Palvancha Samsthanam (1324 CE - 1948 CE), also known as Palwancha or Paloncha, is located in present-day Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana, India. During the Nizam’s reign, it was part of Warangal district. Covering an area of roughly 800 square miles, Palvancha neighbored the Gadwal Samsthan and included the Hasanabad-Sankaragiri zamindari, which comprised the present-day Bhadrachalam and Rekapalle estates. The capitals of the Samsthan were Polancha, Bhadrachalam, and Ashwaraopet, all ruled by descendants of Annappa (or Appanna) Aswarao, the founder.
The town of Palvancha was situated in a rich, luxuriant valley about four miles wide, surrounded by lofty mountain ranges. The mountain passes were the only access routes, making the region naturally strong but isolated.
The family title “Aswa Rao” was conferred by Kakatiya Pratapa Rudra due to Annappa’s skill in riding a spirited horse of rare breed—“Aswa” meaning horse and “Rao” meaning king. This title became hereditary for subsequent generations. The leaders of Palvancha were descendants of Recherla Nayaks, serving as chiefs of armed forces and cavalry under the Kakatiyas.
Initially, the estate was under the Mutyala family, with Mutyala Aswa Rao as the first line of Rajahs. It was later controlled by the Jalgam, Tandra, Settipalli, Kandimandla, and Damara families.
Held a perpetual sunnud from Delhi Emperor.
Maintained 500 soldiers for the Imperial army.
Ensured armed men were maintained for service.
Town visited by Captain Blunt in 1794; had weapon manufactories.
Permitted to maintain 2,000 cavalry, 3,000 infantry, and carry an Alam and Nagara.
Dispute involved raids into British territories; led to imprisonment of the adoptive heir in 1811.
British forces sent in 1813; estate partially confiscated by Nizam.
Bhadrachalam portion handed over to British government in 1860.
Court poet Sri Kottapalli Venkatarama Lakshmi Narayana Sharma composed Paloncha Samasthan Charitra.
Annual income: Rs. 70,000, with tribute to Nizam Rs. 45,875.
The estate was divided into 10 samutus, each supplying Koya and Madiga labor for one month annually.
Maintained irregular forces of Rohillas for estate security.
Known for matchlocks, jinjalls, spears, sabres, and other weapon manufacturing.
Some regions mortgaged due to financial mismanagement.
Local population often harassed by estate forces during misrule.
Settlements were mostly simple Telinghy huts in towns.
Court poets included Srinathuni Venkata Rama Kavi and Kottapalli Venkatarama Lakshmi Narayana Sharma.
Composed works such as Sri Rama Pattabishekam and Paloncha Samasthan Charitra.
Paid tribute to Hyderabad Nizam; occasionally involved in disputes with British authorities.
Estates like Bhadrachalam transferred to Central Provinces under British in 1860.
Titles of Aswa Rao and Bahadur, Savai, Munsubdar recognized by rulers.
Contributions to literature, music, and administration in Telangana.
1574 Kumalapa Aswa Rao leases Rekapalle estate
1769 Raja Narasimha Aswa Rao rules
1769-1778 Zafrad-daulah seizes estate
1778-1779 Ramachendra Aswa Rao regains estate
1779-1812 Damera Venkata Rama Aswarao
1809-1811 Adoption dispute and British intervention
1811-1850 Rajah Narasimha Aswarao (“Savanna Aswa Rao”)
1851-1859 Seeta Ramachendra Savai Aswarao Bahadur
1859-1874 Kanee Lakshmi Narasamma Rao
1874-1910 Raja Parthasarathi Appa Rao Savai Aswarao Bahadur
1896 British recognize Bhadrachalam estate in his name
After Bhadrachalam and Rekapalle transferred to British-controlled Central Provinces, Palvancha continued as a zamindari under the Nizam’s suzerainty.
At the fort, armaments included a 12-pounder iron cannon at the main gate, a few 1–2 pounders on the bastions, and several jinjalls (matchlocks). By the early 19th century, the fort had declined in condition, presenting a miserable appearance after a British detachment captured it in 1813.
The town of Palvancha was situated in a rich, luxuriant valley about four miles wide, surrounded by lofty mountain ranges. The mountain passes were the only access routes, making the region naturally strong but isolated.
