Wanaparthy Samsthanam

Wanaparthy Samsthanam (1512 CE - 1948 CE) , formerly known as the Samsthan of Sugur, was one of the most important and influential feudatory estates under His Exalted Highness the Nizam’s Dominions. Located in present-day Mahbubnagar (now Wanaparthy) District of Telangana, it spanned an area of 440 square miles and included 150 villages and 29 hamlets, with a population exceeding 81,000.

With a recorded history stretching back to the 16th century, it originated from the Vijayanagara Empire and later became a key vassal under the Qutb Shahis of Golconda and the Asaf Jahi Nizams. Located in the Mahboobnagar district, it covered 440 square miles and comprised 150 villages and 29 hamlets. The samasthan was known for its effective administration, military prowess, and cultural patronage, leaving a significant legacy in the Telangana region.

Boundaries:
East: Jatprole Samsthanam
West: Amarchinta Samsthanam
North: Khalsa Talukas of Mahbubnagar and Nagar-Kurnool
South: River Krishna (across which lay the Gadwal Samsthanam)

Key Historical Significance

Strategic Vassal: It served as a crucial military buffer and loyal ally for successive Deccan powers (Vijayanagara, Golconda, and Hyderabad) in a volatile region.
Administrative Model: It developed a sophisticated, self-contained administration with its own revenue, judicial, police, and public works departments, often mirroring British and Nizamati systems.
Cultural Patronage: The rulers were notable patrons of literature, language, and temple architecture, with the rare distinction of honoring eminent poets like the Tirupati Venkata Kavulu.
Military Innovation: Raja Rameshwar Rao I raised a modern, trained force, incorporating Siddi regiments from Africa, which later formed the nucleus of the Nizam's reformed army.
Technological Advancement: In the 20th century, under Raja Rameshwar Rao III, the samasthan pioneered irrigation technology by sending an engineer to California to study automatic siphons, leading to the construction of the innovative Saralasagar project.

1. Origins and Rise

The Wanaparthy Samasthan traces its origins to the decline of the Kakatiya kingdom and the rise of the Vijayanagara Empire. The first historically recorded ruler, Veera Krishna Reddy, migrated from the Cuddapah region around 1510 CE. He established himself at Patapally and systematically subdued the local Bedar chiefs, consolidating a compact territory known as the Samasthan of Sugur. His success attracted the attention of Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagar, who granted him additional villages. The samasthan maintained its status through the transition from Vijayanagara to Golconda rule, with rulers like Immidi Venkat Reddy proving their military value to the Sultans.

2. Rulers

Raja Veera Krishna Reddy (1512 AD - 1540 CE)

The Wanaparthy Samasthan was founded by Veera Krishna Reddy around 1510 CE. Hailing from the Cuddapah region in the south, he initially settled in Patapally, a village near Sugur (the Samasthan's original name) and north of the Krishna River.

Veera Krishna Reddy expanded his territory by defeating the local warlike Bedars, consolidating the region into a single unit known as the Samasthan of Sugur, which stretched as far as Kothakota. His success caught the attention of the famed Vijayanagar ruler, Krishna Deva Raya, who honored him with a grant of several villages.

As the founder, Veera Krishna Reddy, also known as Veera Venkata Krishna Reddy, was a notable patron of culture. He ably supported literature by establishing printing infrastructure for the works of local poets and writers. This commitment to the arts continued throughout the dynasty, with Wanaparthy rulers later having the distinction of honoring the eminent poet, Tirupati Venkata Kavulu.

Raja Venkat Kumara Basawa Reddy (1540 CE - 1566 CE)

Veera Krishna Reddy died about the year 1540 when his eldest son, Venkat Kumara Basawa Reddy, succeeded him under the name of Venkata Kumara Gopal Rao.

Raja Rama Krishna Reddy(1566 CE - 1592 CE)

Raja Rama Krishna Reddy succeeded his brother, Raja Venkat Kumara Basawa Reddy, who had died without issue. Rama Krishna Reddy was an effective ruler who extended the Samasthan's possessions and exerted significant influence in the surrounding regions.

