Narayanpet district is a district in the Indian state of Telangana. Narayanpet is the district headquarters. The district shares boundaries with Mahbubnagar, Vikarabad, Wanaparthy and Jogulamba Gadwal districts and with the Karnataka state. Created from erstwhile Mahabubnagar district.
Originally part of the Palamoor region, Narayanpet’s identity was shaped by its role as a frontier "Land of the Cholas" (Kanduru Chodas). On 4 December 1890, the name was formally changed from Narayanapeta to Narayanpet by Nizam Mahbub Ali Khan Asaf Jah VI. The district is also historically linked to the world-famous Golconda Diamonds, including the Kohinoor.
Kallakelegu-500 was a provincial administrative division (vishaya or nadu) under Western Chalukyas of Kalyani that encompassed the area around modern Ujjelli under Maganoor Mandal of Narayanpet district in Telangana.
Narayanpet was part of the southern reaches of the Asmaka influence. Under the Mauryas, the region became a vital transit point for the Dakshinapatha (Southern Trade Route). The presence of Ashokan edicts in nearby areas confirms imperial control over the Krishna river crossings.
The Megalithic burial sites at Mudumal (Menhirs) represent one of the largest astronomical observatories in South Asia, proving that the Narayanpet region was a significant prehistoric cultural center.
Mudumal Menhirs: Hundreds of standing stones (Menhirs) arranged in alignments to track solar cycles, predating formal dynastic administration.
Under the Satavahanas, the Narayanpet area was integrated into the Govardhana and Satavahani-hara administrative circles. The region prospered due to its proximity to the Krishna river, facilitating trade with the Roman Empire through inland routes.
Managed by Maharathis who oversaw the collection of commercial taxes from weaver guilds and agricultural produce.
Discovery of Lead Coins featuring the "Ujjain Symbol" and terracotta beads in the Krishna valley corridor suggests a vibrant money-based economy.
Following the defeat of the Vakatakas and Vishnukundins, the Badami Chalukyas extended their sovereignty over the Deccan. Narayanpet became a strategic site for religious patronage and military administration.
Pulakeshin II: Mentions the grant of 25 navaratnas of land measured by Rajamana (royal measure) to Mabuganasvami of the Indupur Ghatika. The village was situated on the southern bank of the Chinteru.
Vijayaditya (Saka 626): Records the setting up of an enclosure dedicated to Isanacharaya Swami. It also highlights Lokaditya (Vijayaditya's brother) as Ela-arasar (Yuvaraja), who built a temple in memory of the queen.
Being close to the capital Manyakheta (Malkhed), Narayanpet was a core part of the Rashtrakuta Empire. The region was organized into the Eravas-70 (a unit of 70 villages) and was vital for the logistical support of the imperial cavalry.
The Rashtrakuta Gavundas (Village Headmen) held significant power, managing local irrigation and collecting grain for the imperial granaries.
Inscriptions found in the border regions mention land grants (Brahmadeyas) made by the kings Krishna III and Amoghavarsha to local scholars and temples.
- Bhimarasar: Records indicate he was governing the Kollipaka-7000 province during this period.
- Anemarasa & Bijjarasa: Identified as the Administrator and Military lead (respectively) ruling over the Koduru-300 division.
- Mahamandalesvara Samkarasa: Epigraphical evidence confirms his rule over the Vaddavani-500 territory.
- Bhima Choda II: Bhimachoda II shrewdly backed Vikramaditya VI in his successful coup against his brother, King Somesvara II. As a reward for his crucial support, Vikramaditya VI granted Kodur.
- Tonda II and Mallikarjuna Choda:Ruled from Kodur.
- Bhima Choda III: Several inscriptions in Nalgonda–Suryapet–Kodur belt mention land grants to Brahmins and temples during his reign.These records confirm that Kandur Bhima Choda III controlled Eruvanadu and Vaddeman-500 (Vaddavani-500) divisions.
- Udaya Choda II: Ruled the entire Kanduri Choda realm, which encompassed the territories of Panugallu, Kodur and Vardhamanapuram
- Bhimachoda IV:Ruled from Kodur.
- Gona Ganapayya: Recipient of the Gandapendara title; governed Kandurnadu from Vardhamanapuram.
- Gona Budha Reddy II: Completed Ranganatha Ramyanam.
- Gona Ganna Reddy: Loyal vassal of Queen Rudrama Devi.
Sthanu Chamupati (Yadava General): Under King Ramachandra, renewed the grant of Gennenayakapalli. The Sanskrit text in Nagari script highlights a brief frontier shift.
- Madaya-reddi: Lord of Panungapura and Rayagaja-sahini (Elephant Corps Commander).
- Record: After remitting Addavatta Sumka in Medak, he governed Magatala. His brother Annayalemka endowed Baddiraju-ceruvu (tank) for the anga-ranga-bhoga of God Svayambhu Mallinatha.
Gundaya Nayanimagaru: Ruler of Magatala. He and Pradhani Kondanayaka granted the Singanadamu Pannu (tax) for temple Varumbani with the consent of the Srivaishnavas and all Samayas.
Narayanpet became a contested territory between the Bahmanis (and later Adil Shahis) and the Vijayanagara Empire. This era saw the introduction of Indo-Islamic architecture and the influx of diverse artisan communities.
The region was governed by Jagirdars. It was during this time (specifically around 1630 AD) that Marathi influences arrived with the camp of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s father, Shahaji Raje, and later through the Bijapur administration.
The Narayanpet Saree tradition began when weavers accompanying the Maratha armies settled here, blending Marathi designs with local Telugu techniques under the protection of the local Deshmukhs.
Under the Nizams of Hyderabad, Narayanpet was a part of the Mahbubnagar (Palamuru) district. It became a major commercial town, renowned for its gold and silver trade, alongside its world-famous textile industry.
Administered through Tahshildars and local Zamindars. The Lokapally and Amarachinta Samsthanams held nearby territories, influencing the cultural and economic life of Narayanpet.
The Mint & Market: Narayanpet served as a major collection center for revenue. The construction of the railway line in the late 19th century further integrated it into the global cotton and textile market.
Comments
Post a Comment