1. Origins and Rise
The Palvancha Samsthan was established by Annappa Aswarao (also called Anapa Aswa Rao) in 1324 A.D., who received Bhadrachalam as a free jagir from the Emperor of Delhi. He was required to maintain 500 soldiers for the Imperial army whenever called upon.The family title “Aswa Rao” was conferred by Kakatiya Pratapa Rudra due to Annappa’s skill in riding a spirited horse of rare breed—“Aswa” meaning horse and “Rao” meaning king. This title became hereditary for subsequent generations. The leaders of Palvancha were descendants of Recherla Nayaks, serving as chiefs of armed forces and cavalry under the Kakatiyas.
Initially, the estate was under the Mutyala family, with Mutyala Aswa Rao as the first line of Rajahs. It was later controlled by the Jalgam, Tandra, Settipalli, Kandimandla, and Damara families.
2. Rulers
1324 A.D. – Anapa Aswa Rao / Annappa Aswarao
Founder of the Samsthan.Held a perpetual sunnud from Delhi Emperor.
Maintained 500 soldiers for the Imperial army.
1574 A.D. – Kumalapa Aswa Rao
14th Zamindar; leased Rekapalle Estate to a Korukonda family.Ensured armed men were maintained for service.
1769 A.D. – Raja Narasimha Aswa Rao
19th Zamindar; resisted Mughal demands.Town visited by Captain Blunt in 1794; had weapon manufactories.
1769-1778 A.D. – Zafrad-daulah (Zabid Jung)
Murdered Raja Narasimha Aswa Rao; seized wealth and estate documents.1778-1779 A.D. – Ramachendra Aswa Rao
Regained the estate for a year post Zafrad-daulah.1779-1812 A.D. – Damera Venkata Rama Aswarao
Granted fresh sunnud by Meer Nizam Ali Khan in 1798.Permitted to maintain 2,000 cavalry, 3,000 infantry, and carry an Alam and Nagara.
1809-1811 A.D. – Adoption dispute
Damara family adopted a boy from Kundemulla family; opposed by Settipalli family.Dispute involved raids into British territories; led to imprisonment of the adoptive heir in 1811.
1811-1850 A.D. – Rajah Narasimha Aswarao (“Savanna Aswarao”)
Notorious for sheltering robbers in British territories.British forces sent in 1813; estate partially confiscated by Nizam.
1851-1859 A.D. – Seeta Ramachendra Savai Aswarao Bahadur
Estate handed to Damara family after Settipalli disputes.Bhadrachalam portion handed over to British government in 1860.
1859-1874 A.D. – Kanee Lakshmi Narasamma Rao
Estate registered in her name after mortgaging and loss of portions to a sowcar.1874-1910 A.D. – Raja Parthasarathi Appa Rao Savai Aswarao Bahadur
Restored maternal estate; British recognized his claim in 1896.Court poet Sri Kottapalli Venkatarama Lakshmi Narayana Sharma composed Paloncha Samasthan Charitra.
Later ruler – Sri Raja Vijaya Apparao II
Patron of Andhra Vangmaya Samithi at Burgampadu and Palvancha.3. Administration
Palvancha consisted of six sub-taluqas.Annual income: Rs. 70,000, with tribute to Nizam Rs. 45,875.
The estate was divided into 10 samutus, each supplying Koya and Madiga labor for one month annually.
Maintained irregular forces of Rohillas for estate security.
4. Economy and Trade
Rich valley, surrounded by mountains; fertile lands supported agriculture.Known for matchlocks, jinjalls, spears, sabres, and other weapon manufacturing.
Some regions mortgaged due to financial mismanagement.
5. Society
Multi-caste population including Koyas, Madigas, and others.Local population often harassed by estate forces during misrule.
Settlements were mostly simple Telinghy huts in towns.
6. Art and Culture
Literary patronage by rulers such as Raja Parthasarathi Appa Rao Savai Aswarao.Court poets included Srinathuni Venkata Rama Kavi and Kottapalli Venkatarama Lakshmi Narayana Sharma.
Composed works such as Sri Rama Pattabishekam and Paloncha Samasthan Charitra.
7. Foreign Relations
Originally under Kakatiyas, later acknowledged Delhi Emperor suzerainty.Paid tribute to Hyderabad Nizam; occasionally involved in disputes with British authorities.
Estates like Bhadrachalam transferred to Central Provinces under British in 1860.
8. Achievements and Legacy
Family recognized for military prowess, administrative capabilities, and cultural patronage.Titles of Aswa Rao and Bahadur, Savai, Munsubdar recognized by rulers.