Raja Pedda Venkat Reddy (1592 CE - 1625 CE)

Raja Pedda Venkat Reddy died in 1592 and was succeeded by his elder son, Pedda Venkat Reddy, who in turn died in 1625.

Raja Immidi Venkat Reddy (1625–1648 CE)

Raja Immidi Venkat Reddy  succeeded his father, Pedda Venkat Reddy, and significantly extended his estates and power. His growing influence attracted the attention of Sultan Abdulla Kutub Shah, the King of Golconda, who brought him under his patronage and utilized him in military campaigns in the south. During one such expedition, Immidi Venkat Reddy successfully captured the fort of Udaigiri and its garrison, adding it to the Sultan's dominions. He passed away in 1648 and was succeeded by his only son, Gopal Rao.

Raja Gopal Rao (1648–1676 CE)

Raja Gopal Rao was a highly accomplished ruler. Due to his proficiency in eight languages, he was known by the appellation "Ashta Bhasha".

A learned, energetic, and well-traveled individual, he also excelled as a great military commander, maintaining a substantial army of 2,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry. The Sultan of Golconda recognized this strength by bestowing upon him the title "Bahiri".

Beyond his administrative and military roles, Gopal Rao was deeply religious. Following his travels in the south, he built a beautiful temple and an adjacent town in the Samasthan, naming the settlement Srirangapur. The temple is dedicated to Sri Ranga Nayak, who remains the Rajas' family deity.

Ashta Bhasha Bahiri Gopal Rao died in 1676 and was succeeded by his natural son, Kumara Bahiri Gopal Rao.

Rani Janamma's Regency (1676–1678 CE)

When Kumara Bahiri Gopal Rao was a minor, the Samasthan was effectively governed by his mother, Rani Janamma. She demonstrated strong leadership by ably administering the estate and maintaining control of its troops. Critically, she rendered great services to the Sultan of Golconda in his campaigns against the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. Utilizing her garrisons in the forts of Ghanpur and Pangal, Rani Janamma successfully defended the territory south of Hyderabad, down to the Krishna River, against various rebellious chiefs allied with the Emperor.

Raja Bahiri Gopal Rao (1676–1691 CE)

The young Raja's reign spanned a monumental shift in regional power.
Recognition from Golconda: In 1678, he received a formal Sanad (decree of recognition) from the last independent ruler of Golconda, Sultan Abul Hasan Tana Shah.
Mughal Annexation: When Aurangazeb conquered Golconda and annexed its dominions in 1686, the Samasthan came under imperial control. The Emperor, however, chose to prudently reconfirm the estate in favor of Kumara Gopal Rao.
Capital Shift: Around this period, the Raja's seat was moved from Sugur to Kothakota.
Kumara Gopal Rao died unmarried in 1691 and was succeeded by his adopted brother, Venkat Reddy.

Raja  Venkat Reddy (1691 - 1719 CE)

Venkat Reddy had been adopted by Raja Ashta Bhasha Bahiri Gopal Rao prior to the birth of his natural son. He remained fiercely loyal to the Sultan of Golconda and, along with his adoptive mother, provided significant military assistance to the Sultan during campaigns against the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb.

However, after Golconda's fall, while his adoptive mother and brother reconciled with the new regime, Venkat Reddy never gained favor with the powerful Mughal Governors of the Deccan. This estrangement led to open conflict.

In 1719, the Mughal governor Mubariz Khan laid siege to the small Janampet fort. Raja Venkat Reddy defended the fort with great valor but was ultimately overwhelmed by superior forces and treachery. In a gallant defense, both Venkat Reddy and his faithful nephew, Tirmal Rao, died fighting.

In recognition of his victory, Mubariz Khan renamed the fort from Janampet to Farrukhnagar (today known as Shadnagar), after the reigning Mughal Emperor, Farrukh Siyar.

Raja Bahiri Gopal Rao (1719–1746 CE)

Raja Bahiri Gopal Rao succeeded his father, Venkat Reddy, and established a crucial alliance by becoming "extremely loyal" to His Highness Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah I, the founder of the Hyderabad State.

