CE, leaving behind two daughters and his widow, Rani Venkata Rathnamma.
Rani Venkata Rathnamma Regent Rule (1929 CE)
After the Raja’s death, Rani Saheba Venkata Rathnamma assumed the administration of the Samasthan.Before his death, the Raja had adopted in 1923 Kumar Raja Venkata Jaganath Rao, grandson of the Maharaja of Bobbili, who married in 1930 CE.
The Rani was an enlightened and progressive ruler. She:
Initiated a water supply scheme for the capital.
Built a Poor House costing Rs. 25,000 and a Middle School at Kollapur.
Promoted education and social welfare, earning affection and respect from her subjects.
It was hoped that the young prince would later emulate his father’s legacy through wise governance and public service.
Raja Surabhi Venkata Jaganadha Rao (1929 CE - 1948 CE)
He was the last ruler of the Jatprole (Kollapur) Samasthan before the integration of Hyderabad State into the Indian Union in 1948 CE, marking the end of the Samasthan’s autonomy.3. Administration
The Jatprole Samasthan had an organized administrative 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 to the Nizam’s Government.The chief source of income was the Palmyra tree, which exceeded even the agricultural revenues. Under later rulers, the Samasthan introduced modern courts, schools, health facilities, and civic planning, reflecting early administrative modernization in rural Telangana.
4. Economy and Trade
The Samasthan was rich in minerals and natural resources but largely underdeveloped. Iron ores (haematite) and excellent limestone deposits were found across Kollapur and Jatprole. The region contained:Iron ore stones scattered abundantly near Kollapur and along the Krishna river.
Quarries of high-quality grey and black limestone, capable of polishing nearly like marble.
Blue, red, and white slate limestone on the Krishna’s left bank, highly suitable for construction.
Marble deposits, though not yet fully explored.
If developed, these resources could have led to a thriving industrial base, as envisioned by later rulers.
5. Society
The people of Jatprole lived under stable and benevolent rule. The rulers emphasized education, health, and civic welfare, encouraging interfaith harmony and public participation. The Anglo-Vernacular School, State Dispensary, and urban planning schemes reflected the Samasthan’s commitment to modernization without losing its traditional ethos.6. Art and Culture
Kollapur is celebrated for its ancient temples and artistic heritage. The region boasts hundreds of temples, many over 1500 years old, including the Someshwara, Malleshwara, and Sangameshwara Temples.The Madhava Swamy Temple—originally built by the Rajas of Jatprole in the 16th century A.D. at Manchalakattaon the left bank of the River Krishna—is a prime example of the Samasthan’s architectural grandeur.
Its walls depict the 24 aspects of Vishnu and the Dasavatara, supported by exquisitely carved pillars and a majestic Garudalaya.
When the site was submerged by the Srisailam Project Reservoir, the temple was dismantled and relocated to Kollapur, preserving its beauty and heritage.
7. Foreign Relations
Jatprole maintained close ties with the Vijayanagara Empire during its early phase, receiving its founding grant from Anegondi Ramarayalu. Later, it became a recognized vassal under the Nizams of Hyderabad, enjoying semi-autonomous status and receiving titles, honors, and mansabs directly from the Nizam’s court. Relations remained loyal and cooperative throughout the Asaf Jahi period.8. Achievements and Legacy
The Jatprole (Kollapur) Samasthan left behind a legacy of good governance, architectural splendor, and progressive leadership.Its temples and monuments reflect a continuous line of cultural patronage from the 16th to the 20th century.
The Samasthan played a vital role in promoting education, infrastructure, and religious harmony.
Kollapur’s planned layout, green avenues, and civic design earned it the nickname “Telangana Mysore.”
Today, Somasila Temple (9 km from Kollapur) remains a major tourist and pilgrimage destination, with modern lift irrigation projects worth Rs. 1500 crores reviving the ancient prosperity of the region.
9. Chronology of Rulers
1527 CE Malla Naidu (Kumara Madanaidu) Founded Samasthan; received land from Vijayanagara; built Madana Gopala Swamy Temple1650 CE Surabhi Madhava Raya Authored Chandrika Parinayam
1694 CE Narasinga Rao Continued dynastic rule
1771 CE Bari Gadupala Rao Received sanad from Nizam Ali Khan; title Raja Bahadur, mansab Rs. 6,000
1850 CE Surabhi Lakshama Rao Consolidation of rule
1850–1884 CE Raja Venkat Jaganath Rao Bahadur Strengthened administration
1884–1929 CE Raja Venkata Lakshama Rao Bahadur Urban reforms, education, public works, awarded title Nazim Nawazwant Bahadur
1929 CE Rani Venkata Rathnamma Social reforms, education, water supply, poor relief
1948 CE Raja Surabhi Venkata Jaganadha Rao Last ruler; estate integrated with Indian Union
10. Successor States and Vassalage
After 1948 CE, the Jatprole (Kollapur) Samasthan merged with the Indian Union following Hyderabad’s accession. The estate’s legacy continued through its descendants and through the continued prominence of Kollapur as a cultural and administrative hub within Telangana.
https://archive.org/details/bhopal14/212129_Pictorial_Hyderabad
http://www.accessindiatourism.com/telangana/historical/visit-the-temple-town-of-kollapur-samasthan-in-mahabubnagar-district-telangana/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kollapur
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