Contributions to literature, music, and administration in Telangana.
9. Chronology, Dating, and Inscriptions
1324 Anapa Aswa Rao granted Bhadrachalam jagir1574 Kumalapa Aswa Rao leases Rekapalle estate
1769 Raja Narasimha Aswa Rao rules
1769-1778 Zafrad-daulah seizes estate
1778-1779 Ramachendra Aswa Rao regains estate
1779-1812 Damera Venkata Rama Aswarao
1809-1811 Adoption dispute and British intervention
1811-1850 Rajah Narasimha Aswarao (“Savanna Aswa Rao”)
1851-1859 Seeta Ramachendra Savai Aswarao Bahadur
1859-1874 Kanee Lakshmi Narasamma Rao
1874-1910 Raja Parthasarathi Appa Rao Savai Aswarao Bahadur
1896 British recognize Bhadrachalam estate in his name
10. Successor States / Vassals
Portions of the estate handed to Settipalli family, Damaras, and other subordinate families.After Bhadrachalam and Rekapalle transferred to British-controlled Central Provinces, Palvancha continued as a zamindari under the Nizam’s suzerainty.
Palvancha Fort
The fort of Palvancha, 150 yards square, was constructed of stone with octagonal bastions at its corners. Though it served as the Zamindar’s residence and military post, its defensibility was limited because it was completely commanded by a high hill to the east. The ramparts were low, resembling the bank of a tank, and could be ridden up and down on all sides. Two faces featured deep ditches, adding some defensive value.At the fort, armaments included a 12-pounder iron cannon at the main gate, a few 1–2 pounders on the bastions, and several jinjalls (matchlocks). By the early 19th century, the fort had declined in condition, presenting a miserable appearance after a British detachment captured it in 1813.
Location
Situated at Palvancha town, in a rich valley about 4 miles wide, surrounded by lofty mountain ranges.
The passes through the mountains were the only accesses to the fort.
Situated at Palvancha town, in a rich valley about 4 miles wide, surrounded by lofty mountain ranges.
The passes through the mountains were the only accesses to the fort.
Structure
The fort is roughly 150 yards square, built of stone.
Features octagonal bastions at corners.
The ramparts are low and can be ridden up and down on all sides; they resemble the bank of a tank.
Two faces have a deep ditch for added defense.
The fort is strategically weak, as it is completely commanded by a high hill to the east, making it vulnerable to attack.
Purpose and Use
Served as the residence of the Zamindar of Palvancha.
Also functioned as a military post, though of limited strength, mainly for controlling the local area.
The fort was part of a larger system of small gurries (mud forts) in the region, with 5–6 additional gurries held by the Zamindar in nearby areas.
Armaments
In 1813, during a British expedition, the fort contained:
A 12-pounder country iron cannon at the main gate.
Several 1–2 pounder cannons on the bastions.
Some jinjalls (small matchlock firearms).
Condition
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the fort had declined in strength and upkeep.
After capture by a Madras detachment in 1813, it was described as miserable in appearance, indicating long-term neglect.
Significance
Served as a Zamindari headquarters and symbol of authority in the Palvancha estate.
Strategically placed to control the valley, though its defensibility was limited due to the surrounding hills.
The fort is roughly 150 yards square, built of stone.
Features octagonal bastions at corners.
The ramparts are low and can be ridden up and down on all sides; they resemble the bank of a tank.
Two faces have a deep ditch for added defense.
The fort is strategically weak, as it is completely commanded by a high hill to the east, making it vulnerable to attack.
Purpose and Use
Served as the residence of the Zamindar of Palvancha.
Also functioned as a military post, though of limited strength, mainly for controlling the local area.
The fort was part of a larger system of small gurries (mud forts) in the region, with 5–6 additional gurries held by the Zamindar in nearby areas.
Armaments
In 1813, during a British expedition, the fort contained:
A 12-pounder country iron cannon at the main gate.
Several 1–2 pounder cannons on the bastions.
Some jinjalls (small matchlock firearms).
Condition
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the fort had declined in strength and upkeep.
After capture by a Madras detachment in 1813, it was described as miserable in appearance, indicating long-term neglect.
Significance
Served as a Zamindari headquarters and symbol of authority in the Palvancha estate.
Strategically placed to control the valley, though its defensibility was limited due to the surrounding hills.
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