Raja Gopal Rao consistently rendered military service to the Nizam. His loyalty was recognized when, during Asaf Jah's 1743 campaign in the Carnatic, he was entrusted, along with Muktada Khan, with defending the capital. He further proved his worth by successfully capturing the rebellious Zamindar of Jatprole, earning the personal thanks of the Nizam. Raja Bahiri Gopal Rao died in 1746.

Raja Sawai Venkat Reddy (1746–1763 CE)

Raja Sawai Venkat Reddy succeeded his father, Gopal Rao. He gained renown for his learning and piety, matching the reputation of his famous great-grandfather, Ashta Bhasha Bahiri Gopal Rao. A significant act of his reign was changing the capital from Kothakota to Srirangapur, which remained the seat of the Rajas for nearly fifty years. He died in 1763.

Raja Bahiri Gopal Rao (1763–1781)

Raja Bahiri Gopal Rao (1763–1781) succeeded Venkat Reddy as an infant but had a short life, dying soon after and leaving behind a child widow also named Janamma (Janamma Junior).

The administration of the Samasthan, therefore, remained under regent rule. It was initially managed by the Raja's mother, Rani Janamma (Senior), who had been in charge during his lifetime. Rani Janamma (Senior) continued her regency until her death in 1781, at which point the administration of the Samasthan was transferred to the child widow, Janamma (Junior).

Rani B. Janamma (Junior) Regency (1781–1807 CE)

Rani B. Janamma (Junior) administered the estate after succeeding the senior Rani Janamma. She adopted Ramkrishna Rao and continued to govern during his minority. The Rani proved to be a loyal military ally to the Nizam; in 1799, upon orders from Nawab Nizam Ali Khan Bahadur, she and Ram Krishna Rao defeated and captured Jagannath Rao, the rebellious Zamindar of Jatprole, who was in arrears on his peshkush (tribute). The defeated Zamindar was handed over to the Nizam and imprisoned in the fort of Bidar. Rani Janamma's powerful presence overshadowed the activities of her adopted son until her death in 1807. Following her demise, the long-standing seat of the Rajas, Srirangapur, was abandoned, and Wanaparthy officially became the new capital.

Raja Ramkrishna Rao I (1807–1822 CE)

After the regency ended, Raja Ramkrishna Rao I began taking an active role in public affairs, which brought quick recognition from the government, resulting in the grant of sanads (decrees) of succession.

He was highly honored, receiving titles, a mansab (military rank) of 2,000 infantry and 1,000 sowars, and the ceremonial standards of the "Alam" and "Naqqara" (kettle-drum). The Raja secured financial concessions from the Nizam's government, obtaining a reduction in the peshkush in both 1817 and 1819. A key privilege of his reign was being allowed to mint his own coins, known as the Sugur Sicca, which were accepted throughout the Samasthan and in Government treasuries until the early 20th century. Raja Ramkrishna Rao I died in 1822.

Raja Rameshwar Rao I (1822–1866 CE)

The rule of Raja Rameshwar Rao I represents a zenith of modernization and military power in the history of the Wanaparthy Samasthan.
Early Life and Education
Rameshwar Rao was adopted by Raja Ramkrishna Rao I a year before the latter's death and was formally conferred the sanad of succession in May 1823. He initially received a sound education in Telugu and Persian under his mother's care. At the age of 14, in 1835, he assumed administration after the death of the regent Rani. Driven by a desire for knowledge, he later studied English and became proficient in an impressive eight languages: English, Persian, Arabic, Telugu, Canarese, Tamil, Marathi, and Hindustani.
Administration and Honors
Rameshwar Rao I was a liberal ruler who mixed freely with all classes and adopted European ways of life. He was a proactive administrator who modernized the Samasthan by modeling its governance on the British system used in the neighboring Madras districts.
He established two law courts (Criminal and Civil) and organized a modern police force after studying the administrations in Karnool.
In 1853, he issued stamps for use in his law courts and oversaw the survey and settlement of the entire Samasthan.
In 1843, Nizam Sikander Jah conferred upon him the title of "Balwant" as a mark of honor.
Military Prowess and Loyalty
Raja Rameshwar Rao I's special passion was military life. He maintained a small, well-equipped force consisting of cavalry, infantry, and field guns.
Regimental Formation: To strengthen his army, he famously imported Siddis from Somalia and Abyssinia and organized them into two specialized regiments: the African Bodyguard and the Wanaparthy Lancers.
Integration with Nizam's Army: The Nizam initially appointed him as inspector of his army. After conflicts arose between the Raja's forces and the Nizam's, the British Residency intervened. A treaty was arranged whereby the Raja presented his reformed regiments to the Nizam, which later became the nucleus of the Nizam's Army. The Nizam, in turn, accepted the Raja's autonomy.
Service to the Nizam: Recognizing the excellence of his trained troops, the Nizam appointed him to high ranks, first as a Brigadier of the Government's field forces, then as Inspector General of Cavalry, and finally as Inspector General of His Highness the Nizam's army, a post he held until his death.
Loyalty to the British: He demonstrated goodwill towards the British Government by offering military aid against the Russians in 1855 and again during the Sepoy Mutiny in 1858. Though his aid was politely declined, the Governor-General expressed thanks for his loyalty. During the Mutiny, he took a leading role in punitive operations, capturing the rebellious Raja of Shorapur for the Nizam's Government, for which he received a Khillat, a rifle, a sword, and a revolver from the Governor-General of India.

Raja Rameshwar Rao I died on October 4, 1866, at the relatively early age of 46.

The Regency of Rani Shankaramma (1866–1880 CE)

After the death of Raja Rameshwar Rao I, his Rani adopted a boy named Raja Ramkrishna Rao, who was formally recognized in December 1867. During his minority, the administration was ably handled by his mother, Rani Shankaramma. Her administration was notably thrifty and progressive: she successfully cleared the Samasthan's heavy debts and generated surpluses used for public works.

Her most significant achievement was founding the seven major irrigation tanks, referred to as the "seven Oceans," which included:

Shankara Samudram (Kanayapally)
Krishna Samudram (Ranipet)
Ganapa Samudram (Ghanapur)
Ranga Samudram (Sri Rangapur)
Mahabhoopala Samudram (Pebbair)
Venugopala Samudram (Sankireddypally)
Jatapala Samudram (Veltoor)

Tragically, the young Raja Ramkrishna Rao died at the age of 14 due to a riding accident. Rani Shankaramma then adopted a second boy, also named Raja Rameshwar Rao (born July 2, 1874), who was formally recognized by the government in June 1880.

Raja Rameshwar Rao II (1880–1922 CE)

The Samasthan remained under the Rani's administration during the new Raja's minority. He received a careful upbringing and was educated at Madras. Upon assuming full charge, Raja Rameshwar Rao II embarked on a comprehensive reorganization of all administrative departments to achieve high efficiency.
Administration and Development
New Seat of Administration: In 1885, the Ram Sagar Bangalow (the present polytechnic palace) was built, and the administration was shifted there from the old castle, Patha Kota.
Divisions: The Samasthan was administratively divided into two taluqas, Sugar and Kesampet, each with a Tahsildar. A third Tahsildar managed the Raja's private estates.
Judicial System: The Samasthan maintained its own judiciary, including a Munsiff's Court and a District Court. The Rajas retained civil and criminal jurisdiction over their subjects.
Police and Military: The police force consisted of 119 regular officers and 1,033 village watchmen. The Samasthan also maintained a small force of irregular troops, including 75 muskets and 25 sowars, in addition to Arabs, Rohillas, and Sikhs.
Public Works: A Public Works Department, led by a qualified engineer, oversaw state buildings, roads, and public works like tanks, wells, and canals. The state constructed numerous public buildings, including temples, mosques, dharmashalas, and traveling bungalows.
Economy and Culture
Occupation: Agriculture was the chief occupation, supported by fertile, irrigated land.
Land Tenure: The ryotwari system was followed, with surveyed and assessed land providing holders with transferable rights. The Samasthan offered taqavi loans to indigent farmers at low interest.
Education and Health: Primary schools were maintained or supported in major towns. The Samasthan ran a dispensary with both a qualified Medical Officer and an Ayurvedic physician.
Library: An up-to-date library contained books in English, Sanscrit (a section of special note), Persian, Urdu, Telugu, and Canarese.
Revenue: The approximate annual revenue of the Samasthan was about Rs. 8,00,000, with a peshkush (tribute) of Rs. 82,862 paid to the Nizam's Government.
Raja Rameshwar Rao II was highly respected for his solicitude toward his subjects. He received the title of "Mahabhupal" from the late Nizam in 1905, and later the title of "Maharaja" from the succeeding Nizam. He died on November 27, 1922, leaving behind two sons, Krishna Dev Rao and Ram Dev Rao.

Raja Rameshwar Rao III (1924–1948 CE)

After the passing of Krishna Deva Rao, his son, Sri J. Raja Rameshwar Rao (born February 23, 1923), became the Prince. As a minor, the Samasthan remained under the management of the Court of Wards until he was granted full administrative powers in 1944.

He was a well-educated man, having studied at Nizam College, Hyderabad, Madras University, and Bombay University, and was recognized as a voracious reader, a poet, and a prudent administrator. During the 1940s Telangana armed struggle, Raja Rameshwar Rao took a firm stand for the deliverance of his province from the Nizam's control. His resistance was so significant that, facing threats from the Nizam, he was reportedly forced to go underground.
Post-Regal Career and National Service
After India abolished all regal titles, Raja Rameshwar Rao transitioned seamlessly into public service:
Foreign Service (1950–1957): He joined the Foreign Service, serving in various roles, including as First Secretary in India's Commission in Nairobi.
Member of Parliament (1957–1977): He was elected as a Member of Parliament, representing the Mahabubnagar Constituency.
International Roles: He served as a Member of the United Nations Conciliation Commission on the Congo(1960/1961) and as Chairman of Orient Longman (1964/1968).
Personal Life: He died at the age of 75 in Hyderabad on September 15, 1998, survived by his wife, Shanta, one son, and three daughters.
Enduring Legacy: The Saralasagar Project
Raja Rameshwar Rao III's most famous developmental contribution is the Saralasagar project, an irrigation dam named after his mother, Rani Sarala Devi.
Technology: Demonstrating his forward-thinking approach, he sent his engineer friend, P.S. Ramakrishna Raju, to California to study automatic siphon technology. This technology was subsequently employed to build the dam, allowing water to be lifted across the dam without pumping to irrigate 4,182 acres. This system was later used in other projects like Kinneresani and Pochampad.
Construction: The foundation stone was laid on September 15, 1949, by the Military Governor of Hyderabad, General J.N. Chowdary. Completed in 1959, the rain-fed project, located in Kothakota, was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru.
Impact: Although considered a minor irrigation project with a capacity of 0.5 tmc, the Saralasagar Dam is highly valued for its historical and scientific importance and its role in irrigation.
Descendants in Film
Raja Rameshwar Rao III's family connections extend into the modern Indian film industry, as his grandchildren include the actress Aditi Rao Hydari (his daughter's daughter) and Kiran Rao (his son's daughter), who is the wife of actor Aamir Khan.

3. Administration

The Samsthan was divided into two taluks: Sugur and Kesampet, each under a Tahsildar.
A ryotwari land tenure system prevailed. Landholders had transferable rights.
Maintained Civil and Criminal Courts, an independent police force, and Public Works Department.
Revenue (early 20th century): approx. ₹8,00,000 per annum; Peshkush tribute to Nizam: ₹82,862.
Notable judicial reforms and police organization under Raja Rameshwar Rao I.

4. Economy and Trade

Agriculture was the main occupation; fertile black soil supported crops through numerous tanks and irrigation systems.
Samsthan issued its own coinage — the Sugur Sicca, recognized by Nizam’s treasury.
Encouraged local artisans and literature; grants and loans to farmers (taqavi loans) were common.

5. Society

The Reddy rulers upheld Hindu traditions, patronized Telugu, Sanskrit, Urdu, and Persian scholarship.
Promoted social welfare, irrigation, and education.
The royal court was multilingual and inclusive, engaging scholars, poets, and administrators of various communities.

6 Art and Culture

Sri Ranganayaka Temple (Srirangapur)—built by Ashta Bhasha Bahiri Gopal Rao, remains a cultural and architectural landmark.
Patronage extended to poets like Tirupati Venkata Kavulu.
The Samsthan maintained libraries with collections in multiple languages.

7. Foreign Relations

Initially a vassal of Vijayanagar, then ally to the Qutb Shahi Sultans of Golconda, and later feudatory to the Asaf Jahi Nizams.
Maintained military alliances and autonomy under the Nizams, particularly under Rameshwar Rao I.
Close diplomatic ties with the British Residency, earning recognition for loyalty during the 1857 Revolt.

8. Achievements and Legacy

Military Legacy: African Bodyguards, Wanaparthy Lancers, and disciplined cavalry incorporated into Nizam’s Army.
Public Infrastructure: Seven reservoirs by Rani Shankaramma, Ram Sagar Palace, courts, schools, and hospitals.
Engineering Feat: Sarala Sagar Project—India’s first automatic siphon dam (1959).
Political Role: Raja Rameshwar Rao III served as MP (Mahbubnagar 1957–1977) and UN diplomat.

9. Chronology and Key Dates

c. 1510 CE: Veera Krishna Reddy establishes the dynasty, conquering the region from the Bedars and founding the Samasthan of Sugur.

1512 CE Founding by Raja Veera Krishna Reddy at Sugur.

c. 1648 CE: Raja Immidi Venkat Reddy captures the fort of Udaigiri for Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah of Golconda, cementing the samasthan's importance.
1648 CE Ashta Bhasha Bahiri Gopal Rao builds Srirangapur Temple.
1676 CE Rani Janamma’s regency; defended Golconda.

c. 1676 CE: Raja "Ashta Bhasha" Gopal Rao, a learned polyglot and commander, builds the Srirangapur temple and town.

1686 CE: The samasthan comes under Mughal suzerainty after Aurangzeb's conquest of Golconda but is reconfirmed in its rights.
1691 CE Battle of Janampet; Venkat Reddy slain.

1719 CE: Raja Venkat Reddy dies valiantly defending Janampet fort against the Mughal governor Mubariz Khan.

1743-46 CE: Raja Bahiri Gopal Rao loyally serves Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah I, helping defend the capital and suppress rebels.

1817 CE: Raja Ramkrishna Rao I moves the capital from Sugur to Wanaparthy and is granted the right to mint his own currency (Sugur Sicca).
1843 CE Title Balwant conferred on Raja Rameshwar Rao I.
1853 CE Stamps and Police-Judicial reforms introduced.

1857-58 CE: Raja Rameshwar Rao I offers military aid to the British during the Sepoy Mutiny and helps capture the rebellious Raja of Shorapur.
1866 CE Raja Rameshwar Rao I dies; Rani Shankaramma assumes power.

1866-80 CE: Rani Shankaramma administers the samasthan with great skill, clearing its debts and constructing seven major irrigation tanks ("Samudrams").
1880 CE Rameshwar Rao II assumes charge; modernization of Samsthan.

1922 CE: Raja Rameshwar Rao II is granted the title of "Maharaja" by the Nizam.
1948 CE Integration with Indian Union.
1949-59 CE: Raja Rameshwar Rao III initiates and completes the technologically advanced Saralasagar irrigation project.

1948 CE: The samasthan is integrated into the Indian Union following the Police Action against Hyderabad.
1998 CE Death of Raja Rameshwar Rao III.

https://archive.org/details/bhopal14/212129_Pictorial_Hyderabad

http://www.zamindar.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=40&Itemid=16




https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wanaparthy_Samsthanam


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